Family Dynamics Part 2: Protection and Risk Factors with Dr. Brian Licuanan
Release Date: 03/03/2025
Compassion, Justice, and the Choices That Shape Generations
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 71 - A wisdom devotional on God’s nature, generational impact, and choosing obedience Episode Summary In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann walks listeners through a powerful wisdom devotional rooted in Exodus 34:6–8, where God declares His own name and nature: compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, faithful — and just. This passage reveals a holy tension we often struggle to hold: God’s unfailing love alongside real consequences for unrepentant sin. Rose Ann reflects on how Scripture repeatedly shows God patiently warning, inviting, and calling His people back —...
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When Life Gets Loud, Listen Closer
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Ep 70 - When life gets loud and when distractions multiply, emotions surge, routines slip, and pressures rise, our first instinct is usually to run faster, try harder, or grasp for control. But Jesus gives us a different invitation: “Pay close attention to what you hear…” —Mark 4:24–25 (NLT) In this episode, Rose Ann shares a deeply personal devotional about learning to listen closely to God in seasons of chaos and in seasons of comfort—when things were falling apart and when they seemed to be going well. She also opens up about the subtle drift that happens when we stop listening,...
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The Moment Before You Lose Control
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann transitions from the 12 Core Concepts into a brand-new exploration of godly wisdom—how Scripture guides our choices, shapes our mindset, and strengthens our self-control. Rose Ann shares the behind-the-scenes process of how her devotional writings begin: through daily Bible reading, reflection, and noticing what God highlights in His Word. Today’s insight comes from Genesis 4:7, a passage where God gently warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door—but also affirms that Cain has the power to subdue it. This episode dives into: Why...
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Mindset Protection: Winning the Daily Battle Within - Core Concept 12
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
In the final episode of this 12-part series, Rose Ann Forte brings it all together with the powerful truth that we’re not just facing a behavior challenge—we’re fighting a spiritual battle. Drawing from Ephesians 6, this episode unpacks the Full Armor of God in practical, relatable ways and ties each piece of armor to the mindset shifts you’ve explored throughout the Core Concepts. You’ll learn: Why mindset is your greatest defense against relapse How spiritual armor protects you in your most vulnerable moments The real reason we keep going back to what hurts us—and how to stop...
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It’s Addictive: The Neuroscience of Habit and the Hope of Renewal - Core Concept 11
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Why do we keep going back to the things we say we don’t want to do? What if the problem isn’t a moral failure—but a hijacked reward system in the brain? In this episode, Rose Ann Forte dives into the neuroscience behind addiction and why willpower alone isn’t enough to break free. With biblical wisdom and brain-based understanding, she reveals the powerful biological process God designed—and how addictive substances or behaviors take advantage of it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happened to me? I used to be goal-oriented... joyful... motivated…”—this episode will help you...
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From Numb to Finding Purpose - Core Concept 10
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
What happened to the person you used to be—the one who set goals, dreamed big, and believed they were made for more? In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann Forte explores Core Concept 10: Finding Purpose—the pivotal moment when we begin to replace destructive habits with meaningful pursuits. This isn't about giving something up—it's about stepping into who God created you to be. Drawing from Scripture and real-life reflection, Rose Ann shares how purpose gets lost when we’re numbing pain, and how we can reclaim it—one step at a time. Understanding Purpose Loss How...
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The Two Commandments That Can Change Everything - Core Concept 9
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
This week Rose Ann explores Core Concept 9 from the Choose Freedom Program: The Greatest Commandments. Discover how two simple but profound commands from Jesus can transform your freedom journey and help you understand the root of addiction and destructive behaviors. Key Topics Covered The Greatest Commandment Rose Ann unpacks Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus identifies the commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Learn how prioritizing these commands creates the foundation for lasting freedom. Building Your Relationship with God Daily time...
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Forgive Them… for Your Sake - Core Concept 8
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
In this eye-opening episode of the Say Goodbye and Imagine podcast, Rose Ann Forte takes us into Core Concept 8 of the Choose Freedom® Program: Forgiveness of Others. If you’ve ever struggled with bitterness, anger, or resentment, this episode will show you how holding onto those emotions is hurting you, not them. Rose Ann explores why forgiving others is so difficult—especially when justice or trauma is involved—and shares biblical truths from Matthew 6:14, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 12:15, and Ephesians 2:8–9 that reveal what God says about forgiveness. She also uncovers the surprising...
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You Are Already Forgiven—Now It’s Time to Live Like It - Core Concept 7
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Have you ever struggled to truly feel forgiven—even when you know God’s Word says you are? In this powerful episode on Core Concept 7: Forgiveness of Self, we dive deep into the internal battle many face after struggling with alcohol or other life-interfering behaviors. We explore why accepting God’s forgiveness is not just a theological truth—but a daily practice that can radically change your thought life and emotional freedom. Rose Ann shares biblical truths from Hebrews 10:17, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 3:13, and 1 Timothy 4:15, guiding you toward demolishing shame and guilt...
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You’ve Prayed It Before… But Did You Know It Could Change Everything? (Choose Freedom Core Concept 6 The Lord’s Prayer)
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Most of us can recite the Lord’s Prayer from memory… but have you ever stopped to realize how powerful it is for renewing your mind and transforming your daily choices? In this episode, we dive deep into Core Concept 6 of the Choose Freedom Program—unpacking the Lord’s Prayer as a tool for surrender, provision, forgiveness, and protection. Each line holds divine wisdom for anyone walking away from harmful habits and walking toward God’s best. You’ll learn: Why daily spiritual alignment reduces mental overwhelm How God’s provision is daily—just like our recovery What it really...
info_outlineEp 50 - This week Rose Ann welcomes back Dr. Brian Licuanan to talk about how to stay the course after we put a substance to the side because we're not done after the first 30 days or even the first 90 days.
We want to be aware of issues that come up, whether we're a family member dealing with a loved one, or if we're the ones that are dealing with the temptation of going back to that substance.
In this episode -
Support Systems:
Importance of having a strong support system including family, friends, and recovery groups.
Challenges and strategies for maintaining sobriety within a dysfunctional family environment.
Family Dynamics:
The role that family dysfunction can play as a risk factor in recovery.
The need for setting boundaries and involving family in the healing process.
H2O Formula:
Dr. Brian discusses the essential components of recovery: Honesty, Humility, and being Open to direction.
How these elements contribute to both individual healing and family dynamics.
Setbacks in Recovery:
Understanding that setbacks are part of the recovery process and should be viewed as learning opportunities.
Differentiating between relapse and lapse.
The Phases of Recovery:
Dr. Brian outlines the four phases of recovery: ICU (first 30-90 days), Early Recovery (3 months to 1 year), Mid Recovery (1-2 years), and Long-term Recovery (2+ years).
Each phase's unique challenges and how individuals and families can navigate through them.
Role of Spirituality:
The importance of spirituality or having a higher purpose in the recovery process.
How developing a spiritual foundation can aid in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Building Trust:
The concept of "truth over time builds trust" and the significance of consistency and honesty in regaining trust.
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Our podcast episodes cover a wide variety of topics under the umbrellas of faith, so if you're just now listening for the first time, step back into our catalog when you get a moment. Say Goodbye and Imagine!
Rose Ann Forte is also the author of The Plans He Has For Me! This book and devotional helps anyone tackle their internal desire to remove alcohol's consistency in their lives and not replace it, but put yourself past the needs that drove you to a damaging habit, even if that wasn't alcohol.
About Dr. Brian Licuanan:
Dr. Brian Licuanan is a renowned psychologist practicing in Southern California, specializing in mental health and substance use disorders. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked with highly acute clients and facilitated support groups for families in crisis. Dr. Laquanen is also a sought-after speaker and media personality, having appeared on The Doctor Show, Dr. Drew, Fox News, KTLA News, and more. He is the author of How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment, a groundbreaking book that offers practical strategies for families navigating dysfunction and substance use.
01:11 Welcome to the Podcast
01:43 Introducing Dr. Brian Licuanan
02:00 Recap of Part One
02:34 Focus on Healing and Risk Factors
02:56 Dr. Brian's Background and Experience
03:41 The Importance of Support Systems
07:43 Understanding Setbacks in Recovery
09:08 Failures as Data Points
11:28 Relapse vs. Lapse
14:24 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery
19:28 Family Dysfunction as a Risk Factor
23:32 Building Trust Over Time
27:36 Introducing the H2O Formula
30:27 Embracing Humility and Openness
31:50 The Role of Higher Power in Recovery
34:44 Phases of Recovery Explained
41:48 Micro Successes and Healing
45:21 Addressing Self-Medication
47:56 Finding Purpose and Joy
49:53 Conclusion and Resources
Connect with Dr. Licuanan
1) Website: drbrianlicuanan.com
2) Instagram: @drlicuanan
TikTok: @drlicuanan
YouTube: @drbrianlicuanan
Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Resisting-Loved-Treatment-Step-Step/dp/B0CY9W9S5W
Find Choose Freedom, The Plans He Has For Me, and Say Goodbye and Imagine across the web. Rose Ann Forte is working on even more support for anyone who finds themselves wanting to separate from unhealthy ways of life, including, but not limited to, sugar, food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other habits you yourself have deemed inconducive to your desired way of life. That's the core of Say Goodbye and Imagine. Imagine what your life will be like once you've said Goodbye to the habits that held you back.
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