2025 S.A. Lifeline Annual Conference

'From Surviving to Thriving: Transforming Pain into Purpose'

November 7-8, 2025 | Virtual Event

Event Details

Date: November 7-8, 2025

Cost: Individual tickets for the two-day event start at $59 with discounted prices for couples/groups.

We are thrilled to make this event available to a wide audience using the online platform, Whova.

You will watch and participate from your home. It is virtual, but very much interactive!

The audience will be able to:

  • Fill out polls and surveys
  • Interact and ask questions on the community board
  • Download worksheets
  • Ask questions of presenters including during live Q&A’s
  • Gain access to recordings post-conference

*CE credits are available for licensed therapists attending this event. If you would like to apply for continuing education credit, please complete the CE Application Form after viewing the conference.
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Find hope, find healing. Come heal with us.

Meet the Speakers

Michelle Mays

Presentation: “From Reaction to Revelation: Finding and Using Your Empowered Voice After Betrayal

Michelle Mays, LPC-S, CSAT-S, is an author, innovator and counselor. She created the Attachment-Focused Partner Betrayal Model™ providing healing for those impacted by sexual betrayal.

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She designed the premier online coaching program for betrayed partners called Braving Hope® and is the founder of the Relational Recovery Institute. Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in both Virginia and Washington DC, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Supervisor. www.michellemays.com

Duane Osterlind

Presentation: “From Shame to Resilience: A Journey to Relational Healing”

Meet Duane Osterlind, LMFT, CSAT-S, a leading expert in sex addiction and betrayal trauma treatment with extensive experience in the field.

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He is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate the challenging emotional terrain that often accompanies compulsive sexuality and betrayal trauma.

Duane’s work focuses on empowering individuals to shed shame, rebuild their lives, and thrive in their relationships. His compassionate approach fosters understanding and healing, enabling clients to move forward with a renewed sense of self and purpose.

Duane is the host of the popular podcasts “The Addicted Mind” and “Shame to Resilience,” where he explores topics related to addiction and recovery. Featuring expert guests and real-life stories, the podcast offers valuable insights and support for listeners on their own recovery journeys.

As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor (CSAT-S), Duane also mentors and guides other therapists in this specialized area. His extensive training includes the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) and a deep understanding of deceptive sexuality and the restorative justice model of recovery.

This unique combination of expertise allows him to address the complexities of addiction and trauma, helping clients heal, rebuild trust, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Jeanne Vattuone

Presentation: “Coming to the Fence: The Power of Partner-Sensitive Recovery”

Jeanne Vattuone, LCSW, CSPS-S, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, EMDR, BSP, a Licensed Clinical Social Work, is also Certified as a Partner Specialist Supervisor, a Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor, and a Partner Trauma Therapist Supervisor.

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She is the co-founder of Willow Tree Counseling, an intensive outpatient clinical group that specializes in the treatment of sex addiction and partner betrayal trauma.

Besides her clinical work with clients, Jeanne offers consultation and training for those who are seeking these expert specializations. Jeanne is certified in Brainspotting and EMDR and uses these modalities when treating trauma. Jeanne often speaks about these important topics on a local and national level and co-hosts the podcast Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships. Jeanne served as the President of the Board of the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists for four years, and has been actively involved with APSATS since 2014.

Geoff Steurer

Presentation: “The Healing Couples Framework: Rebuilding Trust Through Everyday Recovery”

Geoff Steurer, LMFT, CCPS, ART-MC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, podcaster, and speaker with over 25 years of experience treating couples healing from the impact of sexual betrayal.

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He is the creator of “Courageous Together”, a revolutionary online couples betrayal trauma recovery program. He is the co-author of “Love You, Hate the Porn: Healing a Relationship Damaged by Virtual Infidelity”, Co-host of the podcast, “From Crisis to Connection”, with his wife, Jody, and has produced workbooks, audio programs, and courses healing couples and individuals from the impact of sexual betrayal, unwanted pornography use, partner betrayal trauma, and broken trust.

He earned degrees from Brigham Young University and Auburn University and has extensive training and experience treating sexually compulsive behaviors and betrayal trauma. He is a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist with APSATS and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). He is also master certified in Accelerated Resolution Trauma Therapy (ART). He and his wife of 28 years, Jody, live in St. George, UT and they are the parents of four children. You can learn more at: https://www.geoffsteurer.com/

Culle Vande Garde

Presentation: “Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma: A Path Toward Healing for Intimacy-Disordered Family Systems

Culle L. Vande Garde, LCSW-S, CPTT-S, CSAT-S, PIT, is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Dallas Center for Relational Healing in Dallas, Texas.

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With over 30 years of experience, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, and an expert in treating adult children of sex addicts, developmental betrayal trauma, partner betrayal trauma, and intergenerational family dysfunction.

As a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist Supervisor, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor, and Post Induction Therapist trained by Pia Mellody,
Culle is known for her compassionate, holistic approach to healing. A sought-after presenter and co-author of A Light in the Dark: The Hidden Legacy of Adult Children of Sex Addicts (2023), she is dedicated to breaking cycles of trauma and restoring connection and dignity in the lives of individuals, couples, and families. Learn more at dallascenterforrelationalhealing.com.

Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith

Presentation: “Restoring Healthy Sexual Intimacy After Betrayal”

Matthew Raabsmith, PCC, CPC & Joanna Raabsmith, LMFT, CCPS, CPTT, EMDR are clinicians, speakers, and authors of the book Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection that Stands the Test of Time.

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They have over 20 years of combined experience in counseling, coaching, and guiding couples toward healing and transformation. Their mission is to help couples navigate the complexities of relational challenges, particularly in the aftermath of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, fostering deep restoration and growth.

Matthew is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF, a Certified Partner Coach (CPC) through APSATS, and a Restoration Coach with a background in pastoral leadership while Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), EMDR practitioner, a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) through APSATS, & a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) through IITAP. Both hold Master of Divinity degrees and have served together on multiple church leadership teams. Currently, they co-lead their private practice, The Raabsmith Team, where they specialize in helping couples rebuild connection, trust, and intimacy.

Matthew and Joanna live in Memphis, Tennessee, with their three young children. They prioritize self-care through shared adventures, new experiences, and a weekly game of pickleball.

Sherie Christensen

Presentation: “Moving Beyond Survival: The Path to Post Traumatic Growth”

Sherie Adams Christensen, LMFT, has 20+ years of experience in therapy and therapeutic education.  She speaks at conferences nationally and internationally. She has consulted for and/or interviewed on podcasts, religious websites, books, and radio.

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She and colleague David Thompson, LMFT, have a podcast entitled Two Therapists Talking. She has published several articles in peer reviewed journals, and a book helping parents teach their children about healthy sexuality from young ages.

She thrives as a divorced mom to 4 teenagers, teaching them important life skills like piano, family dance parties, and marshmallow wars. She does triathlons, teaches Zumba, embraces holistic wellness philosophies, and loves football.  She would much rather be in front of 10,000 people than making spreadsheets, crafts, or trying to figure out how to decorate…anything.  In her opinion she has the best job in the world.

Register Today!

Our 2025 conference is being held virtually via the interactive platform, Whova.

A replay of sessions will be available for a limited time after the event.

Tickets start at $59.

Conference Overview

Day 1 | Friday, November 7

Note: The entire conference is designed to be relevant to all participants. All times shown in Mountain Time.

9:00 AM

Conference Welcome

Conference welcome by S.A. Lifeline Executive Director, Tara McCausland.

9:10 AM

“From Reaction to Revelation: Finding and Using Your Empowered Voice After Betrayal”

Michelle Mays, LPC-S, CSAT-S

10:00 AM

“Moving Beyond Survival: The Path to Post Traumatic Growth”

Sherie Christensen, LMFT

11:00 AM

Live Q&A – Betrayal Trauma Presenters

Sherie Christensen, LMFT

Michelle Mays, LPC-S, CSAT-S

11:45 AM

SAL 12-Step Women’s Panel – Recovery Puzzle & Circle Models

12:30 PM

Break – Respond to polls, ask questions in Whova

1:00 PM

“From Shame to Resilience: A Journey to Relational Healing”

Duane Osterlind, LMFT, CSAT-S

2:00 PM

“Coming to the Fence: The Power of Partner-Sensitive Recovery”

Jeanne Vattuone, LCSW, CSPS-S, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, EMDR, BSP

3:00 PM

Live Q&A – Sexual Addiction Presenters

Jeanne Vattuone, LCSW, CSPS-S, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, EMDR, BSP

Duane Osterlind, LMFT, CSAT-S

3:45 PM

SAL 12-Step Men’s Panel – SAL Recovery Puzzle & Circle Models

4:45 PM

Day 1 Wrap-Up w/ Tara McCausland

Day 2 | Saturday, November 8

9:00 AM

Day 2 Welcome

Conference welcome by S.A. Lifeline Executive Director, Tara McCausland

9:10 AM

“The Healing Couples Framework: Rebuilding Trust Through Everyday Recovery”

Geoff Steurer, LMFT, CCPS, ART-MC

10:00 AM

Restoring Healthy Sexual Intimacy After Betrayal

Matthew Raabsmith, PCC, CPC & Joanna Raabsmith, LMFT, CCPS, CPTT, EMDR

11:00 AM

“Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma: A Path Toward Healing for Intimacy-Disordered Family Systems”

Culle Vande Guarde, LCSW-S, CPTT-S, CSAT-S, PIT

12:00 PM

LIVE Q&A – Healing Couples and Families

Geoff Steurer, LMFT, CCPS, ART-MC

Matthew Raabsmith, PCC, CPC & Joanna Raabsmith, LMFT, CCPS, CPTT, EMDR

Culle Vande Guarde, LCSW-S, CPTT-S, CSAT-S, PIT

1:00 PM

Live Q&A – Recovery Panel w/ SAL 12-Step members

1:45 PM

Conference Wrap-Up

Executive Director, Tara McCausland