About Maintaining the Bridge: Intimacy Reimagined

The Dynamic Duo Returns: Dr. Barbara Steffens & Dr. Jake Porter
Maintaining the Bridge: Intimacy Redefined

This powerful conference is a true gift to all who attend. With depth, compassion, and wisdom, Dr. Barbara Steffens and Dr. Jake Porter return to guide individuals and couples through the complex journey of betrayal, unwanted sexual behaviors, and relational healing—offering hope, clarity, and a path forward.

Through teaching, reflection, and shared experience, attendees will explore:

Understanding betrayal trauma from both sides of the relationship
Advanced emotional regulation skills for lasting healing
In-depth, integrity-driven recovery and transformation
Couple-centered healing practices—learning how to heal together
Meaning-making and vision casting for the future: Who do I want to become?
Men’s and women’s breakout sessions for focused, safe exploration
Interactive Q&A sessions with seasoned clinicians

Designed for anyone navigating betrayal, addiction, or unwanted sexual behaviors, this conference creates a space where truth meets grace and healing begins.

Attendees will also connect with others from across the country who are courageously seeking restoration, community, and spiritual growth. Together, participants engage in practical tools and faith-based guidance for living a healthy, integrated Christian life.

As one past attendee shared:

“I had been eagerly anticipating this conference since my wife first mentioned it. I truly believe the Lord orchestrated this event just for us. Though it could have taken place anywhere in the United States, God saw fit for it to happen right here in our community. Praise God.”

Maintaining the Bridge: Intimacy Redefined is more than a conference—it’s an invitation to healing, hope, and a renewed vision for the future.

Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Barbara Steffens

PhD, BCC, CCPS, CPC

Dr. Barbara Steffens has specialized in the area of sexual addiction and providing help for the partners of sexual addicts since 1999. She is now accepting speaking engagements for churches and professional organizations. Her book, Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal (Steffens & Means, 2009; 2021), co-authored with Marsha Means, MA, is dramatically affecting change in the lives of those who are victims and the professionals who are trained to serve them. In 2011, she founded the non-profit APSATS, the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists, dedicated to the professional training and certification, public education, research, and advocacy for treatment of relational and betrayal trauma. Speaking at international and national conferences on sexual addiction, and educating her peers on the traumatic effects disclosure of this addiction has on the partner, she is a recognized expert in this field.

Dr. Jake Porter, LPC, NCC, CSAT-S, CMAT, CCPS, CDWF

I started Daring Ventures to share with others what I had found in my own journey. My passion is to see people free and flourishing.

My own story has culminated, at least to this point, in the creation of a counseling practice with a laser-like focus on offering clinical excellence with authentic care. I have been on the other side of the therapy office, many times. I know the relief and hope that can be experienced when you find a place that is safe to be known, to yourself and to others.

Anticipated Topics:

Understanding Betrayal Trauma from Both Sides
Advanced Emotional Regulation
In-Depth Integrity-Driven Healing & Recovery
Couple-Centered Healing Practices – Healing Together
Meaning-Making and Transformation – a Vision For Who I Want to Be or (Vision Casting for the Future)
Men & Women Breakout Session
Interactive Q&A Sessions
For Anyone Navigating the Journey of Betrayal or Unwanted Sexual Behaviors
Couples and/or Divorced/Singles