Buffalo Up: Emotional Strength for Lasting Recovery

In this episode of Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life, Dr. Kevin Skinner introduces a powerful metaphor from the plains—the difference between cows and buffalo in facing a storm. Cows run away, only to suffer longer. Buffalo turn toward the storm, facing it head-on, and pass through more quickly.

Much like the buffalo, recovery requires us to “buffalo up”—to face our difficult emotions and unmet needs rather than running from them. Pornography often becomes an unhealthy escape from feelings like loneliness, shame, or anxiety. By learning to name emotions, self-soothe, and connect with others, you can build emotional resiliency, reduce shame, and find real freedom on the other side of the storm.

This episode will give you practical tools to pause, reflect, and choose healthier ways to meet your emotional needs—so you can strengthen yourself for lasting recovery.

• Reclaim: A 12-Week Course to Heal from Pornography and Rebuild Your Life Go deeper with strategies, guided exercises, and tools to help you face difficult emotions and create long-term change. 👉 Learn more and enroll here

• Episode Reflection Prompt:

  1. Before acting out, pause and name what you’re feeling.

  2. Ask: What unmet need is really behind this urge?

  3. Decide: How can I face this storm like the buffalo instead of running from it?

• Previous Episode: Breaking the Cycle: Rewiring the Brain

• Next Episode: Boundaries and Safety in the Recovery Journey