Choose To Be with Choose Recovery Services; Betrayal Trauma Healing - podcast cover

Choose To Be with Choose Recovery Services; Betrayal Trauma Healing

Choose Recovery Services - Alana Gordon and Amie Woolseywww.chooserecoveryservices.com
Choose To Be is focused on women healing from infidelity, and betrayal trauma. We are committed to helping women heal. Be a part of the conversation as we interview experts and others who have gone through this journey and gain tools to help you move forward. Alana and Amie bring their own experiences to the conversation, and their individual expertise makes for a unique and valuable resource. Alana Gordon-LMFT, CCPS, CSAT candidate, Betrayal Coach Amie Woolsey-Betrayal Coach, CPC, ELI-MP, APSATS trainee For more information: ChooseRecoveryServices.com | info@chooserecoveryservices.com
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Episodes

Tips for Healing After Betrayal - With Laura Fisher

Lace up those dancing shoes because there’s a new acronym in town - SHAWN B! In a past episode we talked all about NOT dancing with Walter. In this week’s episode we introduce you to the partner you SHOULD dance with - SHAWN B. Join Alana and our guest, Laura Fisher (a fellow Choose Recovery Services coach), as they talk about the betrayed experience and give you a helpful framework for navigating relational challenges. Discover how this acronym can give you practical tools to use as you navigat...

Jul 02, 202449 min

Does He Even Think Of Me?

When your partner has a sexual addiction, it can be confusing and incredibly painful. Join Amie and Alana as they tackle a listener’s question about whether their partner thinks about them during these acting out times. While the answer to that question is painful either way and you may feel the impulse to try to micromanage and control your partner, there is a better way. Listen in to discover the transformative power of choosing yourself and your own healing regardless of your partner’s action...

Jun 25, 202430 min

Should I Stay or Go?

One of the most agonizing questions after a betrayal is, “Should I stay or go?” In this episode, Amie and Alana delve into the complex process of determining the answer to that question. Learn how to confront your fears and conscientiously choose the right path for you - whether that’s rebuilding the relationship or starting anew. Listen to learn: Why there is no inherent right or wrong answer when choosing whether to stay or go How to explore your fears, hopes, and values as you make this criti...

Jun 18, 202438 min

Who Should I Tell and Not Tell?

When betrayal strikes, the question of “Who do I tell?” weighs heavily. In this episode, Amie and Alana provide a roadmap through this complex decision as they talk about finding emotional safety and trusting your intuition. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are further along, this conversation provides a compassionate and nuanced perspective on who to confide in during this vulnerable time. Listen to learn: Strategies for determining who is and is not emotionally safe to confide in ...

Jun 11, 202425 min

Loving Yourself First and Through the Hard

How do you love yourself first AND do the hard things? In this episode, Amie shares personal experiences and offers powerful perspectives on truly nurturing yourself through life’s chaos. You’ll learn practical tips for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and making time for yourself. This episode will give you the courage to turn inward as you foster internal resilience and well-being in your healing journey. Listen to learn: Why real love requires freedom for authenticity The link between sel...

Jun 04, 202430 min

Separation - A Pathway to Healing With Luke Gordon

It can feel soul-crushing if your partner asks for a separation, but what if it’s actually an opportunity in disguise? This week Amie is a guest on Luke Gordon’s podcast. Luke is a men’s emotional health coach and cofounder at Choose Recovery Services. Listen in as Luke and Amie talk about how couples can use separation as a catalyst for profound individual healing and growth which can bring about lasting change in their relationship. Listen to learn: How separation can be beneficial and even ne...

May 28, 202431 min

Victim to Chooser - Part 2

Last week we learned the thought patterns of those who are in the victim and emerger stages of healing from trauma. Today Amie takes us through the final two stages - reclaimer and chooser. In this episode you’ll learn how to reframe toxic thought patterns and reclaim your truth. Understand how to shed your victimhood, separate your worth from emotions and circumstances, and become the unapologetic chooser of the life you deserve. Find Victim to Chooser Part 1 HERE Listen to learn: Thoughts that...

May 21, 202448 min

Victim to Chooser - Part 1

Do you feel stuck in the cycle of victimhood after betrayal, believing thoughts like, “I’ll never trust again” or “I’m not enough”? In this week’s episode, Amie walks us through the “Victim to Chooser” framework sharing the progressive stages she sees clients navigate towards healing and wholeness. Listen in to see if you have thought patterns that are leaving you stuck in the first two stages, and be sure to tune in next week to learn more about the other two stages. Amie will help you feel see...

May 14, 202438 min

Will I Ever Heal? What Helps and What Hinders

Do you feel stuck wondering if you will ever heal from betrayal trauma? In this powerful episode Amie and Alana share their own experiences grappling with that exact question. They provide wisdom and practical tools for aiding your healing process whether you are just starting out or are further along the path. You can and will heal - as you keep taking those crucial next steps. Listen to learn: How proper self-care can promote recovery The importance of somatic/body-based healing work How self-...

May 07, 202437 min

"If He Would Just..." Why This Keeps You Both Stuck

Do you find yourself imagining all the ways things would be better “if he would just…”? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode Amie and Alana dive into this disempowering mindset and provide wisdom on shifting your thinking by focusing on what you can control. Gain clarity as they share candid examples and advice on how to take your next empowered steps regardless of the things your partner is or is not doing. Listen to learn: How to recognize when you’re stuck under the “if” umbrella How to f...

Apr 30, 202431 min

Stepping Into Authenticity - with Luke Gordon

We all wear masks at times, but hiding your true self is exhausting and inauthentic. In this week’s episode we welcome back Luke Gordon. Luke opens up about his personal battles with hiding behind false versions of himself. He describes how he was finally able to deepen relationships when he stepped into vulnerability, integrity, and authenticity. Listen to learn: What true authenticity is and isn’t How authenticity is “earned and learned” The reward in choosing short-term pain for long-term gai...

Apr 23, 202423 min

What Does "Get In Your Body" Mean?

Your body is keeping secrets - traumatic memories and intense emotions locked away at a cellular level. In this episode, Amie and Alana dive into the science of how the body “keeps the score,” storing experiences that your conscious mind has disconnected from. Learn how to unlock your body’s innate wisdom to truly heal. Listen to learn: How emotions and memories are stored in the body, not just the brain The science behind why the body “keeps the score” on traumatic events Practical ways to get ...

Apr 09, 202435 min

Is Ketamine Right For Me?

Imagine being able to rewire your brain to heal from the devastation of betrayal trauma and PTSD. Many who have tried ketamine say they have done just that. On this episode, Alana explains what ketamine is and how it can help receptors in your brain work together to promote healing from the pain of trauma. Listen in as Alana shares her experience with ketamine and the insight and healing she gained from this treatment. Listen to learn: What ketamine is and how it’s used to treat PTSD How ketamin...

Apr 02, 202430 min

Quit Moralizing Your Emotions!

Are you constantly judging your emotions as good or bad? Do you feel guilty for experiencing “negative” feelings? In this episode, Amie dives deep into the tendency we often have of moralizing our emotions. Learn why it’s important to notice and name your feelings, to become aware of when you might be suppressing emotions, and how to embrace all of your emotions with self-compassion. Listen to learn: Why moralizing emotions is unhealthy Practical tips to increase awareness of when you’re moraliz...

Mar 26, 202443 min

Why Addicts Need To Do Their Work Part II; Helping Children Heal with Luke Gordon

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the damage caused by your addiction that giving up seemed like the only option? In this episode, Luke Gordon, cofounder and coach at Choose Recovery Services, as well as a father in recovery, opens up about grappling with feelings of hopelessness when facing attachment wounds inflicted on his children because of his addictive behaviors. Amie, Alana, and Luke discuss the crucial work of healing your own attachment trauma while simultaneously repairing the pare...

Mar 19, 202433 min

Why the Addict Needs to Do Their Own Attachment Work - with Luke Gordon

This week we are excited to welcome Luke Gordon to the podcast! Luke is an emotional health coach and cofounder of Choose Recovery Services who specializes in helping men overcome unwanted sexual compulsive behaviors. Luke shares how disruptions in our earliest childhood attachments form the foundation for later challenges like addiction, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and struggles with emotional intimacy. With raw vulnerability, Luke shares his own journey and provides insight into the harrowing...

Mar 12, 202432 min

Supporting Teens and Young Adults Through Parental Betrayal - With Morgan Ellsworth

When parents have experienced betrayal in their relationship, the entire family system is impacted. Teens and young adults are old enough to sense things are amiss, but may not understand everything that’s happening in their parents’ world. In today’s episode we are excited to welcome Morgan Ellsworth, a life coach at Choose Recovery Services. She is an APSATS trainee and has training as a DBT Skills Coach. Morgan shares her story of navigating her teenage years in an environment touched by betr...

Mar 05, 202439 min

Attachment and Children as You Navigate Betrayal

We know attachment can suffer between partners when there’s been betrayal or trauma, but how are our kids’ attachments impacted? In today’s episode, Amie and Alana unpack how to be a solid anchor for your children during hard times. Learn how to be grounded, regulated, and vulnerable to help your children stay securely attached to you even amidst chaos or crisis. Listen to learn: How doing your own healing work enhances your children’s ability to form secure attachments Why staying regulated in ...

Feb 27, 202420 min

Is It Me? Is It Him? Attachment Broken Down

Do you ever feel tangled up in knots trying to understand where your relationship pain stems from? How can you tell if your pain is coming from childhood attachment wounds or current betrayal trauma? This week Amie and Alana help us learn how to unravel old and new attachment knots and walk us through what we can do to feel secure again in our relationships and in trusting ourselves. Listen to learn: Why believing your body’s signals is crucial, especially in the beginning stages of healing How ...

Feb 20, 202436 min

A.R.E. You There For Me? Attachment Practice Tool

Have you ever felt disconnected, even when your partner is right beside you? In these situations, ask yourself, “A.R.E. you there for me?” Amie and Alana break down the acronym "A.R.E." to give you a tool to help you set the foundation for meaningful bonds, communication and attachment. Learn how to deepen your connection so you can be there for others and for yourself. Listen to learn: What A.R.E. stands for How being accessible, responsive, and engaged can help you increase emotional connectio...

Feb 13, 202428 min

Attachment Theory - When It's Helpful and When It's Not

Do you crave deep connection but struggle to let partners in? Have you ever accused loved ones of being distant when they simply needed space? These behaviors could stem from your attachment style. Join Amie and Alana as they delve into attachment theory and how our attachment styles formed in childhood become blueprints for our relationships throughout our lives. Listen to learn: What the four styles of attachment are Ways in which trauma and inconsistent parenting can breed anxiety How your at...

Feb 06, 202431 min

Can Trust Be Restored After Infidelity?

Trust is essential in healthy relationships, yet it is shattered by betrayal. Rebuilding that broken trust can feel impossible. In this episode, Alana tackles head-on the messy complexities around trust after betrayal. She offers insight into power imbalances, avoiding the dangerous “floating saint” trap, boundary setting, embracing imperfection, and more. With patience, help, and healing, you can learn to trust again. Listen to learn: How power differentials play into trust How an understanding...

Jan 30, 202427 min

Are You Self-Rejecting?

If you’ve experienced betrayal in a relationship then you know what it’s like to feel rejected by your partner. But are you aware of ways you may be rejecting YOURSELF? In this episode, Amie sheds light on the topic of self-rejection. Learn what self-rejection is, how it shows up in our thoughts and actions, and what you can do to overcome this barrier to healing and connection. Listen to learn: How self-rejection may stem from childhood patterns The many ways that self-rejection can manifest Ho...

Jan 23, 202425 min

Unraveling Shame with Jess Kovic

Am I enough? Am I worthy of connection? Am I worthy of love? If you have found yourself asking these questions, then you will want to listen in as Amie and Alana and their guest, Jess Kovic, talk all about shame. Jess is a certified life coach, APSATS trainee, Brainspotting practitioner, and fellow team member at Choose Recovery Services. Jess helps us dive deep into the shame surrounding betrayal - how it shows up, why it sticks around, and most importantly, how you can shed it. Listen to learn...

Jan 16, 202437 min

Don't Dance With WALTER!

Although he’s always eager to take you for a twirl on the dance floor, Walter isn’t the dance partner you want. His toxic tango can cause you to constantly trip up in your relationships. So who is this Walter guy? WALTER is an acronym representing the unhealthy communication behaviors we often fall into despite our best intentions. In this week’s episode, Amie and Alana share examples from their own lives of times they’ve danced with Walter, and they give you ideas of how you can ditch Walter fo...

Jan 09, 202438 min

Why Does Betrayal Trauma Hurt So Bad?

Betrayal cuts deep, and that wound causes intense pain and heartache. In this episode, Alana talks about why betrayal is so traumatic. She walks us through the three main areas that betrayal attacks and outlines the six stages of healing. Listen to understand more about the strong emotions you may feel as you’re recovering from betrayal and how that’s a normal and expected part of healing. Listen to learn: Why betrayal is so traumatic How betrayal trauma impacts your attachment, your emotions, a...

Jan 02, 202444 min

Laughing With Us, At Us; Blooper Time!

Happy Holidays! Alana and I are so grateful to all you listeners and feel so blessed to hear from all of you and the support you feel from this podcast. Many of you will write in and kindly assume that we have it all together, so today we thought we'd show you just how much we don't! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch Alana and I listen to our blooper reel as well. We hope this gives you a much needed laugh in the middle of your hard. We know you do hard things and know that you can conti...

Dec 26, 202330 min

6 Practices Your Grief Needs From You; With Kim Brown

When you have experienced trauma or betrayal, grief and sadness feel like constant companions. Kim Brown, a grief educator, APSATS candidate, and certified betrayal trauma coach at Choose Recovery Services joins Amie and Alana this week to help us understand more about grief and its significance in our healing journey. If you find yourself constantly trying to ignore your grief or push it aside to deal with later, listen up to learn about what you can do to actually integrate grief into your lif...

Dec 19, 202329 min

When Doing More Means Doing Less

“I have to do it all! I have to BE it all!” If you often find yourself thinking these things, then this episode is for you! Amie and Alana share practical tips for finding balance amidst the seasonal chaos. If you feel overwhelmed and pressured to make the holidays (or any days!) picture-perfect, this episode will give you permission to do less of what doesn’t matter so you can do more of what does. Listen to learn: How to determine what traditions really matter this year The perils of oversched...

Dec 12, 202314 min

Surviving the Holidays: Road to Recovery Webinar

The holidays can be a tricky time under the best of circumstances, but in the aftermath of a betrayal, they can feel impossible. This week’s episode offers a no-nonsense guide to surviving the holiday season. If you’re tempted to run and hide during these upcoming weeks, listen in on this Road to Recovery webinar as Alana and Luke throw you a lifeline. The tools they share can help you navigate through this season of triggers and turmoil and give you hope as you launch into the new year. ⁠Road t...

Dec 05, 202353 min
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