This episode is taken from a presentation I gave at the Betrayal Healing Conference earlier this year, where I shared what later-stage recovery really looks like for couples working to rebuild trust and connection.In this episode, we talk about what it takes for couples to truly thrive after the initial crisis of betrayal has passed. We explore what “later-stage” recovery looks like: not just surviving, but building something new, strong, and deeply connected. Key Takeaways ✅ Later-stage recover...
Jun 19, 2025•41 min
After more than 300 weekly episodes, we are taking a short pause from From Crisis to Connection . In this brief update, we share why we’re stepping back for a couple of months. It’s not because of burnout but to make space for reflection, clarity, and growth. We want to continue serving you with intention and depth, and this pause is part of that process. Here’s what to expect while we’re away: No new weekly episodes during the summer A weekly email with a curated past episode that’s worth revis...
Jun 05, 2025•5 min
When it comes to betrayal, we often hear one story: the man cheats, the woman is hurt, and support rallies around her. But what happens when the script is flipped? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Adam Nisenson , a coach and author who helps men navigate betrayal trauma—a subject that’s rarely talked about and often misunderstood. Adam shares his own experience of being betrayed, the cultural narratives that silence men in pain, and why so many men suffer in isolation. We explore h...
May 22, 2025•36 min
In early recovery, survival is the focus. But what does it look like for couples who’ve done the foundational healing work to move beyond crisis and start rebuilding true partnership? In this powerful and relatable episode, we sit down with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith , a couple who have lived through the depths of betrayal trauma and are now guiding others in later-stage recovery. Together, we explore what healthy partnership looks like after the secrets, lies, and trauma are out in the open—a...
May 15, 2025•39 min
You’ve stopped the behavior. You’re going to the meetings. You’re doing everything the books and podcasts say to do. So why doesn’t your partner trust you yet? In this honest and challenging conversation, we talk with Roland Cochrun , a recovery advocate and founder of SuccessfulAddict.com, about the biggest blind spots in early recovery—and why checking the right boxes doesn’t guarantee real change. Roland shares his personal experience, the research behind what actually works, and why recovery...
May 08, 2025•44 min
Betrayal trauma is devastating on its own—but for many betrayed partners, there’s a deeper, more disorienting layer they can’t name: covert abuse. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how covert abuse operates beneath the surface of a relationship—often wrapped in kindness, plausible deniability, and social approval. Our guest vulnerably shares her personal story of discovering the hidden abuse patterns that accompanied betrayal in her marriage, how she came to name them, and what she’s ...
May 02, 2025•52 min
Why do some people heal from betrayal and rebuild their lives, while others stay stuck in pain and resentment for years—or even decades? In this powerful episode, we speak with Dr. Debi Silber , founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation (PBT) Institute, about the three groundbreaking discoveries from her PhD research on betrayal. Dr. Silber breaks down the specific symptoms of betrayal trauma, explains why time alone doesn’t heal it, and outlines the five predictable stages of healing she’s ob...
Apr 24, 2025•39 min
After betrayal, it’s common for women to turn inward, blaming their bodies and questioning their worth. In this important conversation, we talk with Dr. Lauren Barnes , therapist, researcher, and director of clinical training at BYU’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Dr. Barnes shares how her clinical and personal experiences led her to work with women struggling with body image and eating disorders. Together, we explore the connection between faith, culture, self-worth, and body image—espec...
Apr 18, 2025•45 min
When betrayal strikes a marriage, the pain is immediate for the couple—but what about the children? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we speak with Morgan Ellsworth , a board-certified betrayal trauma coach and MFT student, who brings both personal and professional experience to this often-overlooked topic. Morgan was a teenager when her family experienced betrayal, and she vulnerably shares what it was like to navigate that chaos without support or guidance. Today, she works with famili...
Apr 10, 2025•40 min
What if the things you dislike most about yourself aren’t signs of failure—but invitations to heal? In this episode, I sit down with Haley Hinkle, associate marriage and family therapist and IFS-informed practitioner, to explore a compassionate and non-pathologizing way to understand the parts of us that act out, shut down, or sabotage. We dive into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model—a powerful therapeutic approach that helps us relate to our inner world with curiosity, clarity, and compass...
Apr 03, 2025•43 min
In this follow-up to our popular episode “What to Do When Your Partner Lacks Motivation,” we dive deeper into an important listener question: How do you tell the difference between a lack of motivation and a lack of ability in your partner? At first glance, these two challenges can look the same—lack of movement, stalled growth, avoidance. But understanding what’s really happening changes everything. In this episode, we break down the differences between someone who won’t move forward (lack of m...
Mar 27, 2025•24 min
Healing from betrayal trauma is a deeply personal journey, but why do some people seem to heal and move forward while others stay stuck? In today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Jill Manning , a renowned therapist, researcher, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in betrayal trauma recovery. Dr. Manning shares the key factors that help betrayed partners heal , as well as the common obstacles that slow down the recovery process. She offers practical steps to move through the pain and build...
Mar 20, 2025•46 min
Have you ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or unsure how to move forward —especially in your relationship? In this episode, we’re flipping the script from our last discussion on what to do when your partner is unmotivated and speaking directly to the partner who feels stuck. If you’re struggling with motivation, feeling overwhelmed, or comparing yourself to your more driven spouse, this episode is for you. We share why feeling unmotivated is a normal human experience , how to recognize if you’re act...
Mar 13, 2025•19 min
When betrayal happens in a marriage, the emotional impact on a betrayed partner is overwhelming. But what about the children? How can a mother (or father) navigate their own healing while still being present for their children? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jenet Erickson , an expert in family relationships and maternal mental health . She shares research-backed insights into the connection between mothers and children, how emotional regulation plays a role in both healing and pa...
Mar 06, 2025•41 min
What happens when you’re motivated, driven, and actively working on personal growth—but your partner isn’t? In this episode, we explore the challenges of navigating a relationship when one partner struggles with motivation—whether due to personal crises, depression, or long-standing patterns of complacency. We discuss why this imbalance happens, how gender differences may play a role, and what you can do when your partner isn’t taking initiative in their own life. Whether you’re dealing with a s...
Feb 27, 2025•25 min
In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and agency —how our ability to choose extends beyond simple decisions and impacts how we respond to betrayal, anxiety, depression, and life’s unexpected challenges. Our guest, Brianna Holmes , joins us to discuss how agency is more than just free will—it’s deeply connected to truth, meaning, and the way we engage with our experiences . Whether you’re facing the emotional weight of betrayal trauma, struggling with mental health...
Feb 20, 2025•35 min
In today’s episode, we’re talking about something so many people ask— What if I’m bad at connection? What if I don’t know how to connect? If you’ve ever felt disconnected or unsure how to build meaningful relationships, you’re not alone. We’ll walk through the developmental roots of connection, how it’s learned, and what you can do if it wasn’t modeled for you growing up. We’ll also explore what real connection looks like in relationships—especially for couples healing after betrayal. You’ll lea...
Feb 13, 2025•18 min
One of the most common questions I hear from couples navigating betrayal recovery is, “Is it even possible for us to heal?” If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five key things I’ve seen every couple do when they successfully heal from betrayal. I’ll also help you reimagine what healing actually looks like—not just surviving, but creating a relationship that feels safe, connected, and even joyful again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: W...
Feb 06, 2025•20 min
I was honored to be a guest on KayLee Dunn's "Navigating Betrayal" Podcast discussing: "Timing is Everything: When to Begin Rebuilding as a Couple After Betrayal". Are you wondering when the right time is to begin rebuilding your relationship after betrayal? Join us as we dive into this critical question. * Key times it's time to start rebuilding as a couple * How to navigate the healing process together * Practical tips to regain trust and connection Whether you're in the thick of betrayal reco...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min
If you’ve ever caught yourself checking your partner’s phone, feeling anxious when they’re late, or wondering if you’ll ever trust again, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m diving into the four hidden fears that keep so many people stuck after betrayal—and, more importantly, how you can move past them. These fears aren’t signs of weakness. They’re normal responses to an abnormal situation. I’ve seen these fears show up again and again. I’ll walk you through each one and share insights on ...
Jan 30, 2025•19 min
In this solo episode, I’m diving into three hidden barriers that can keep you stuck in the healing process after betrayal. Whether you’re the betrayed partner or the one working to rebuild trust, these common fears and beliefs can make it hard to move forward. I’ll walk you through why these barriers exist and share practical ways to navigate them so you can keep progressing in your healing journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Why the fear of repeated betrayal is so powerful—and what y...
Jan 23, 2025•23 min
In this episode, I address one of the most common questions couples ask when healing from betrayal: “How long does it take?” I discuss the factors that influence the timeline for recovery and highlights the challenges couples face along the way. I also explain the importance of creating emotional safety, overcoming fears of relapse, and synchronizing individual and couple healing journeys. I'm also excited to introduce my new program, Courageous Together , designed to guide couples through this ...
Jan 16, 2025•22 min
In this episode, I discuss the common mistakes couples make during betrayal recovery and provide guidance on how to move forward with intention and clarity. I also share the inspiration behind my work and introduce you to my upcoming program, Courageous Together, designed to give couples a trauma-informed roadmap to rebuild trust and connection. Stay tuned for more information about this groundbreaking program! Key Takeaways: Why forgiveness should never be rushed and how timing impacts healing....
Jan 09, 2025•32 min
The idea of “consent” can be difficult to teach to children, but in this episode our guest has been able to effectively describe body autonomy and help parents and children recognize the importance of personal agency and consent even at a very young age. We welcome Rachel Brian, author and animator, to discuss her children's book on consent, which teaches kids how to set boundaries and be helpful bystanders. Rachel shares the personal inspiration behind creating the book and explains the importa...
Jan 02, 2025•51 min
In this episode we continue our conversation about great listeners in our lives. Join us as we discuss how feeling truly seen by someone makes it easier to truly see others. These personal stories we share highlight the importance of genuine curiosity, engagement, and presence without seeking personal benefit in conversations. The Power of Community in Pornography Recovery : Download Relay and try it out for free, or learn more at Relay's website . Use code GEOFF1 for 15% off! Broken trust? Down...
Dec 27, 2024•27 min
In this episode we welcome Sam from Sam's Healing Podcast to discuss the complexities unfaithful partners face during recovery. Sam shares his personal story of infidelity, the transforming experience of owning one's actions, and the importance of creating safety and accountability in relationships. Join us as we delve into the healing process, the significance of internal self-reference, empathy, and honesty. There is potential for unfaithful partners to become safe and trustworthy, thereby fos...
Dec 19, 2024•47 min
In this podcast episode, we dive into a discussion about the importance of good listening, particularly in the context of personal relationships and healing. Join us as we discuss how undivided attention, patience, and follow-up questions create a sense of being truly seen and understood. Although sometimes challenging, slowing down and investing in genuine communication and deep listening ultimately fosters love and connection. The Power of Community in Pornography Recovery : Download Relay and...
Dec 12, 2024•19 min
‘Being yourself’ goes beyond what you do, or what you like to do. It really expands into how you move through life. In this episode we focus on the idea of exploring this complexity beyond surface-level actions and roles. We examine how American culture's emphasis on group belonging and hyper-individualism affects personal development and authenticity. Join us as we highlight the importance of self-awareness and honesty in relationships, especially in the context of betrayal. We dive into the im...
Nov 28, 2024•19 min
So many family members sit on the sidelines worried about the health and welfare of their addicted loved ones, struggling to know what to do to help. In this episode we’ve invited Dr. Carrie Wilkins to discuss evidence-based practices for supporting loved ones struggling with addictive behaviors. As Co-President and CEO of CMC: Foundation for Change, Dr. Wilkens highlights the 'Invitation to Change' model, which integrates strategies from CRAFT, motivational interviewing, self-compassion, accept...
Nov 21, 2024•46 min
A common reaction after an argument is the need for space to cool down and collect one’s thoughts. But when the silent treatment is continually given to intentionally shut someone out or hurt them, it becomes stonewalling, a concept identified by John Gottman. Join us as we discuss the dynamics of stonewalling, especially in the context of betrayal trauma and recovery, and the importance of addressing and working through difficult emotions and patterns to build healthier relationships. The Power...
Nov 14, 2024•23 min
