Rise: Hope and Healing Podcast

Dr. Kevin Skinner

Rise is a podcast for anyone navigating the devastating impact of sexual betrayal. Season one, hosted by Dr. Kevin Skinner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, alongside MaryAnn Michaelis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, brings together over 50 years of combined professional and personal experience to offer hope, direction, and healing. Season two, hosted by MaryAnn Michaelis features weekly conversations with leading betrayal trauma experts exploring personal and clinical experience and observations, tools and resources for stabilizing, then thriving in post traumatic betrayal growth.   Each episode blends research, clinical expertise, and real-life experience to address the most pressing questions betrayed partners face: Am I going to be okay? Why does my mind keep racing? Can I ever trust again? How do I make sense of the shattering that just happened? Listeners will gain: Validation that what they’re experiencing is real and normal. Practical tools like grounding techniques and emotional regulation exercises. Research-backed insights from studies with thousands of betrayed partners. Guidance for couples seeking to rebuild trust and safety after betrayal. Hope-filled stories that remind you healing is possible—one step, one breath at a time. Whether you’ve just discovered betrayal or are months or years into your healing journey, Rise offers a safe place to learn, reflect, and gather the tools needed to rebuild your life and reclaim your sense of self. To learn more and access additional resources, visit humanintimacy.com/reclaim.

  1. 3D AGO

    Grieving through Burbles, Triggers, and Trauma-Anniversaries, with Dr. Karen Strange (Rise Season 2, Episode 6)

    Grieving through Burbles, Triggers, and Trauma-Anniversaries, with Dr. Karen Strange  Episode Summary Grief is something every human experiences—but grief after betrayal trauma carries a unique kind of pain. In this episode, MaryAnn Michaelis LCSW, CSAT, CPTT and Dr. Karen Strange PhD, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT continue their powerful series on grief and betrayal, exploring why healing feels messy, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered why emotions hit you out of nowhere, sometimes even decades later… why you feel numb one day and furious the next… or why your body seems to remember things your mind tries to forget—this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone. Together, they discuss the truth many betrayed partners discover: betrayal can feel like a death—not only of a relationship, but of identity, safety, and the future you thought you were building. This episode is compassionate, raw, and deeply grounding for anyone navigating the emotional aftermath of sexual betrayal. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why grief is not linear—and why it often feels like a “squiggly mess” How betrayal trauma mirrors the death of a relationship and the loss of reality Why people often experience grief as confusion, powerlessness, and loss of self What “delayed grief” is and why emotions can resurface years later Why numbness is a normal survival response (and not a sign you’re broken) How “trauma-versaries” can affect the body even when you don’t realize it The importance of having your story witnessed—without someone trying to “silver line” your pain How anger and rage can show up in grief, and how to safely discharge that energy through the body Why acceptance is often the moment emotions begin to intensify—not disappear A Powerful Reminder: Grief doesn’t end. It evolves. And healing doesn’t mean you never feel pain again—it means learning how to honor what you’ve lost, hold compassion for yourself, and create space for your story to land. If This Episode Resonated With You… Please like and share it with someone who may be silently carrying grief after betrayal. You are not alone, and you were never meant to heal alone. 🔗 Companion Course: Find support and resources at humanintimacy.com If this podcast helps you, please consider leaving a review—it helps other hurting hearts find support. _________________________________________________________________________ Join Us! Human Intimacy Conference, Online March 13 & 14, 2026 use Promo 30OFF Check out our new Youtube channel to access all of Human Intimacy's podcasts: youtube.com/@human-intimacy ________________________________________________________________________ Resources and References Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. Kessler, D. (2019). Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. Perel, E. (2017). The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity. Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly. Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger. Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice. Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion. Doka, K. J. (1989). Disenfranchised Grief. Freyd, J. J. (1996). Betrayal Trauma. van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body.

    32 min
  2. FEB 10

    The Grief of Betrayal: Loss that No One Talks About, with Kris Cristiano (Rise Season 2, Episode 5)

    Show Notes Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal Season 2 Episode Title: The Grief of Betrayal: Loss that No One Talks About  Healing from sexual betrayal is not something you were meant to do alone. In this episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT is joined again by Kris Cristiano, LCSW, CSAT, for an honest and grounding conversation about one of the most misunderstood aspects of betrayal trauma recovery: grief. Together, MaryAnn and Kris explore how grief is not only connected to death, but to the loss of an entire reality—safety, trust, identity, expectations, and the future a betrayed partner believed they were living toward. They discuss why betrayal trauma creates a uniquely destabilizing grief experience, particularly because the loss is non-consensual and often leaves partners feeling disoriented, unsafe, and unable to trust their own perceptions. This episode also highlights why healing requires connection, not isolation. Betrayed partners often carry their pain silently due to shame, fear, or a desire to protect their spouse’s reputation. MaryAnn and Kris emphasize that grief must be witnessed and validated in order for the nervous system to stabilize and for healing to begin. If you are feeling overwhelmed, numb, angry, or stuck, this episode offers language, clarity, and hope—reminding listeners that grief can become part of your story, but it does not have to become your identity. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why grief is a core component of betrayal trauma recovery How grief is not just about death, but about the loss of a familiar life The difference between traditional grief and betrayal-related grief How betrayal disrupts the nervous system and creates disorientation Why grief is not linear (and why that matters for healing) The impact of shame, secrecy, and “walking wounded” isolation How community and safe connection help regulate emotional overwhelm Why grief must be witnessed and validated to heal How to begin identifying personal losses after betrayal Hope for moving forward without being defined by betrayal Key Takeaways Betrayal grief often includes the loss of identity, future dreams, and safety. Many trauma symptoms (anger, anxiety, hypervigilance, numbness) are grief responses. Healing happens through support and connection—grief is not meant to be carried alone. The goal is not to erase the story, but to integrate it without being consumed by it. Mentioned in This Episode Disenfranchised grief (grief that isn’t socially recognized or supported) The importance of validation and witnessing in the healing process Neurobiology of grief and how the brain struggles to reorient after betrayal The Human Intimacy Conference (March 13–14) Resources Rise Companion Course: humanintimacy.com, Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal Questions / Contact: info@humanintimacy.com (send questions you'd like addressed at the Human Intimacy Conference) Human Intimacy Conference: March 13–14 (Online + recordings available) Use: 30OFF promo code Upcoming Episodes MaryAnn and guests will the grief series in upcoming weeks, including: Delayed grief Attachment patterns and grief How to live with grief without losing yourself If This Episode Helped You… Please consider sharing this podcast with someone who may be suffering in silence. Healing is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone.

    32 min
  3. FEB 3

    ”Are You There for Me?” Understanding the Role of Attachment in Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal with Dr. Kevin Skinner (Season 2, Episode 4)

    In this episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, MaryAnn Michaelis LCSW, CSAT, CPTT, welcomes back Dr. Kevin Skinner to continue Season Two’s series on rebuilding trust. Together they explore why rebuilding trust after betrayal is so complex, especially through the lens of attachment and trauma, based on Sue Johnson's core attachment question: “Are you there for me?” They explain how trust begins early in life, how it’s shaped by our experiences, and how betrayal trauma can mirror early attachment ruptures—often leading to protest, emotional overwhelm, shutdown, or feeling frozen while waiting for clarity or disclosure. MaryAnn and Dr. Skinner normalize grief, numbness, and uncertainty as natural trauma responses, not signs of failure or weakness. This episode gently reframes healing: trust doesn’t begin with forcing yourself to trust a partner again. It begins with self-trust, learning to listen to your body and emotions, finding safe support, and allowing honesty about where you truly are. Trust, when it returns, is earned through presence, consistency, and repair—not pressure. If you’re unsure whether you can trust again—or even trust yourself—this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope. Episode Takeaways Trust after betrayal is a process, not a decision Betrayal trauma activates deep attachment wounds Feeling frozen, numb, or unsure is a normal trauma response Self-trust is foundational to healing and boundaries Earned trust grows through consistent repair and safety Resources The Still Face Experiment – Dr. Edward Tronick A visual illustration of attachment rupture and repair https://iceeft.com The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk, MD Human Intimacy Conference | March 13–14 Online conference featuring Dr. Skinner, MaryAnn Michaelis, Michelle Mays, Dr. Sheri Keffer, Dr. Karen Strange, Kris Cristiano, and more

    27 min
  4. Rebuilding Self-Trust After Betrayal: Empowerment, Group Healing, and Learning to Trust Yourself Again, with Jennifer Johnson (Season2, Episode 3)

    JAN 27

    Rebuilding Self-Trust After Betrayal: Empowerment, Group Healing, and Learning to Trust Yourself Again, with Jennifer Johnson (Season2, Episode 3)

    Rebuilding Self-Trust After Betrayal: Empowerment, Group Healing, and Learning to Trust Yourself Again Host: MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT Guest: Jennifer Johnson, CMHC, CSAT, CPTT Episode Summary Rebuilding trust after sexual betrayal begins not with your partner—but with yourself. In this deeply meaningful episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT, sits down with her longtime mentor, colleague, and friend Jennifer Johnson, CMHC, CSAT, CPTT, for a powerful conversation on self-trust, group healing, and empowerment after betrayal trauma. Jennifer—who has worked with betrayed partners for over 15 years—shares clinical wisdom, lived experience, and practical metaphors that have shaped an entire generation of betrayal trauma therapists, including MaryAnn herself. Together, they explore how betrayal erodes a person’s sense of reality, safety, and self-confidence—and how trust can be rebuilt through validation, embodiment, boundaries, and resourcing. This episode is especially for listeners who feel confused, disconnected from their bodies, unsure of their reality, or afraid of their own reactions. Through stories, metaphors, and trauma-informed insight, MaryAnn and Jennifer offer a grounded path forward—one rooted in compassion, strength, and self-reliance.   Key Topics Discussed Why sexual betrayal shatters self-trust and internal safety The power of group work and the healing impact of “me too” Why comparing betrayal stories minimizes pain—and why pain is pain The “drowning in 5 feet vs. 20 feet of water” metaphor How gaslighting and shame erode self-trust Learning to trust your body after trauma responses and triggers Why self-trust is independent of a partner’s recovery The “Water Your Own Tree” analogy: differentiation and empowerment Resourcing yourself for safety and stability Trauma as powerlessness—and why action restores agency The stages of healing: victim → survival → thriving The “getting hit by a bus” metaphor for trauma, recovery, and relearning trust Why healing does not mean abandoning the relationship The role of therapy, groups, books, and community in rebuilding trust Key Takeaways Betrayal trauma disrupts your sense of reality—but you are not crazy Self-trust is rebuilt through validation, embodiment, and action Group healing reduces isolation and restores internal safety You can strengthen yourself without moving away from your partner Empowerment comes from recognizing your resources and choices Healing is a process—and different stages require different care Trusting yourself means learning what your body, emotions, and intuition need now Metaphors & Frameworks Shared Water Your Own Tree: Strengthening yourself without abandoning the relationship Drowning Is Drowning: Pain does not need to be compared to be valid  Preparing resources for safety and self-reliance Getting Hit by a Bus: Trauma recovery as stabilization, rehabilitation, and relearning trust Victim → Survival → Thriving: Normal stages of betrayal trauma healing Books Recommended in This Episode Intimate Deception – Sheri Keffer, PhD The Betrayal Bind – Michelle Mays, LPC Ambushed by Betrayal Workbook About the Guest Jennifer Johnson, CMHC, CSAT and CPTT, is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor based in Farmington, Utah, specializing in betrayal trauma recovery for over 15 years. She is a mentor to clinicians, a trusted guide to betrayed partners, and a passionate advocate for trauma-informed, empowerment-based healing. Jennifer also brings lived experience as a betrayed partner, offering deep empathy and credibility to her work. About the Host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. She is the founder of HART Recovery Institute (Healing Addiction, Relationships, Trauma) and the host of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal. MaryAnn is also a recovering betrayed partner and a dedicated voice for compassionate, trauma-informed care. Additional Support If you are in the early days of betrayal or seeking structured guidance, explore: Season 1 of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal (Stabilization) Therapist-led groups and the online course Rise: Hope and Healing After Betrayal Resources available at humanintimacy.com **You are not alone. Your pain is valid. And learning to trust yourself again is possible.

    33 min
  5. Rebuilding Trust through BRAVING: A Journey of Hope for Betrayed Partners with Dr. Karen Strange (Season: 2, Episode #2)

    JAN 20

    Rebuilding Trust through BRAVING: A Journey of Hope for Betrayed Partners with Dr. Karen Strange (Season: 2, Episode #2)

    Rise: Hope and Healing from Sexual Betrayal Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal: BRAVING, A Journey of Hope for Betrayed Partners with Dr. Karen Strange Host: MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT Guest: Dr. Karen Strange, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT Episode Summary Healing from sexual betrayal is not something anyone is meant to navigate alone. In this Season 2 episode of Rise: Hope and Healing from Sexual Betrayal, host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT, is joined by colleague and friend Dr. Karen Strange, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, for a deeply compassionate conversation about stabilizing after betrayal and rebuilding trust—first with yourself, and then, if appropriate, with a partner. Together, MaryAnn and Karen explore betrayal through both clinical insight and lived experience, addressing the profound shock, grief, and disorientation betrayed partners often face. Using Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework, they break down trust into understandable, actionable components while emphasizing that trust is rebuilt through behavior over time, not promises or pressure. This episode also introduces the powerful Kintsugi bowl metaphor—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold—as a symbol of post-betrayal healing, growth, and meaning-making after profound rupture. If you are early in betrayal trauma recovery, struggling with self-doubt, or feeling pressured to “move on” before you feel safe, this conversation offers grounding, validation, and hope. Key Topics Discussed Why betrayal trauma often mirrors PTSD Stabilization as the first priority after sexual betrayal The Kintsugi bowl as a metaphor for healing after being “shattered” Why trust is cognitive, not emotional Brené Brown’s BRAVING framework applied to betrayal recovery: Boundaries Reliability Accountability Vault (confidentiality and discernment) Integrity Non-judgment Generosity Trusting behavior over words Gaslighting, self-doubt, and learning to trust your body again The role of accountability, support groups, therapy, and sponsors Why over-disclosure can retraumatize betrayed partners Rebuilding trust with yourself through self-compassion Key Takeaways Healing takes time—and time is your ally, not your enemy Trust is rebuilt through consistent, observable behavior, not urgency You are allowed to share your story; your partner owns theirs Self-compassion is foundational to stabilization and recovery Listening to your body is a powerful form of wisdom You can actively engage in healing while you wait for clarity Exercises Shared in This Episode 1. The BRAVING Self-Trust Exercise Write down B-R-A-V-I-N-G and reflect on what you need in each area to rebuild trust with yourself. 2. Daily Self-Compassion Practice Visit self-compassion.org (Kristin Neff, PhD) and choose a brief daily practice to support stabilization, reduce shame, and restore internal safety. Resources Mentioned Brené Brown – BRAVING: Trust Framework Kristin Neff, PhD – Self-Compassion Practices Therapist-led courses and groups for betrayed partners: humanintimacy.com About the Guest Dr. Karen Strange, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in South Carolina. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a betrayed partner, offering deep empathy, wisdom, and hope to individuals and couples healing after betrayal. About the Host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. She is the founder of HART Recovery Institute (Healing Addiction, Relationships, Trauma) and the host of Rise: Hope and Healing from Sexual Betrayal. MaryAnn is also a recovering betrayed partner and a passionate advocate for trauma-informed, compassionate healing. If This Episode Helped You Please consider sharing, liking, or subscribing. You may help someone else feel less alone and more understood. You deserve healing. You deserve wholeness. And you don’t have to do this alone.

    35 min
  6. Beyond the Marble Jar: Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal with Kris Cristiano (Season: 2, Episode #1)

    JAN 13

    Beyond the Marble Jar: Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal with Kris Cristiano (Season: 2, Episode #1)

    Episode Summary Welcome to Season Two of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal. In this opening episode, host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT is joined by Kris Cristiano, LCSW, CSAT, to explore one of the most painful and misunderstood aspects of betrayal trauma: trust. After Season One’s focus on immediate survival following discovery, Season Two shifts toward rebuilding—emotionally, relationally, and internally. MaryAnn and Kris unpack why trust cannot be rushed, demanded, or restored through checklists alone, and why safety and honesty must come first. Together, they deconstruct common misconceptions about trust, love, and forgiveness, explore the impact of complex and cumulative trauma, and introduce tangible markers of real recovery—what betrayed partners can actually look for over time without abandoning themselves. The conversation also highlights the critical importance of self-trust, nervous system awareness, and relational healing within safe communities. This episode offers grounding, clarity, and hope for anyone navigating betrayal trauma and wondering: How do I know what’s real now—and can I ever trust again? Show Notes In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why trust, love, and forgiveness are not the same thing—and why confusing them causes harm How betrayal trauma and complex trauma amplify the loss of trust The Marble Jar metaphor and why trust must be rebuilt one action at a time Why sobriety, compliance, and “checking boxes” are not the same as true recovery The role of honesty and safety as the foundation for rebuilding trust How betrayed partners can begin rebuilding self-trust, even after betrayal blindness Why healing from betrayal trauma is relational and cannot be done alone How shame and self-blame interfere with recovery—and why they don’t belong there Key Takeaways: Trust is a gradual process that requires honesty and safety as foundational elements. Healing from betrayal involves understanding and dismantling complex trauma. Recovery is not a checklist but a heartfelt journey of personal growth. Building self-trust is crucial Neuroception and listening to your own body and instincts. A supportive community is vital for healing and offers essential insights and guidance. A Gentle Invitation: After listening, take a moment to write down one small thing you will do for yourself today or tomorrow—something realistic and achievable. Rebuilding trust begins by doing what you say you’ll do, even with yourself. Resources Mentioned: Blind to Betrayal by Jennifer Freyd The Intimacy Pyramid by Dan Drake and the Rapson-Smith model 25 Signs of REAL Recovery by Kris Cristiano Learn More & Continue Your Healing: Rise: Hope and Healing From Sexual Betrayal courses and resources: humanintimacy.com Human Intimacy Conference – March 13–14 Join us for insightful presentations, featuring leading experts in betrayal trauma recovery, including Kris Cristiano. Use PROMO Code: 40OFF 00:00 Introduction to Healing from Sexual Betrayal 01:11 Welcome to Season Two 01:44 Meet Chris Christiano 03:19 Understanding Trust After Betrayal 06:38 The Marble Jar Analogy 09:21 Complex Trauma and Self-Trust 22:08 Betrayal Blindness 30:14 Rebuilding Trust and Final Thoughts   Connect With Us: Visit our website: humanintimacy.com Instagram: @HumanIntimacy Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on healing and recovery. Your support helps others find the path to healing and understanding.

    35 min
  7. Rise, Hope, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal: Closing Season One & Looking Toward Growth (Season 1: Episode #13)

    JAN 11

    Rise, Hope, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal: Closing Season One & Looking Toward Growth (Season 1: Episode #13)

    Rise, Hope, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal: Closing Season One & Looking Toward Growth   Summary In the final episode of Season One of Rise, Hope, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, Dr. Kevin Skinner and licensed clinical social worker MaryAnn Michaelis reflect on the emotional journey of betrayal trauma and the foundational work required for healing. They validate the profound shock, grief, and disorientation that follow sexual betrayal, emphasizing that these reactions are normal responses to trauma—not personal failures. Throughout the conversation, they review core concepts introduced in the season, including emotional regulation, triggers, PTSD symptoms, somatic responses, polyvagal theory, boundaries, self-care, and identity repair. Healing is framed not as a linear or finished state, but as a “both/and” process—one where growth and difficult days can coexist. Using metaphors such as home remodeling, forest fires, peeling an onion, and run-walk marathons, they illustrate how healing unfolds slowly, layer by layer. They highlight post-traumatic growth, noting that while no one chooses betrayal, many survivors develop deeper self-awareness, stronger boundaries, renewed creativity, and a reclaimed sense of self-worth. The episode also looks ahead to Season Two, which will focus on the second stage of healing—internal work, rebuilding trust (especially trust in self), and deeper application of tools learned in Season One. The hosts emphasize the importance of community, trauma-informed practices, and self-compassion, ending with a message of hope: healing is possible, identity can be restored, and no one has to walk this journey alone.   Resources Mentioned or Referenced Programs & Educational Resources Rise, Hope, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal (Course) A structured healing course focused on assessments, internal work, parts work, boundaries, trust, and trauma recovery. Available via HumanIntimacy.com Rise, Hope, and Healing Podcast Focused specifically on betrayed partners and the stages of betrayal trauma recovery. Human Intimacy Podcast Broader conversations on intimacy, healing, and recovery. Therapeutic Approaches & Concepts Betrayal Trauma & PTSD Post-Traumatic Growth Polyvagal Theory Somatic (Body-Based) Healing Emotional Regulation Boundary Setting Self-Compassion Trust (Self-Trust & Relational Trust) Group Support & Community Healing Trauma-Informed Yoga Mindfulness Practices Professional Credentials Referenced CSAT – Certified Sex Addiction Therapist CPTT – Certified Partner Trauma Therapist Clinicians Featured or Upcoming (Season Two) Dr. Kevin Skinner MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW Dr. Karen Strange Chris Christiano Jennifer Johnson Books & Metaphors Referenced Beauty for Ashes (Biblical concept/book title referenced for meaning-making and growth after loss) Resilience research by Dr. Al Siebert (resilient mindset and “both/and” healing framework)

    23 min
  8. 12/30/2025

    When Self-Betrayal Hurts Most: Relearning to Trust Your Inner Voice After Sexual Betrayal (Season 1: Episode #12)

    When Self-Betrayal Hurts Most: Relearning to Trust Your Inner Voice After Sexual Betrayal Episode Summary In this powerful episode of Rise: Hope & Healing After Sexual Betrayal, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis explore one of the most painful and complex layers of betrayal—self-betrayal. While a partner’s betrayal is deeply damaging, many betrayed partners describe an even more devastating wound: the moment they realize they stopped trusting themselves. We discuss the internal collapse that occurs when you silence your instincts, override your intuition, and ignore what your body and emotions tried to tell you. This creates deep internal chaos, confusion, and shame—because when you can’t trust yourself, where do you turn? This conversation also explores the importance of reconnecting with your values, intuition, emotional truth, and a personal Bill of Rights. We talk about why so many partners abandon themselves in the name of survival, loyalty, fear, or hope—and most importantly, how to gently rebuild self-trust, re-align with your inner wisdom, and begin living congruently again as you move into stabilization and deeper recovery. Resources Mentioned / Recommended Book: Treating Trauma from Sexual Betrayal — Dr. Kevin Skinner Concept Guide: Creating a Personal Bill of Rights After Betrayal Examples may include: “I have the right to trust my intuition.” “I have the right to emotional and physical safety.” “I have the right to ask questions and receive truthful answers.” Support & Education Rise Podcast & Healing Resources at HumanIntimacy.com Human Intimacy 100-Day Healing Programs & Courses Helpful Therapeutic Approaches Trauma-informed therapy / CSAT or CPTT clinicians Somatic and body-based healing approaches Boundary and values clarification work You’re Invited — Human Intimacy Conference If you’re looking for deeper healing, education, community, and hope, we invite you to join us at the upcoming Human Intimacy Conference. This powerful event brings together leading experts in betrayal trauma, recovery, and relationship healing—offering tools, insight, and connection to support your journey. 👉 Register here: https://humanintimacy.zohobackstage.com/HumanIntimacy2ndAnnualConference#/

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Rise is a podcast for anyone navigating the devastating impact of sexual betrayal. Season one, hosted by Dr. Kevin Skinner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, alongside MaryAnn Michaelis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, brings together over 50 years of combined professional and personal experience to offer hope, direction, and healing. Season two, hosted by MaryAnn Michaelis features weekly conversations with leading betrayal trauma experts exploring personal and clinical experience and observations, tools and resources for stabilizing, then thriving in post traumatic betrayal growth.   Each episode blends research, clinical expertise, and real-life experience to address the most pressing questions betrayed partners face: Am I going to be okay? Why does my mind keep racing? Can I ever trust again? How do I make sense of the shattering that just happened? Listeners will gain: Validation that what they’re experiencing is real and normal. Practical tools like grounding techniques and emotional regulation exercises. Research-backed insights from studies with thousands of betrayed partners. Guidance for couples seeking to rebuild trust and safety after betrayal. Hope-filled stories that remind you healing is possible—one step, one breath at a time. Whether you’ve just discovered betrayal or are months or years into your healing journey, Rise offers a safe place to learn, reflect, and gather the tools needed to rebuild your life and reclaim your sense of self. To learn more and access additional resources, visit humanintimacy.com/reclaim.

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