After sexual betrayal, one of the most painful questions can become: Should I stay, or should I leave? What if there is no obvious right answer? And when divorce enters the conversation, the decision can feel overwhelming. Children, finances, family, faith, fear, hope, anger, trauma, and the possibility of your partner changing can all pull you in different directions. In this episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT, and Dr. Kevin Skinner, LMFT, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, take a compassionate, honest look at divorce after sexual betrayal—and how to make an informed decision about whether leaving is right for you. They explore why this decision is rarely as simple as “stay” or “go,” and why no one else can make it for you. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why sexual betrayal and infidelity are significant factors in many divorces The unique experience of being betrayed and divorced—and the gaps in support for this population Why deciding whether to leave may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make How friends, family, religious leaders, and even therapists can unintentionally influence your decision The difference between getting support and being told what you “should” do Why it is important to gather multiple data points before making a life-changing decision How children, finances, family systems, and the long-term impact of divorce complicate the decision The difference between hope, apathy, numbness, and feeling like the “light has gone out” Why watching your partner’s actions—not just their words—matters when evaluating recovery How boundaries can help you step out of helplessness and begin making decisions from a stronger place Why some people choose to stay while others choose divorce—and why neither decision should automatically be judged The importance of self-compassion when looking back at the choices you made at different points in your healing What support can look like during and after divorce The impact of divorce on children and family relationships across generations Why healing doesn't end when the divorce is final The importance of rebuilding your identity and remembering that your worth is not defined by whether you stay or leave When you’re stuck between staying and leaving One of the most powerful themes in this conversation is that you don't have to make your decision based solely on someone else's opinion. You may have people telling you to leave. You may have people telling you to stay. You may have a partner who promises to change. You may have children who make the decision feel impossible. You may have financial concerns that make leaving feel terrifying. And you may simply not know. Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of gathering information, seeking support, and paying attention to what is actually happening—not just what you hope will happen. Because ultimately, this is your life, your relationship, and your decision. If you're considering divorce after infidelity or sexual betrayal This episode is for you if you've found yourself asking: “Should I stay?” “Should I leave?” “Can I trust that my partner is really changing?” “What if I regret leaving?” “What if I regret staying?” “How do I know I'm making the right decision?” There may not be an easy answer. But there can be a more informed one. And wherever you are in that process, you deserve support—not judgment. Remember Whether you stay or leave, your worth does not change. Sexual betrayal may profoundly affect your relationship, your sense of safety, your identity, and your future—but it does not define your value as a person. You don't have to have everything figured out today. You can gather information. You can seek support. You can listen to yourself. And you can make the decision that is right for you. Related Resources Rebuild Your Life After Divorce - Online Course with Personalized Feedback and Assessments For additional support during the process of divorce and recovery, visit HumanIntimacy.com to access the Rise Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal Course, our Course on Boundaries, Communication, and resources to help repair and enhance your relationship. If you are newly discovering sexual betrayal, be sure to explore Season 1 of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, created specifically for those early days and weeks after discovery. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may be walking through sexual betrayal or considering divorce. No one should have to walk this path alone.