Betrayal Trauma | Understanding Anger, Healing & Trust with Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck

Anger after betrayal can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even “out of character.” In this episode of Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships, Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck joins Dan Drake, Jeanne Vattoune, Tim Stein and Wendy Conquest to break down the reality of betrayal trauma anger, why it shows up, how it unfolds over time, and what tools can help process it. Whether someone is facing infidelity, broken trust, or betrayal in relationships, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and practical guidance for navigating one of the most difficult emotions in healing. 👉 If you’ve ever felt like your anger after betrayal makes you “crazy,” this discussion will remind you: you’re not crazy, you’re angry, and you should be. The key is learning how to process it with compassion and strength. Check out Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck's Protocol :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xnd6B_SJdpqTcg5zsZF_OLV502MHprmC/view?usp=drive_link and her website: https://crystalhollenbeck.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on betrayal trauma, sex addiction recovery, and relationship healing. #BetrayalTrauma #AngerAfterInfidelity #RelationshipHealing #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #CouplesRecovery #InfidelityHealing #Cheating #Rage

When betrayal is discovered, anger can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships, we sit down with Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck to explore how betrayal trauma anger shows up both immediately and over time. Dr. Hollenbeck explains why betrayed partners often experience anger in waves as more consequences and realizations surface, not only at discovery, but months or even years later. This conversation validates the deep emotional impact betrayal has on both sides of the relationship and offers tools for navigating anger without shame. 👉 If someone is a betrayed partner, a betrayer, or supporting others through betrayal trauma, this episode will give them clarity, hope, and strategies to move forward. Check out Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck's Protocol :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xnd6B_SJdpqTcg5zsZF_OLV502MHprmC/view?usp=drive_link and her website: https://crystalhollenbeck.com/ #BetrayalTrauma #AngerRecovery #RelationshipHealing #SexAddictionRecovery #EmotionalHealing #TraumaAwareness #HealingTogether #CouplesHealing

In this upcoming episode of Conversations on Sex Addiction and Relationships, the team explores how betrayal trauma extends beyond sexual infidelity with Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck. While sexual betrayal is often the most visible form of hurt, many partners experience deep wounds from emotional betrayal, financial secrecy, or broken trust from friends, family, and community members. Crystal shares insights from her research and introduces the CALMING Model, a seven-phase approach to processing anger and navigating the chaos of betrayal. Wondering why betrayal hurts so deeply? This conversation explains why and offers compassion, clarity, and practical tools for moving forward. 👉 What betrayal feels hardest to heal from: emotional, sexual, or financial? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Check out Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck's Protocol :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xnd6B_SJdpqTcg5zsZF_OLV502MHprmC/view?usp=drive_link and her website: https://crystalhollenbeck.com/

In this episode of Conversations on Sex Addiction and Relationships: Partner Wants to Have Sex and Sex Addict Doesn't We explore the painful dynamics of betrayal trauma, intimacy anorexia, avoidance, childhood wounds, entitlement, and fear that often lie at the heart of these behaviors. 👉 Whether you are navigating betrayal, supporting someone in recovery, or simply curious about intimacy dynamics, this discussion provides valuable insights into the complexity of sex addiction, emotional avoidance, and relationship repair. Have a question for the team? Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the complex impact of sex addiction on relationships, focusing on the grief, loss, and emotional struggles faced by betrayed partners. Unlike addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs, sexual betrayal carries unique challenges, affecting both the addict and their partner on deeply personal levels. We discuss: Understanding the addict’s unconscious drives and needs The partner’s journey through grief, anger, and healing How empathy and deconstructing behavior can aid recovery Resources like Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and sexual anorexia support groups The delicate process of navigating emotional and sexual boundaries in a relationship If you or someone you know is dealing with betrayal trauma, sex addiction, or sexual anorexia, this discussion offers guidance, resources, and insights to begin the healing process. 💬 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — your story may help someone else on their healing journey.

In this episode, we dive into a listener question about a sex addict who withholds intimacy while engaging sexually with others. Many partners struggle with betrayal, confusion, and grief when their spouse avoids connection at home but seeks it elsewhere. We explore the concept of intimacy anorexia, why addicts withdraw sexually, and what it might mean for the future of a marriage. Our discussion covers: Recognizing patterns of sexual avoidance and betrayal Understanding the emotional impact on the betrayed partner How to approach healing and communication in complex relationships The psychology behind why some partners “play married” instead of fully engaging If you’ve ever felt sexless in your marriage, betrayed, or just confused about your partner’s behavior, this conversation is for you. 💡 Take action: If this topic resonates, subscribe for more discussions on marriage, intimacy, and relationship healing. Share your thoughts in the comments—your story may help someone else feel seen.

In this episode, the Conversations team explore why some individuals seek emotional or physical validation outside their intimate relationships. Often, it’s not about sex but about fear, trauma, or unmet emotional needs in the primary relationship. They discuss how past experiences, including childhood trauma and early relationship patterns, can create unconscious behaviors that affect trust and intimacy in adult relationships. Viewers will learn about: How fear and avoidance shape relationship behaviors The role of childhood experiences in adult connection patterns Emotional vs. physical fulfillment in relationships Common patterns when relationships become more intimate or face life transitions, like having a first child Understanding these patterns can help individuals navigate relationships more consciously, foster deeper connections, and address unresolved fears and trauma. 💬 Join the conversation: What patterns have you noticed in relationships around trust and connection?

What happens when a betrayed partner feels invalidated, not only by the one who hurt them, but also by a professional who should be offering support? In this conversation, experts discuss how the way a question is worded can shift the entire meaning, and how outdated therapeutic approaches may unintentionally cause harm. The discussion also highlights the painful reality for betrayed partners who often feel they must advocate for themselves—not just in the relationship, but even with the therapist. Key insights covered in this video: - Why wording and energy behind questions matter in recovery discussions - How betrayal trauma can be dismissed or minimized by outdated advice - The impact of therapists who are not trained in betrayal trauma modalities - Why betrayed partners often feel forced to advocate for themselves - How accountability, empathy, and updated research can change the healing process Healing from betrayal and addiction recovery requires more than surface-level advice. Both individuals deserve accurate support, empathy, and a pathway to rebuilding trust. Watch now to learn how professionals, partners, and those in recovery can work toward healthier, research-backed healing. #BetrayalTrauma #AddictionRecovery #RelationshipHealing #TraumaInformedCare #TherapistTraining #HealingJourney #AccountabilityInRecovery #TraumaHealing

What happens when a betrayed partner is told that their trauma is detrimental to an addict’s recovery? In this discussion, we unpack why this perspective is outdated, harmful, and rooted in misunderstanding. We explore the difference between sobriety and true recovery, how shame resiliency plays a role, and why betrayal trauma responses are valid—not intentional attempts to sabotage healing. Recovery requires accountability, empathy, and facing reality, not avoidance. Key insights in this video: - Why betrayal trauma is not detrimental, but a natural trauma response - The difference between recovery vs. sobriety in addiction healing - How shame resiliency supports accountability and growth - Why outdated therapeutic advice can harm both the addict and the betrayed partner - The importance of seeing trauma responses as unintentional, not blame-worthy Healing is not about avoiding the mirror that a partner holds up—it’s about learning to face it, accept responsibility, and build resilience. Both individuals deserve support and accurate, trauma-informed guidance to move toward real recovery. #BetrayalTrauma #AddictionRecovery #ShameResilience #TraumaHealing #SobrietyVsRecovery #RelationshipHealing #AccountabilityInRecovery #HealingJourney

In this episode, Tabitha Westbrook talks and sexual abuse within the church, childhood and with being married to a sex addict. She weaves neuroscience, embodiment, and story into her work with survivors of betrayal trauma and sexual harm. Tabitha shares why understanding your nervous system, connecting with your body, and reclaiming your voice are essential steps in the healing journey. This episode explores: - How trauma lives in the nervous system - The power of naming your story - Reclaiming pleasure and body connection after betrayal This conversation is especially powerful for survivors of betrayal trauma, therapists seeking integrative models, and anyone longing to feel safe in their body again. #TraumaHealing #NeuroscienceOfTrauma #BetrayalTrauma #TabithaWestbrook #StoryAndHealing #SomaticTherapy #ReligiousTrauma #ChristianTherapist #WomenHealing #EmbodiedHealing