Healing from Sexual Trauma and Coercive Control in Relationships

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, Dr. Steven Cervantes and I explore the lifelong mission of personal growth, blending both spiritual and emotional development. We discuss how a vibrant relationship with God brings peace, rest, and joy, and why emotional health is just as vital as spiritual growth. Together, we unpack the impact of childhood wounds, the roles we play to cope, and the importance of self-care. Our conversation is honest and encouraging, inviting you to embrace growth as a lifelong journey marked by grace, healing, and authentic connection with God and others.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: Exploration of the concept of "mission" in personal growth, integrating spiritual and emotional development.Importance of a relational connection with God over rigid religious structures.Challenges of maintaining spiritual and emotional health and their interconnectedness.The impact of loneliness in modern society and the role of faith communities in fostering connection.Definition of a spiritual mission rooted in faith, teachings of Jesus, and community participation.Recognition of emotional struggles that can undermine spiritual commitments.The idea of a "growth mission" as a continuous journey rather than a fixed goal.Discussion of emotional wounds from childhood and their impact on present life.Examination of coping mechanisms and roles that may hinder genuine emotional growth.Emphasis on the importance of self-love and care as foundational to loving others and spiritual growth.More Resources:49 Days of Growth: Growing in Emotional Skills* by Dr. Stephen CervantesGateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive WorkshopGrace-Based Recovery Online Study GroupsRelated Podcasts:What Can Stunt Your Emotional Growth Mission?Why Must I Learn Me?Men's Emotional Self-Awareness Test*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed therapist and author, to talk about her book Body and Soul, Healed and Whole. Tabitha shares her personal journey as a survivor and her passion for helping others heal from trauma, abuse, and coercive control. We explore the impact of purity culture, misconceptions about abuse, and the importance of safety and healthy boundaries. Tabitha offers practical wisdom for individuals and churches, encouraging honest conversations and compassionate support for survivors seeking healing and wholeness.To learn more about Tabitha, her counseling resources, and book, visit TabithaWestbrook.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Exploration of healthy sexuality after trauma and abusePersonal experiences of survivors and their healing journeysDiscussion of complex trauma, domestic abuse, and coercive controlImpact of purity culture on men and women within the churchNuances of female sexual brokenness and addictionDefinition and implications of coercive control in relationshipsMisconceptions about abuse and the ineffectiveness of common responsesImportance of prioritizing victim safety over preserving marriagesNeed for church education and accountability programs for abusersEmphasis on holistic healing that integrates body and soul in recovery processesMore Resources:Body & Soul, Healed & Whole* by Tabitha WestbrookWives Care Online GroupsStrong Like Water* by Aundi KolberRelated Podcasts:Help and Hope for Women to Heal from Sexual AbuseThe Need for Safety in Betrayal Trauma HealingThe Need for Boundaries After Betrayal*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes, to explore the journey of online accountability and recovery from pornography. Sam shares how Covenant Eyes has evolved over 25 years, shifting from simple filtering to a relational, ally-based approach. We then dive into CovenantEyes’ Victory app and its features, including emotional check-ins, family management, and supportive courses for men, women, and parents. Sam also announces a special book giveaway and encourages listeners to take the next step toward freedom with these practical, faith-based resources.To get access to all of CovenantEyes’ resources, visit CovenantEyes.com. (And use code bebroken to try out their services free for 30 days.)FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!Sam agree to give away 10 FREE copies of his book, The Healing Church. To get your free copy, send an email to [email protected] and put "FREE Healing Church Book" in the subject line. First 10 respondents will get a free copy.Topics Covered in this Episode: History and mission of Covenant Eyes, focusing on relational accountability.Evolution of terminology from "accountability" to "ally" to foster supportive relationships.Development and features of the Victory app as a companion tool for recovery.Importance of educational resources and community support in overcoming pornography addiction.Challenges faced in app development, including technological and platform guidelines.Overview of the app's functionality, including accountability reports and communication features.Accessibility of the Victory app for both men and women, addressing diverse needs.Introduction of new features like the check-in process for emotional monitoring and progress tracking.Emphasis on viewing relapses as learning opportunities rather than failures.Availability of additional resources, such as the Strive 21 program and the book The Healing Church.More Resources:Victory App by CovenantEyesSTRIVE: 21-Day Porn DetoxFind a Support GroupRelated Podcasts:Porn, Technology, and Self-ControlHow Group Work Will Transform Your Recovery JourneyBeyond the Porn Phenomenon: Barna Group Research on Porn Use----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, we welcome back Lyschel Burket, Executive Director of Hope Redefined, a ministry for wives facing sexual betrayal trauma. Lyschel shares updates about her work, including a new 45-week healing curriculum, and then we dive deep into the complexities of betrayal trauma, misplaced hope, and the journey toward true healing. Lyschel offers wisdom from her own story, emphasizing the importance of finding safety, authentic community, and hope in Christ—not just in a spouse’s recovery. It’s an insightful, practical conversation for anyone seeking restoration after deep relational wounds.To learn more about Lyschel and her ministry resources, visit HopeRedefined.org.Topics Covered in this Episode: Discussion of sexual betrayal trauma and its impact on wives and women.Introduction of the "Abiding in Hope" curriculum aimed at supporting healing in community.Definition and exploration of betrayal trauma, particularly in the context of marriage.Examination of the complexities of trust and the challenges faced in the healing process.Analysis of misplaced hope in husbands' recovery and the implications for personal healing.Identification of common coping mechanisms and responses to betrayal trauma.Emphasis on the importance of establishing safety and stabilization as foundational for healing.Insights on the role of community in the healing journey and the need for authenticity.Practical steps for women to rebuild their relationship with God and redefine hope.Encouragement for women to embrace their healing journey and recognize progress over time.More Resources:Finding Hope Support GroupAbiding in Hope Online GroupWives Care Online GroupsRelated Podcasts:Hope After BetrayalLiminal Space: Helping Wives Transition from Betrayal to HopeThe Need for Boundaries After Betrayal----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes joins me in our brand-new studio to discuss how couples get stuck in emotional cycles of conflict, drawing on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy. We explore how triggers, core fears, and attachment styles—like the classic pursuer and withdrawer dynamic—shape our reactions and create distance in marriage. Together, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, grace, and integrating emotional and spiritual growth to break these patterns and build deeper connections. We also highlight the 5 stages that happen in conflict, which are: TriggerBody symptomEmotional responseBelief responseActionThis is an insightful, practical conversation for anyone wanting healthier, more loving relationships.For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of relationship conflict and emotional loops based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).Exploration of emotional responses and core fears that contribute to conflict in marriages.Explanation of the cycle of triggering events, body responses, emotional reactions, beliefs, and final actions in relationships.The impact of attachment theory on adult relationships and the dynamics of pursuer and withdrawer roles.Importance of self-awareness and understanding personal emotional patterns to break cycles of conflict.The connection between emotional understanding and spiritual growth, emphasizing grace in relationships.Encouragement for couples to create new patterns of connection and support each other.Closing thoughts on the significance of building a strong, loving attachment in relationships.More Resources:Hold Me Tight* by Dr. Sue JohnsonFind a CounselorUnderstanding Emotionally Focused TherapyRelated Podcasts:Conflict Management for Marriages Healing from BetrayalThe Harms of Negative TalkingAssumptions vs. Communication: The Battle for Relational Harmony*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome my friend and colleague, Dr. Stephen Cervantes, to our cozy new “barn office” studio for a real and raw conversation about breaking old, harmful habits—especially those rooted in childhood. Together, we explore how these habits form as coping mechanisms, the emotional battles involved in letting them go, and the importance of kindness toward our younger selves. We discuss faith, the power of emotional connection, and practical steps for real change. Our desire is to help men grow in integrity and relationships. So, we invite you to join us as we encourage each other to pursue healthier, more loving ways of living.For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of old and potentially harmful habits developed from childhood experiences.Exploration of habits as coping mechanisms for emotional and relational challenges.The emotional impact of habits on personal growth and relationships.The importance of self-compassion and kindness towards one's younger self.The struggle involved in breaking free from ingrained habits.The role of fear and survival in the formation of bad habits.The necessity of replacing bad habits with healthier alternatives.The significance of emotional connection and reciprocity in relationships.The influence of community and shared experiences in overcoming bad habits.Resources for personal growth and emotional development, particularly for men.More Resources:Men's Integrity Webinar (free)Critical Conversations online course (free)40 Days of Purity for MenRelated Podcasts:Breaking Free from Your Secret HabitReplacing Escaping and Hiding with Healthy Thoughts and BehaviorsBreaking Free with Russell Willingham----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In today’s episode, I chat with Trevor Hanson, a coach and founder of The Art of Healing. He teaches relationship and attachment skills through the Secure Self Club. Trevor opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his own struggles inspired his work. We discuss the origins and fluidity of attachment styles, practical steps to move from anxious to secure attachment, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Trevor introduces his TEMPO framework and offers resources to help you take your next step toward secure attachments. I found it to be an insightful, encouraging conversation for anyone wanting to better understand themselves and build healthier relationships.To learn more about Trevor and his resources, visit TheArtofHealingbyTrevor.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Personal journey of Trevor with anxious attachmentInfluence of attachment styles on relationshipsOverview of different attachment styles and their originsImportance of understanding attachment dynamics in personal developmentFluidity of attachment styles and the potential for changeSigns and symptoms of anxious attachmentThe cycle of anxious attachment and its impact on behaviorStrategies for moving from anxious to secure attachmentThe role of emotional experiences in healing attachment issuesResources and support for individuals seeking to address attachment-related challengesMore Resources:From Anxious to Secure (free seminar)Sex and Anxiety (online course)Know Your Boundaries (free workshop)Related Podcasts:Understanding Your "Flipped Out" BrainMoving from Being Fear-Driven to Love-DrivenHow Early Development Trauma Shapes Addiction and Recovery----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, we have back with us on the program Dr. Eddie Capparucci, counselor and co-author of Going Deeper for the Betrayed Partner.* Our topic of conversation is to explore the journey of healing from betrayal trauma, especially for women who have experienced infidelity. Dr. Eddie shares his unique inner child model, helping us understand how past wounds shape our emotional responses today. Together, we discuss practical tools for managing difficult feelings, the importance of self-compassion, and how both partners can support each other on the path to recovery. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation about reclaiming your sense of self and finding healing after deep hurt.For more information about Dr. Eddie and his resources, visit AbundantLifeCounselingGA.com or search for “Going Deeper books” on Amazon.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Definition and significance of betrayal trauma, particularly in marital relationships.The emotional impact of infidelity on individuals, especially women.Introduction and explanation of the inner child model as a therapeutic approach.The connection between unresolved childhood wounds and adult emotional responses.Differentiation between sexual betrayal and other forms of betrayal (e.g., financial, emotional).The importance of recognizing and nurturing the inner child for healing.Strategies for managing emotions and shifting from emotional responses to rational thinking.Addressing common objections and validating emotions while assessing their accuracy.Encouragement for both partners in a relationship affected by betrayal to support each other.Resources and tools for further exploration of betrayal trauma and inner child work.More Resources:Going Deeper for the Betrayed Partner*Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction*Wives Care Online GroupsRelated Podcasts:Emotional Transformation Therapy for Betrayed WivesBetrayal Trauma Healing (PSR Podcast Bundle)Helping a Wife Heal*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with one of our favorite guests, Cat Etherington from the Naked Truth Project to explore how early developmental trauma shapes addiction and relationships. Cat shares her personal recovery story and explains how childhood experiences—both big and small—can impact our sense of self and coping strategies. We discuss the importance of understanding both our emotional memories and objective truths, and why healing means digging deep into our pasts. Together, we encourage listeners to move beyond blame and embrace the journey toward genuine healing and freedom.Visit NakedTruthProject.com for resources from Cat and her team.Topics Covered in this Episode:Impact of early developmental trauma on addiction and relationshipsDefinition and categorization of developmental trauma: "big T" and "little t" traumasCoping mechanisms developed in response to unresolved traumaConnection between developmental trauma and addiction behaviorsImportance of identity formation in recovery from addictionNavigating subjective versus objective realities in parenting and child developmentThe role of emotional experiences in shaping self-perception and behaviorHealing processes involving revisiting childhood experiences and narrativesMoving beyond blame to understand personal experiences and emotionsEncouragement for confronting past traumas as a pathway to healing and recoveryMore Resources:Find a CounselorIntensive for MenIntensive for WomenRelated Podcasts:The Interplay of Body, Mind, and Spirit in Porn Addiction RecoveryAddressing Childhood Trauma in MenThe Immanuel Approach in Recovery----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Carol Tanksley to explore the true meaning of intimacy—beyond just sexuality. Dr. Carol shares updates about her ministry’s amazing new space for healing and intensives, called Transformation Place. In our conversation, we discuss the universal need for connection with God and others. Dr. Carol offers practical steps for building deeper relationships, overcoming fear and shame, and embracing vulnerability. We also highlight several resources for anyone seeking healing from sexual brokenness. To check out some of these resources from Carol, visit DrCarolMinistries.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Exploration of the significance of intimacy in human relationships.Discussion on the connection between intimacy, sexuality, and sexual brokenness.Updates on Dr. Tankersley's ministry and the establishment of a new physical space for events.Definition of intimacy as "seeing and being seen, knowing and being known."Importance of relational intimacy beyond sexual intimacy.Identification of common obstacles to experiencing true intimacy, such as shame and emotional walls.Practical steps for cultivating intimacy with God and others.Emphasis on the value of vulnerability and authenticity in relationships.Discussion of non-sexual aspects of intimacy, including sensory experiences and physical touch.Resources and tools for further support in the journey toward intimacy and healing.More Resources:A 5-Step Prescription for Sexual Healing - God's WayOnline Sexpectations CourseIn-Person Small Group IntensivesRelated Podcasts:Exploring the Heart of Sexuality with Dr. Carol TanksleyWhat Are Your Sexpectations?What is Oneness and Why Does It Matter in Your Life?----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.