Betrayal Recovery Radio: The Official Podcast of APSATS

What happens when one research study challenges an entire field? In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio , Dr. Jake Porter sits down with Barb Steffens, founding president of APSATS, to discuss the origins of betrayal trauma treatment and the research that helped transform how betrayed partners are understood and supported. Barb shares the story behind her groundbreaking doctoral research, whic...

Empathy is often praised as the key to connection—but why does it sometimes fail? This episode introduces a more nuanced and multidimensional understanding of empathy—one that distinguishes between knowing, feeling, and responding. Drawing from research, clinical insight, and real-world examples, the conversation examines how empathy can succeed, where it often breaks down, and how a deeper unders...

What happens when betrayal is no longer just about safety, but about justice? In this episode, Dr. Jake Porter sits down with Janice Caudill and Dorit Reichental to explore post-traumatic embitterment and why some betrayed partners feel stuck long after the initial trauma. They unpack the difference between fear-based trauma and injustice-based suffering, and why traditional healing approaches som...

In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter and Elia Markham discuss the complexities of betrayal, particularly focusing on its impact on adolescents. Elia shares her personal experiences with betrayal and how it shaped her understanding as both a coach and a parent. The conversation delves into the emotional turmoil faced by teens in high-conflict family situations, the importance...

In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter and Kim Hansen Petroni discuss the concept of 'Not a Casserole Widow,' exploring the unique challenges faced by women navigating divorce and betrayal. They delve into the emotional complexities of disenfranchised grief, the disorienting experience of the court system, and the importance of support systems. Kim shares insights from...

In this episode, I talk with Jeanne Vattuone and Tim Stein about their new book Finding the Way Through. We explore how recovery from sexual addiction must include partner sensitivity from the very beginning, not just to support the partner, but to build empathy and relational integrity in the addict. We also talk about their “fence” metaphor, how couples can heal while staying differentiated, and...

In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter and Carol Sheets discuss the complexities of infidelity and its distinction from compulsive sexual behavior. They explore the emotional impact of betrayal on relationships, the importance of rebuilding trust and values, and the role of empathy in the healing process. The conversation also delves into post-traumatic growth, emphasizing how...

In this episode of the Betrayal Recovery Radio podcast, Dr. Jake Porter speaks with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. They discuss the importance of understanding the body in the healing process, the impact of trauma, and how to listen to one's body. Tabitha shares insights on navig...

In this conversation, Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck discusses her book 'Betrayal, Trauma, Anger' with Dr. Jake Porter, focusing on the complex emotions surrounding betrayal trauma, particularly anger. They explore the unique nature of anger in betrayal situations, the impact of betrayal blindness and gaslighting, and the seven phases of managing anger. The discussion emphasizes the importance of...

In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter interviews Jill Pool, a certified professional coach, about the complexities of emotional betrayal. They explore the definitions, dimensions, and impacts of emotional betrayal, including emotional neglect and the nuances of emotional affairs. Jill shares her insights on the importance of clear communication and understanding in relationsh...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter is joined by returning guest Andrea Rogers for a conversation that is as historic as it is healing. Andrea makes a major announcement: the official launch of Intimate Partner Betrayal Awareness Day, a day dedicated to honoring the voices and validating the experiences of those impacted by intimate partner betrayal....

This episode tackles a tricky and often painful topic—one that leaves many couples feeling stuck: how to navigate attraction after betrayal. When trust has been shattered by infidelity, even something as seemingly harmless as noticing an attractive person can feel threatening. In this conversation, Jake Porter and Karla Summey unpack the difference between noticing and objectifying, examine the in...

In part 2 of this talk, Maddie Corman joins Dr. Jake Porter and APSATS President, Jeanne Vattuone, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about her one-woman play-turned-film Accidentally Brave, which chronicles her experience of navigating the fallout of her husband’s public betrayal. Maddie shares the story behind the creation of the play, the emotional and relational aftermath of disclosu...

In this episode, Maddie Corman joins Dr. Jake Porter and APSATS President, Jeanne Vattuone, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about her one-woman play-turned-film Accidentally Brave, which chronicles her experience of navigating the fallout of her husband’s public betrayal. Maddie shares the story behind the creation of the play, the emotional and relational aftermath of disclosure, and...

In a world where trust can be a fragile commodity, betrayed partners find themselves at a crossroads. Confronted with the painful aftermath of betrayal, many feel stuck and confused. They don’t want to be defined by betrayal but feel traumatized, confused and isolated. In Betrayal Trauma recover they embark on a courageous journey to break free from the shackles of hurt and deceit. Through resilie...

In PART 2 of this two-part episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter is joined by Pam Blizzard and Steph Farnsworth to tackle one of the most frustrating challenges for betrayed partners: when the betraying partner isn’t doing the work. Together, they explore the emotional urgency of healing, the disconnect between partners' expectations, and the deeper psychological dynamics at play...

In this two-part episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio, Dr. Jake Porter is joined by Pam Blizzard and Steph Farnsworth to tackle one of the most frustrating challenges for betrayed partners: when the betraying partner isn’t doing the work. Together, they explore the emotional urgency of healing, the disconnect between partners' expectations, and the deeper psychological dynamics at play. They dis...

Welcome to Betrayal Recovery Radio. I’m Dr. Jake Porter, and today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the authors of Building True Intimacy, a powerful book that lays out a roadmap for restoring relationships after betrayal. In this episode, we dive into the journey of moving from devastation to a thriving partnership, and how to develop the "Intimacy Pyramid" as a practical tool for healing....

Welcome to Betrayal Recovery Radio. I’m Dr. Jake Porter, and today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the authors of Building True Intimacy, a powerful book that lays out a roadmap for restoring relationships after betrayal. In this episode, we dive into the journey of moving from devastation to a thriving partnership, and how to develop the "Intimacy Pyramid" as a practical tool for healing....

No one wants to prepare for a storm or consider the necessary steps to get to safety. Yet most would say they have a fire escape plan in their home for such an emergency. Most couples solely rely on the betraying partner’s relapse plan to find stabilization and repair. In the interview with Lyschel Burket, she invites betrayed partners to consider a plan for themselves in the aftermath of a slip o...

In this conversation, Jake Porter and Alana Gordon delve into the complex topic of consent, particularly in the context of betrayal trauma and sexual addiction. They explore the foundational aspects of consent, its importance in healthy relationships, and the challenges faced by individuals in understanding and practicing it. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear communication, enthusiastic...

Adam Nisenson, known as the Betrayal Shrink, combines his extensive clinical skills with a deeply empathetic heart in his role as a Betrayal Trauma Coach. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Adam is dedicated to guiding men through the complex emotions and challenges of betrayal trauma. His methodology is deeply influenced by his intimate grasp of the...

Healing a relationship that is impacting by addiction, adultery, and betrayal requires hope. Many couples find themselves feeling hopeless after discovery and struggle to imagining having hope again. Hope is an anchor that keeps us grounded in our values and reality. This empowering discussion will offer tools on how to cultivate hope and build strength amidst the recovery journey. Andrea Rogers i...

Cat Etherington is the Director of Recovery for Naked Truth Project, an international ministry opening eyes and freeing lives from the damaging impacts of pornography and other problematic sexual behaviors. Cat is a certified professional life coach and integrative therapist, working with individuals and couples impacted by problematic sexual behavior and betrayal. The first ever European practiti...

In this episode of *Betrayal Recovery Radio*, Dr. Jake Porter hosts a discussion with Pam Blizzard and Steph Farnsworth, exploring the complex layers of relational abuse within the context of betrayal trauma. They define relational abuse as a covert, disempowering experience, highlighting how behaviors like gaslighting and manipulation compound the pain of betrayal, creating a "double abuse" effec...