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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)