Helping Wives Navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster of Incomplete Recovery After Betrayal Trauma

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!

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In this episode, I welcome back Tammy Gustafson, a licensed counselor and betrayal trauma coach, to explore two really tough situations wives face after sexual betrayal: the “roommate scenario,” where the husband isn’t working on recovery, and “incomplete recovery,” where progress is inconsistent. 

Tammy shares heartfelt advice on setting boundaries, focusing on self-care, and shifting attention from the husband’s actions to the wife’s own healing. We discuss the importance of deep character change, not just behavior, and offer practical steps for finding support and reclaiming joy. 

If you can resonate with either (or both) of these scenarios, we want you to know that healing and thriving are possible, even in the midst of these challenging recovery circumstances.

To learn more about Tammy and her resources, visit BetrayalHealing.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Discussion of the "roommate scenario" where a wife remains in a marriage despite her husband's lack of commitment to recovery.
• Emotional challenges faced by wives in limbo due to financial dependence, children, or personal beliefs against divorce.
• Importance of establishing healthy boundaries and focusing on self-care for emotional well-being.
• The concept of "incomplete recovery," where the husband shows some effort but remains inconsistent, causing confusion and pain for the wife.
• The emotional toll of navigating uncertainty and mixed signals in the recovery process.
• Distinction between sobriety and deeper character transformation necessary for true healing.
• Encouragement for wives to set high expectations for their husband's recovery, looking for genuine changes in behavior and character.
• The role of curiosity and new language from husbands as indicators of real progress in recovery.
• Practical advice for wives on maintaining clarity, protecting their hearts, and seeking support from safe individuals.
• Resources and support available for women dealing with betrayal and navigating their healing journey.

More Resources:

• Betrayal Healing Coaching with Tammy
• Wives Care Groups for Betrayal Trauma Healing
• Basics Webinar for Wives

Related Podcasts:

• The Need for Safety in Betrayal Trauma Healing
• Identifying and Meeting Needs in a Betrayed Wife
• The Recovery Process for Couples

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