Helping Couples Heal Podcast

In this episode of the Helping Couples Heal, Marnie talks to Maddie Corman again about her journey through a public discovery, grief and betrayal trauma and her powerful film (just released on HBO), Accidentally Brave. In this conversation, Maddie shares more about life, healing and recovery where the film left off including the gifts and lessons she learned along the way. With honesty and humor, Maddie brings us with her as she continues to bring hope to those still in the depths of despair. Marnie and Maddie also announce their first professional collaboration, a women's empowerment retreat taking place March 14th - 16th in Temecula CA. (see below for details)Details:Intentionally Brave with Maddie & Marnie: A Healing & Empowerment Retreat for WomenLocation: Temecula, California (March 14 - 16, 2025)Join us for an intimate, transformative retreat designed for women on the path to healing from betrayal trauma. Co-facilitated by Maddie Corman, who courageously shared her story in Accidentally Brave, and Marnie Breecker, host of the Helping Couples Heal podcast and licensed therapist, this weekend offers a safe space for connection, self-discovery, and empowerment.What to Expect:Healing Group Sessions: Meaningful conversations and guidance designed to support your journey toward recovery and growth.Yoga & Meditation: Gentle, mindful practices to help you reconnect with your body and find inner peace.Sound Healing: Transformative sound experiences to release emotional blockages and restore balance.Delicious Meals: Enjoy nourishing, beautifully crafted meals prepared by our onsite chef.Supportive Community: Connect with a circle of women who understand your journey and are committed to healing and empowerment.Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or a way to reconnect with your authentic self, this retreat offers an opportunity to transform pain into empowerment.Space is Limited — Reserve Your Spot Today! Email maddieandmarnieretreats@gmail.comhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/maddie-corman-accidentally-brave-steven-soderbergh-max-1236120320/

Brett Rankin, son of betrayal trauma coaches Susan and Scott Rankin, shares his poignant journey after discovering his father's addiction at age 18. He reflects on the deep emotional turmoil of betrayal and the vital role of vulnerability in healing. Brett discusses the challenges of supporting his younger sister and navigating personal crises while managing college life. His candid insights highlight the complexities of family dynamics, emphasizing the transformative power of open communication and resilience in rebuilding trust.

Dr. Kevin Skinner, an expert on gaslighting and betrayal trauma, reveals the haunting effects of psychological abuse in relationships. He discusses how gaslighting can create barriers to healing and intimacy, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability. The conversation highlights the link between gaslighting and PTSD, and delves into the importance of vulnerability and empathy in rebuilding trust. With poignant insights and practical advice, Dr. Skinner guides listeners through the difficult but essential journey of confronting and healing from betrayal.

Jaclyn Schwartz, a licensed therapist and betrayal trauma expert, joins Marnie Breecker to delve into the life-changing effects of intensive workshops for couples dealing with betrayal. They discuss how these workshops foster a shared healing journey, the importance of community support, and the necessity of early intervention to avoid further trauma. They emphasize the significance of honest conversations and structured disclosure in rebuilding trust and intimacy, making a compelling case for overall healing.

In this episode, Mamie and Ilyse share the story behind the creation of the EmpowerHer course and the need for this for women staying in the relationship, leaving the relationship or are unsure and haven't made that decision yet. They discuss how the aftermath of betrayal throws women into a whirlwind of unfamiliar world of addiction, Infidelity, and recovery. This often leaves them feeling shattered, lost, and spending years of their lives navigating a world they never asked to be in.The EmpowerHer program shifts the focus Inward, creating a new conversation; one that prioritizes self-reconnection. It's about reclaiming her confidence, finding, and strengthening her voice, restoring her intuition while creating a vision for her life. This is a relationship program and empowers women to rebuild their lives from the Inside-cultivating a deeply connected and committed relationship with themselves.You will learn more about the EmpowerHer course and how to join-whether through self- study at your own pace or by participating in our 12-week group coaching program starting January 7, 2025 and connecting with a supportive community of women seeking clarity and a new, empowered narrative for their lives.

This week I decided to re-release an old podcast episode from 2019 when me and Duane first interviewed Dr. Omar Minwalla. Since the time of this interview, Dr. Minwalla has expanded his model to include terms such as compulsive entitled sexuality and integrity abuse and I decided to re-introduce this initial interview to provide some context and understanding of where we are now and how we got here. The model referred to in this episode is an integral part of the Helping Couples Heal poly-theoretical approach to treating betrayal trauma.

In this episode of the Helping Couples Heal podcast, Marnie and Ilyse dive into the profound impact betrayal has on self-trust, exploring how infidelity and sex addiction can leave betrayed partners questioning their intuition, worth, and decision-making abilities. Together, they unpack the ways betrayal damages one’s ability to trust oneself and share actionable steps towards empowerment and self-trust. With empathy and expertise, they offer a compassionate guide to help listeners reconnect with their inner strength, rebuild confidence, and find their way back to themselves. Whether you’re navigating betrayal personally or supporting someone who is, this episode provides invaluable tools for healing.

This week I decided to re-release an episode from April 2023 when Duane and I interviewed Ted Bunch, the COO and co-Founder of A Call to Men.Recently Helping Couples Heal has been focusing a great deal of attention on the topic of male socialization and male sexual entitlement. This interview with Ted provides an opportunity to further the conversation and facilitate a deep dive into the unhealthy psychology that fuels sex addiction and betrayal.

In this episode of the Helping Couples Heal podcast, Marnie talks about the importance of consistency in healing from betrayal. Marnie candidly and directly guides both betrayed partners and betrayers to develop an understanding of what consistently means in the context of betrayal and how the role consistently plays in helping couples heal.  

In our last episode, Marnie talked about how to move forward after betrayal with a partner who refuses to provide safety, reassurance, consistency and active participation in the healing process. In this episode of the Helping Couples Heal podcast, Marnie and Ilyse continue the conversation, this time turning the focus to the betraying partner. Just as the betrayed partner has important life altering decisions to make, so does the person who caused the relational destruction. These decisions must be navigated in the spirit of a fierce commitment to truth and reality, both elements which were non-existent for the betrayed partner prior to discovery.  While both partners have difficult decisions to make in the aftermath of betrayal, the discussion of the betraying partner in this context is often neglected or dismissed. In this candid discussion, Marnie and Ilyse explore some hard questions including how can the betrayer even consider leaving a relationship after years of betrayal and deception and under what circumstances could it be the kindest and most honoring of the betrayed partner to make the decision to leave.