

Your Secret Is Safe With Me
Dr. Marie Murphy
Dr. Marie Murphy talks about infidelity and other challenging relationship situations from a non-judgmental perspective. She shares practical tools and advice from her own coaching practice to help you make changes in your love life, and interviews professionals with complementary expertise, such as family law attorneys, mediators, non-violent communication specialists, and more. In addition, Marie discusses the social and historical context of romantic relationships to provide perspective on our taken-for-granted assumptions about how relationships are supposed to be. To learn more, visit mariemurphyphd.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2024 • 42min
200. Nostalgia
This milestone discussion weaves nostalgia into the fabric of relationships, questioning whether they still feel like home. Heartfelt reflections on beloved places like Yosemite Valley reveal how our identities evolve and impact our sense of belonging. The tension between longing for the past and embracing change is explored, especially when considering infidelity. Listeners are encouraged to redefine what home means to them, navigating the bittersweet nature of nostalgia while remaining open to new beginnings.

Sep 26, 2024 • 34min
199. You Are Worthy of Acceptance
No matter what you've done or are doing in regards to your infidelity situation, you are worthy of acceptance, love, and respect. As you'll hear in this episode, I explore the idea that there ARE people out there who will understand and accept you, even if they know all the details of your infidelity. While it may seem like everyone would judge and shun you, that simply isn't true. I also answer a question from a listener about their specific infidelity situation, which will offer valuable perspective to anybody engaging in something they consider infidelity, or dealing with the aftermath of an affair ending. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://mariemurphyphd.com/199

Sep 12, 2024 • 31min
198. What Do You Owe Your Ex-Affair Partner's Spouse?
What do you do if your ex-affair partner's spouse wants to talk to you about the affair? Do you owe them an apology or explanation? Is there actually anything you can say to make this person feel any better? In this episode, I explore the tricky question of what, if anything, you might want to offer the partner of someone you had an affair with. I discuss how to set boundaries that align with your values, share strategies for engaging in difficult conversations, and you'll learn how to decide exactly what will work best for you if you find yourself in this scenario. Get full show notes and more information here: https://mariemurphyphd.com/198

Aug 29, 2024 • 38min
197. Affairs with Old Lovers
Have you ever reconnected with a former flame and found yourself in an affair, wondering if this is your second chance at true love? When people are engaging in affairs with someone they've been involved with in the past, they tend to see these relationships as an incredibly high-stakes situation. Tune in this week to look at some of the major challenges of engaging in affairs with old lovers, how you might be inadvertently creating unnecessary drama through the way you think about this relationship, and what you can do about it. Even if you aren't having an affair with a long-lost former lover, you'll be able to see this human tendency to overcomplicate relationships of all kinds laid bare, so you can stop self-inflicted torture in your romantic life. Get full show notes and more information here: https://mariemurphyphd.com/197

Aug 15, 2024 • 42min
196. What Are You Tolerating?
Are you putting up with things you should be changing? This discussion dives into redefining tolerances in relationships, especially during tough times like infidelity. Misconceptions about partner expectations are challenged, promoting personal happiness through clear communication. The importance of acknowledging feelings of dislike is emphasized for empowered decision-making. It's all about asserting your preferences and taking action for a more fulfilling life!

4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 57min
195. Affair Relationships Can Last a Lifetime
Can relationships born from affairs truly thrive? This discussion dismantles the stereotype that they’re doomed to fail. Listeners explore the emotional dynamics that challenge misconceptions and discover the potential for lasting love. Personal agency takes center stage as the conversation tackles research biases and the unique journeys couples navigate. It also addresses the delicate balance of rebuilding trust after infidelity, emphasizing the necessity of clear boundaries and communication for lasting happiness.

4 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 48min
194. Dealing With Doubt
This podcast explores dealing with doubt in infidelity situations, decision-making processes, and the impact of thoughts on creating doubt. Learn how to navigate doubt, manage uncertainties, and make decisions that feel right for you.

12 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 45min
193. What Do You Owe a Relationship Before You Can Decide to Leave It?
Delve into the complexities of feeling indebted in a relationship. Understand the importance of defining your obligations. Explore the significance of personal and partner commitments. Learn about navigating relationship decisions and making active choices.

Jun 20, 2024 • 40min
192. When Will I Stop Fantasizing About My Ex-Affair Partner?
Do you ever find yourself fantasizing about your ex-affair partner? Do you torture yourself reminiscing on the wonderful times you shared, and the amazing memories you hold with them, even though the infidelity situation has since come to an end? Discover the reasons you might still be fantasizing about your ex-affair partner, and how to start to ease your way out of this if you really do want to relegate your memories to the compost bin of history. I share some tips to help you take action that is right for you the next time you notice yourself thinking about your ex-affair partner and the three choices you always have available to you when it comes to fantasizing about your ex-affair partner. Get full show notes and more information here: https://mariemurphyphd.com/192

12 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 44min
191. Are You Just Having a Midlife Crisis?
Exploring the concept of midlife crisis and infidelity, challenging societal perceptions. Embracing personal growth and change, advocating for honesty and self-reflection for fulfillment. Addressing dissatisfaction in marriages, advocating for authenticity and making significant life changes.


