Dealing with the Emotions of Sexual Betrayal
When betrayal breaks your heart, it’s easy to wonder if you were ever enough. But healing begins when you stop carrying shame that was never yours—and start expecting the redemption story only God can write.
What Happens After Separation?
After separating from domestic abuse, it is normal to feel and array of conflicting, emotions. Each stage of healing comes with its own challenges and experiences. Read more for examples of emotions you may encounter.
Attachment has a Role
There is a curious power to attachment theory and the role it plays in complicating trauma. I believe attachment issues underlie every psychological disorder and diagnosis. In my intro above, I started to write “…the role of attachment on psychological health.” But, it goes much deeper than that. I think it has a role is every aspect of our health – biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and relational.
What To Do When the Marriage Has to Change for You To Stay in it.
When things have gotten dire enough to seek help, it’s often hard to know what to count on from your spouse regarding the future of your relationship. You desperately want to plant your feet into something solid and reliable. Therefore, it makes complete sense that you’d want to know if the changes being made are “real.” So, how can you tell?
Staying Intentional When Your Spouse Walks Out
I think what I hear between the lines is the struggle between what you “should” do based on your Christian background and what your gut is telling you to do to protect yourself from being further hurt and move on with your life.
Chemistry is Not Connection
We enter relationships attracted by something—a look, a personality, a desire, an intrigue—without the skills to maturely relate. And without those skills and perspective, the chemistry easily explodes into chaos, confusion, and loneliness.
Healing Together
It is common for couples to remain in a relationship even when emotional abuse has been part of the picture. Even when the pressure of staying together is removed, she may still choose to stay for multiple layers of valid reasons. We need to create a road map to help them move toward healing together or, at least, help her detach from the abuse with good boundaries, strong character, and a safety plan to stay well.
Why Would I Want Them Back? Wrestling With Reconciliation After Deep Hurt
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why would I even want them back?” — you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong to ask it. This is one of the most common questions I hear, in some version, from almost everyone I work with who’s facing the possibility of reconciliation after real harm. The specifics vary. The question underneath doesn’t: What’s actually the point of staying open to someone who hurt me this deeply?