Come Closer, Go Away: Attachment and Self-Protection After Sexual Betrayal  with Michael & Kristin Cary- Part 2

Come Closer, Go Away: Attachment and Self-Protection After Sexual Betrayal with Michael & Kristin Cary- Part 2

Author: Living Truth Inc August 10, 2026 Duration: 46:38
Sometimes when the betrayer reaches for the spouse they betrayed it feels like pressure, not comfort. When she pulls away and he hears that as rejection, it can set off a cycle that pulls both further apart -- him bracing against the fear that he's losing her, her bracing against a nervous system that no longer feels safe near him.   In part one of this podcast series, we talked about why it is a normal reaction to the trauma of sexual betrayal for the betrayed partner to want closeness one moment and need distance the next.   In this episode, we go deeper into what that means for both partners, and what it actually looks like to take radical responsibility for our healing.   In this personal conversation about attachment and self-protection we share: How a betrayer's fear of their spouse's distance activates much younger places inside him How noticing a self-protective part in the middle of a hard conversation can change the trajectory of the conflict. Why curiosity and compassion, not explanation or defense, are what actually de-escalate conflict How to care for each other's young, tender places without taking responsibility for healing each other What it looks like when one spouse doing his or her own work creates enough safety for the other to do hers   This is a continuation of part one, but stands on its own if you're joining us here first. Learn more about our programs: https://living-truth.org   The Living Truth Podcast: Conversations that shed light on the deeper issues that unlock healing from porn addiction, sex addiction, and sexual betrayal. #LivingTruthPodcast #ChristianRecovery #FaithAndHealing #AddictionRecovery #MenInTheBattle #WomenInTheBattle #LivingTruth

Titled The Living Truth Podcast-Freedom From Unwanted Sexual Behavior, Hope & Healing For the Betrayed, this series from Living Truth Inc moves beyond surface-level advice to explore the complex roots of compulsive behavior. Each conversation carefully examines the emotional and spiritual underpinnings of addiction, offering a path forward that integrates faith, mental wellness, and practical health principles. Rather than offering simplistic solutions, the dialogue here acknowledges the profound pain experienced by those betrayed, creating a space for genuine understanding and recovery. You’ll hear candid discussions that address the isolation and shame often associated with these struggles, framing healing as a holistic journey. This podcast consistently returns to themes of compassion and resilience, providing tangible tools for both individuals seeking freedom and partners navigating betrayal. Released every other week, new episodes build upon a foundation of hope, suggesting that a different future is attainable. The content naturally spans topics in spirituality, relational health, and personal fitness, recognizing how interconnected these areas are in the process of restoration. Tuning in, you become part of a thoughtful exploration aimed at uncovering a life defined not by past behavior, but by renewed purpose and connection. For many, this has become an essential resource, complementing the wider work found through Living Truth Inc.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Living Truth Podcast - Freedom From Unwanted Sexual Behavior, Hope & Healing For the Betrayed
Podcast Episodes
Understanding Your Internal Family System with Molly LaCroix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:07
We are born with innate qualities that reflect the image of God. As an adaptive response to adversity, we develop protective parts that block true connection with God, ourselves, and others. These protective parts can sh…
Weaving Couples Together with Stacey Smith - Part 2 of 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:44
There is hope for your marriage after betrayal! In this episode, Kristin continues her interview with Stacey Smith, the Chief Clinical Officer of Daring Ventures. After sexual secrets are revealed, there must be a period…
Weaving Couples Together with Stacey Smith - Part 1 of 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:50
There is hope for your marriage after betrayal! In this episode Kristin interviews Stacey Smith, the Chief Clinical Officer of Daring Ventures. After sexual secrets are revealed, there must be a period of repair and amen…
Overcoming Resentment with Matthew Raabsmith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
Resentment is a major factor in the root cause of relapse of any addictive behavior. It's almost always relationally driven and can be quite elusive. What are the ingredients and framework of resentment? Why do we tend t…
Post Betrayal Transformation with Dr. Debi Silber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
In this episode, Kristin interviews Dr Debi Silber, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute. Dr. Debi shares her 3 groundbreaking discoveries about the impact of betrayal and the 5 crucial stages of recover…
The 5 Keys to Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:41
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly be free from problematic sexual behavior? Have you been trying to stop for years, only to go back to it again and again, feeling more shame and discouragement and wondering w…