Shepherding Through Crisis: Pastoral Strategies for Betrayal Recovery with Dr. Barbara Steffens

Shepherding Through Crisis: Pastoral Strategies for Betrayal Recovery with Dr. Barbara Steffens

Author: Living Truth Inc February 23, 2026 Duration: 59:18
Kristin Cary welcomes Dr. Barbara Steffens, founder and first president of the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) and one of the pioneering voices who reframed sexual betrayal as trauma rather than codependency.   Together, Kristin and Dr. Steffens explore how ministry leaders, counselors, and pastors can wisely and compassionately walk with betrayed women and struggling couples through the aftermath of sexual sin. They discuss best practices for trauma-informed care, the importance of safety and stabilization, and what it looks like to shepherd hearts with both truth and tenderness.   Gain insight into the multi-dimensional partner trauma model with practical strategies for responding to crisis moments, and a renewed vision for the Church’s role in bringing hope and healing to those navigating the devastating fallout of betrayal.   Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, counselor, or simply someone walking alongside a friend in pain, this conversation will equip and encourage you to become a safer and more effective presence of Christ’s love.   Previous LT podcast episode mentioned:   The Truth Shall Set You Free; How Full Disclosure Can Benefit Couples in Recovery with Dan Drake and Dr. Janice Caudill   Link to Barb & Lyschel's training: https://hoperedefined.org/resources/shepherding-through-crisis-training/   📖 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 #ShepherdingThroughCrisis #BetrayalTraumaRecovery #DrBarbaraSteffens #KristinCary #APSATS #TraumaInformedMinistry

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: 100

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…