You're Not Crazy, You're Traumatized: What Every Protective Parent Needs to Know Before Entering Family Court with Sarah McDugal

You're Not Crazy, You're Traumatized: What Every Protective Parent Needs to Know Before Entering Family Court with Sarah McDugal

Author: Living Truth Inc June 29, 2026 Duration: 40:23
You thought leaving would be the hard part. You didn't know the hard part was what comes after.   In part two of her conversation with Sarah McDugal, Kristin goes deeper into what happens when a woman decides to end a destructive marriage — and the patterns she's been living with follow her directly into family court. What she thought would be a place of vindication often becomes one more arena where the truth doesn't land the way she expects.   Sarah and Kristin cover: Why family court is not designed for justice — and what it actually is designed to do The single most dangerous misconception conservative Christian women bring into the courtroom Why the betrayed parent often looks like the less stable parent — and what to do about it What "high conflict" really means in court, and why courts misread it almost every time The three-role team every high-risk custody case needs (and why your lawyer and therapist alone aren't enough) The High Conflict Court Case Risk Index — how to assess your risk level before you start Why how you begin the process can save or cost you tens of thousands of dollars A compassionate word about the fear of leaving your children part of the time — and data that may surprise you   This is hard, important, necessary listening. Both Kristin and Sarah have lived this story. You are not alone in it.   If you're a man who caused this harm and she is now leaving: this episode will show you what she is up against. That matters.   For pastors, counselors, and coaches: This episode includes a segment specifically for people helpers who work with women when reconciliation is no longer possible. Sarah's provider toolkit is linked in the show notes.   Be gentle with yourself as you listen. Pause when you need to. Take a walk.   Learn more about our programs: Living-truthLiving Truth, Women in the Battle, Men in the Battle | sex addiction 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     Sarah McDugal Resources: 🔗 Freedom Navigator / Wilderness to Wild 🔗 Exposing the Playbook eBook to discover: The three biggest myths that can sabotage your case before it even starts. The 3-step strategy to anticipate their next move before they even make it. The exact tactics abusers use to manipulate the system—and how to fight back. Insider tips to protect your sanity and self-care while navigating family court. 🔗 High-Conflict Court Case Risk Index 🔗 Emotional Armor for Court and Co-parenting 🔗 Provider/Helper Toolkit — for pastors, coaches, and clinicians working with women when reconciliation is no longer possible 🔗 Free 15-min case consult for any protective parent - Click on services, then scroll down to book your call 🔗 Family Court Compass — Ultimate Strategy Guide 🔗 Finding a Lawyer Who Fights eBook 🔗 The Binder — Complete Evidence Organization System 🔗 Inside the Custody Evaluator's Playbook Workshop 🔗 Instant Stress Reset — Body-to-Brain Solution 🔗 Empower Your Child Workshop  

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
The Battle Plan with Michael Cary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
In this episode of the Living Truth Podcast, Kristin sits down with Michael to unpack the Men in the Battle (MIB) Battle Plan — a practical framework for men pursuing lasting freedom from unwanted sexual behavior. They e…
You're Crazy if You Don’t Talk to Yourself (with Steve Backlund) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:57
Your words shape your world. In this episode, Steve Backlund unpacks why renewing your mind and speaking truth over yourself is the key to breaking cycles of defeat. We talk about choosing joy in tough seasons, pushing p…
Healthy Sinners (with Leslie Vernick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
What does it really mean to be a “healthy sinner?” In this eye-opening interview, counselor and author Leslie Vernick helps us unpack the difference between normal struggles and destructive patterns of abuse. Through pow…
Navigating Divorce with Strength & Strategy with Kim Hansen Petroni [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:26
If you’re facing divorce after betrayal—especially from a partner who refuses to change—this conversation is for you. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kim Hansen Petroni, an APSATS coach who specializes in high-co…
The 5 Keys to Freedom - Popular Episode Re-Release! [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…
The Freedom of Slowing Down: A Conversation with Alan Fadling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:07
In this powerful episode, Michael sits down with Alan Fadling, author of An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest. Alan reveals how a hurried life not only drains our energy but fuels the compulsions…