Welcome to Season Two of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal. In this opening episode, host MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT is joined by Kris Cristiano, LCSW, CSAT, to explore one of the most painful and misunderstood aspects of betrayal trauma: trust.

After Season One’s focus on immediate survival following discovery, Season Two shifts toward rebuilding—emotionally, relationally, and internally. MaryAnn and Kris unpack why trust cannot be rushed, demanded, or restored through checklists alone, and why safety and honesty must come first.

Together, they deconstruct common misconceptions about trust, love, and forgiveness, explore the impact of complex and cumulative trauma, and introduce tangible markers of real recovery—what betrayed partners can actually look for over time without abandoning themselves. The conversation also highlights the critical importance of self-trust, nervous system awareness, and relational healing within safe communities.

This episode offers grounding, clarity, and hope for anyone navigating betrayal trauma and wondering: How do I know what’s real now—and can I ever trust again?

• Why trust, love, and forgiveness are not the same thing—and why confusing them causes harm

• How betrayal trauma and complex trauma amplify the loss of trust

• The Marble Jar metaphor and why trust must be rebuilt one action at a time

• Why sobriety, compliance, and “checking boxes” are not the same as true recovery

• The role of honesty and safety as the foundation for rebuilding trust

• How betrayed partners can begin rebuilding self-trust, even after betrayal blindness

• Why healing from betrayal trauma is relational and cannot be done alone

• How shame and self-blame interfere with recovery—and why they don’t belong there

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is a gradual process that requires honesty and safety as foundational elements.
2. Healing from betrayal involves understanding and dismantling complex trauma.
3. Recovery is not a checklist but a heartfelt journey of personal growth.
4. Building self-trust is crucial
5. Neuroception and listening to your own body and instincts.
6. A supportive community is vital for healing and offers essential insights and guidance.

After listening, take a moment to write down one small thing you will do for yourself today or tomorrow—something realistic and achievable. Rebuilding trust begins by doing what you say you’ll do, even with yourself.

• Blind to Betrayal by Jennifer Freyd

• The Intimacy Pyramid by Dan Drake and the Rapson-Smith model

• 25 Signs of REAL Recovery by Kris Cristiano

• Rise: Hope and Healing From Sexual Betrayal courses and resources: humanintimacy.com

• Human Intimacy Conference – March 13–14 Join us for insightful presentations, featuring leading experts in betrayal trauma recovery, including Kris Cristiano. Use PROMO Code: 40OFF

Connect With Us:

• Visit our website: humanintimacy.com
• Instagram: @HumanIntimacy

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