How do you begin to feel safe again when betrayal has shaken your trust, your relationship and your sense of self?

In this episode, Jeremy Mast welcomes therapist, author and betrayal trauma specialist Mari Lee for a compassionate conversation about healing after infidelity, pornography addiction and sexual betrayal.

Drawing on her personal experience and work with betrayed partners, Mari explores why checking, replaying conversations and constantly searching for reassurance can become part of the response to betrayal. She discusses the shame many partners carry, the impact of gaslighting and why being told to “just move on” can leave people feeling even more alone.

Mari also guides listeners through a vivid imagery exercise and shares ways to approach recovery through mindfulness, self-compassion, supportive relationships and clearer boundaries.

Whether you’ve experienced betrayal yourself, are supporting someone who has, or work with couples navigating recovery, this conversation offers understanding and hope.

In this episode, we explore:

• Mari’s personal story and what led her to support betrayed partners.
• Understanding hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts and safety-seeking behaviors.
• Mindfulness and guided imagery as tools for grounding.
• Gaslighting, self-blame and the pressure to forgive before you’re ready.
• Why rebuilding trust involves consistent actions over time.
• Finding support that understands betrayal trauma.
• Reclaiming your needs, values, boundaries and personal agency.
• Making room for anger, grief and the future you thought you would have.

Connect with Mari Lee

For counseling inquiries: mari@growthcounselingservices.com

For therapist consultation, business coaching and book-writing support: mari@thecounselorscoach.com

Connect with Jeremy and the Center for Integrative Change

Looking for support on your recovery journey? Visit CICFreeConsult.com to schedule a free consultation with a therapist or coach.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may need it and subscribe to The Compassionate Recovery Podcast.

Recovery is hard work. You don’t have to do it alone.