Host: MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT Guest: Dr. Karen Strange, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT

MaryAnn welcomes Dr. Strange back to conclude the grief and loss series, focusing on the deeply personal and complex decision many betrayed partners face: Should I stay or should I go?, offering validation, practical guidance, and reassurance that healing is nonlinear — and that hope grows when individuals reclaim choice, safety, and support.

The episode also includes a link to a recording of the Human Intimacy Pre-Conference Q&A with Dr. Kevin Skinner, Michelle Mays, Darrell Brazell, Dr. Strange and MaryAnn as they field questions from viewers, an invitation to participate in a grief-and-loss survey addressing the limited research in this area and a preview of the upcoming Human Intimacy Conference (March 13–14, 2026).

• Why this question feels urgent after betrayal

• The importance of slowing down before making permanent decisions

• Exceptions when immediate safety (e.g., domestic violence) requires swift action

• Shock, rage, confusion, and disorientation as normal trauma responses

• Regulating the nervous system to support rational, grounded decision-making

• Reclaiming agency after betrayal

• The right to choose — and the right to change your mind

• Empowerment through informed, intentional decisions

• The complexity of grieving someone who is still alive

• Ongoing relational ambiguity

• How unresolved betrayal grief can resurface after divorce or remarriage

• Why grief needs compassionate support

• The healing power of peer connection

• The scarcity of structured resources for betrayal grief

• Dr. Strange’s doctoral research interviewing 11 betrayed men

• The lack of research and support specifically for men

• The value of creating space for underrepresented voices

• Barriers couples face when attempting to rebuild intimacy

• Emotional, relational, and trauma-related obstacles

• Hope for renewed connection when healing work is intentional

• Identifying the gap between what was hoped for and what occurred

• Naming losses clearly and concretely

• Reframing hope as agency — having plans, options, and forward movement

Resources Human Intimacy Conference Pre-Session Q&A 2/26/26

2nd Annual Online Human Intimacy Conference Grief After Betrayal Impact Scale

Men's Betrayal Group - send email to info@humanintimacy.com