ANGER! Let's talk abou it.

Anger after betrayal can feel huge, sudden, or out of character — but it’s not a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s a natural response to harm, deception, and the collapse of emotional safety.

In this episode, we break down why anger shows up so strongly and how to begin processing it in ways that support your healing.

We cover:

• Why anger in betrayal trauma feels so intense
• How gaslighting and minimization fuel anger
• The protective purpose anger serves
• What happens when anger gets pushed down
• How to process anger without exploding or shutting down
• Simple ways to support your body as anger moves through

Anger isn’t a flaw — it’s information. It’s your body responding to what happened.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I this angry?” or “Is this too much?” this episode will help you understand your reaction with more clarity and compassion.

Your anger makes sense. And it’s allowed.

Book Discussed:

Betrayal Trauma Anger by Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck

About the Author

Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Anger Management Specialist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She helps individuals and couples heal from the devastating impact that broken trust and broken relational attachment brings including the complex trauma that results from intimate betrayal. She is a highly sought after conference speaker and has private practice in Florida where she also conducts 3-day intensives.

Website

https://crystalhollenbeck.com/

Article referenced in Interview:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2024.2306940

Book

https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Trauma-Anger-Youre-Should/dp/B0FN6P62K8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wM614LoIEBMWDrdQhOZoFQ.GPKnCN_hCGwnYR2zsBu3BLWQn0Nwd4kGNkZRIzGROYo&qid=1755753925&sr=8-1

SCIP Protocol

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://crystalhollenbeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SCIP-Protocol-Dr.-Hollenbeck.pdf

Rachel's Bookshelf

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17C3H1PVHJ5N9?ref_=wl_share

Sign up for my Newsletter

⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/iKgcY⁠

Anger after betrayal can feel intense, confusing, and at times overwhelming. Many women question whether their reactions are “too much” — but what if your anger is not only valid, but an essential part of your healing?

In this episode, I continue to interview Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck, author of Betrayal Trauma Anger: You’re Not Crazy… You’re Angry and You Should Be! to unpack the truth about anger through the lens of betrayal trauma.

Together, we explore:

• What anger really is and why it shows up so strongly after betrayal

• The purpose anger serves in protecting us and signaling our pain

• What makes betrayal-related anger different from “typical” anger

• Why suppressing anger often keeps us stuck in trauma responses

• Healthy, grounded ways to move through anger without abandoning yourself

• How to begin processing anger in a way that supports nervous system safety and self-reconnection

This conversation is both validating and liberating. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is something wrong with me for feeling this angry?” — this episode will help you breathe a little easier and see your anger with more clarity and compassion.

Your anger makes sense. It deserves a voice, not shame.

About

Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Anger Management Specialist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She helps individuals and couples heal from the devastating impact that broken trust and broken relational attachment brings including the complex trauma that results from intimate betrayal. She is a highly sought after conference speaker and has private practice in Florida where she also conducts 3-day intensives.

Website

https://crystalhollenbeck.com/

Article referenced in Interview:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2024.2306940

Book

https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Trauma-Anger-Youre-Should/dp/B0FN6P62K8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wM614LoIEBMWDrdQhOZoFQ.GPKnCN_hCGwnYR2zsBu3BLWQn0Nwd4kGNkZRIzGROYo&qid=1755753925&sr=8-1

SCIP Protocol

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://crystalhollenbeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SCIP-Protocol-Dr.-Hollenbeck.pdf

Rachel's Bookshelf

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17C3H1PVHJ5N9?ref_=wl_share

Sign up for my Newsletter

⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/iKgcY⁠

Anger after betrayal can feel intense, confusing, and at times overwhelming. Many women question whether their reactions are “too much” — but what if your anger is not only valid, but an essential part of your healing?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck, author of Betrayal Trauma Anger: You’re Not Crazy… You’re Angry and You Should Be! to unpack the truth about anger through the lens of betrayal trauma.

Together, we explore:
• What anger really is and why it shows up so strongly after betrayal
• The purpose anger serves in protecting us and signaling our pain
• What makes betrayal-related anger different from “typical” anger
• Why suppressing anger often keeps us stuck in trauma responses
• Healthy, grounded ways to move through anger without abandoning yourself
• How to begin processing anger in a way that supports nervous system safety and self-reconnection

This conversation is both validating and liberating. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is something wrong with me for feeling this angry?” — this episode will help you breathe a little easier and see your anger with more clarity and compassion.

Your anger makes sense. It deserves a voice, not shame.

About the Author

Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Anger Management Specialist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She helps individuals and couples heal from the devastating impact that broken trust and broken relational attachment brings including the complex trauma that results from intimate betrayal. She is a highly sought after conference speaker and has private practice in Florida where she also conducts 3-day intensives.

Website

https://crystalhollenbeck.com/

Article https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2024.2306940

Book

https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Trauma-Anger-Youre-Should/dp/B0FN6P62K8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wM614LoIEBMWDrdQhOZoFQ.GPKnCN_hCGwnYR2zsBu3BLWQn0Nwd4kGNkZRIzGROYo&qid=1755753925&sr=8-1

SCIP Protocol

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://crystalhollenbeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SCIP-Protocol-Dr.-Hollenbeck.pdf

Rachel's Bookshelf

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17C3H1PVHJ5N9?ref_=wl_share

Sign up for my Newsletter

⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/iKgcY⁠