Betrayal doesn’t just break your heart, it can break your sense of reality. In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, we’re unpacking betrayal trauma–why it’s so uniquely devastating and what it actually does to your mind and body when trust is shattered.

Amy is joined by Dr. Jill Manning, a leading expert in betrayal trauma, to talk about the real impact of infidelity, secrecy and hidden behaviors–and why so many women feel destabilized after discovering the truth.

We also explore how pornography is shaping both young people and adult relationships in ways many aren’t talking about.

We cover:

• What makes betrayal trauma different from typical heartbreak

• The psychological impact of infidelity and deception

• Why women often feel confused, anxious or “crazy” after betrayal

• How pornography is influencing expectations, intimacy and trust

• Where healing begins after your reality has been shaken

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Website: https://drjillmanning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillmanning/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillmanning/

Two-Day Intensives: https://drjillmanning.com/intensives/

Digital Downloads: https://drjillmanning.com/digital-downloads/ Directory of Betrayal Trauma experts: www.APSATS.org

Book a free Divorce or Life Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here. Follow Amy on Instagram: @freedomwarriortribe

Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts

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Episode Timestamp:

00:01 - 00:45 Girl Wake Up! Intro

00:46 - 02:44 Introduction to Betrayal Trauma & guest Dr. Jill Manning

02:45 - 06:04 The "Wake Up" that changed the course of Dr. Manning's career path

07:53 - 10:12 Betrayal Trauma Explained (This isn't just "heart break"– it's neurological)

11:21 - 11:58 Secondary Trauma & the psychological & physiological effects

13:16 - 13:54 Gaslighting is commonly involved in Betrayal Trauma

13:55 - 14:31 Why your support & surroundings matter during trauma

14:57 - 17:40 How does your brain + body respond when your partner cheats?

18:08 - 21:37 Your nervous system is on fire – fight or flight -vs- freeze response & getting help

21:45 - 26:50 Betrayal Trauma & Gaslighting

26:54 - 28:25 The three phases of navigating betrayal

28:26 - 30:55 Betrayal Trauma & making good decisions in the divorce process

32:33 - 35:16 Why specialize care matters in life & divorce

37:28 - 41:06 Truth or Trap: Is pornography harmless as long as it doesn't involve cheating?

41:38 - 43:30 Sexual Ethics & Values as a metric

50:00 - 50:36 Final thoughts

50:37 - 50:58 GIRL, WAKE UP! outro