We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Abbruzza, the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center, to the podcast. With a deep focus on relational trauma and betrayal, Elizabeth shares her expertise and details about the impactful Resilience Through Betrayal (RTB) intensives offered at her center.

About Elizabeth Abbruzza: Elizabeth holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University and specializes in addressing relational trauma, sex addiction, and problematic sexual behaviors. As a primary therapist for the Resilience Through Betrayal intensives, she empowers individuals to navigate healing after betrayal, offering therapeutic expertise and compassionate care.

Key Highlights:

1. Origins of RTB Intensive: Elizabeth explains how the Resilience Through Betrayal program was developed to provide a focused and immersive approach for individuals dealing with betrayal trauma.
2. Daily Structure: Learn what a typical day at RTB intensives entails, including how sessions are structured to balance therapeutic work with emotional well-being.
3. Immediate Client Needs: Discover the importance of creating safety and validation for participants at the beginning of the intensive.
4. Desired Outcomes: Elizabeth outlines the program's goals, which include fostering resilience, self-compassion, and emotional healing.
5. Preventing Overload: Insights are shared on how participants are supported to avoid feeling overwhelmed while engaging in deep therapeutic work.
6. Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): In the final section, Elizabeth introduces Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a promising method that fosters healing by addressing deep emotional wounds. This engaging conversation offers hope and new possibilities for recovery.

Connect with Us:

• Elizabeth Abbruzza: Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center
• Watermark Coach
• Healing with the Howies
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help others find the help and support they deserve. 🌟

This podcast is sponsored by and produced with the support of www.purelifealliance.com

Introduction: Kris and Jenn sit down with Karen Rellos, founder of Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. Karen, a certified betrayal trauma coach, joins the conversation to shed light on a topic that affects many relationships—Intimacy Deprivation, also known as Intimacy Atrophy (IA). With her extensive background in helping women navigate betrayal trauma, Karen offers valuable insights into the causes, impacts, and healing journey surrounding intimacy deprivation in relationships.

Key Highlights:

1. What is Intimacy Atrophy?
   • Karen explains Intimacy Atrophy as a gradual loss of emotional, physical, or spiritual connection within a relationship. The term highlights the diminishing closeness and vulnerability in relationships, which can deeply impact both partners.
2. Root Causes of Intimacy Deprivation:
   • According to Karen, the root causes of Intimacy Atrophy often lie in unresolved emotional wounds, betrayal trauma, or avoidance of vulnerability. She discusses how individuals who struggle with intimacy deprivation may have past hurts or emotional blockages that prevent them from fully engaging in the relationship.
3. Behaviors and Coping Mechanisms:
   • Karen outlines common behaviors associated with intimacy deprivation, including emotional withdrawal, detachment, or the avoidance of meaningful connection. These coping mechanisms may develop as a way to shield oneself from emotional pain but ultimately contribute to a lack of closeness in the relationship.
4. Impact on the Partner and Relationship:
   • Karen explains how intimacy atrophy can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and frustration in the partner who desires deeper connection, creating further strain and misunderstandings.
5. Healing and Recovery:
   • Karen emphasizes that healing from intimacy deprivation is possible. She describes the recovery process, which involves addressing the root causes, developing emotional awareness, and taking intentional steps toward rebuilding intimacy.
6. A Word of Encouragement:
   • In closing, Karen offers a heartfelt message to listeners, encouraging them to stay committed to the journey of healing and growth. She reminds them that it’s possible to rekindle intimacy and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.

Connect with Us:

• Karen Rellos: Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry.
• Watermark Coach
• Healing with the Howies
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help others find the help and support they deserve. 🌟

This podcast is sponsored by and produced with the support of www.purelifealliance.com

In this episode, we welcome Diane Schnickels, founder of Living Waters of Hope and a dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Diane brings her extensive experience and compassionate approach to discuss when sex addiction crosses the line into abuse. She has developed crucial resources like the Oasis Bible Study and the Hope Giver Essentials training program, empowering women to heal and reclaim their lives. Today, Diane shares her insights on recognizing the signs of abuse related to sex addiction and provides valuable guidance on supporting those affected.

Key Highlights:

1. Deceit and Betrayal: Repeated lying and secretive behavior that creates mistrust.
2. Emotional Manipulation: Gaslighting and minimizing actions that distort reality.
3. Neglect and Abandonment: The emotional neglect caused by prioritizing addiction over the relationship.
4. Sexual Coercion or Pressure: The importance of consent and respecting boundaries.
5. Financial Exploitation: Misuse of joint finances for addiction-related expenses.
6. Exposure to STDs: Health risks posed by undisclosed risky sexual behaviors.
7. Impact on Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD as consequences of dealing with a partner's sex addiction.

Connect with Us:

• Living Waters of Hope
• Visit our website: Watermark Coach
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help others find the help and support they deserve. 🌟

• Produced and edited by Kris Rocha & Jeremy Waldridge

This podcast is sponsored by and produced with the support of www.purelifealliance.com