In this episode of Rise: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal, MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT, and Dr. Kevin Skinner, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, continue their series on rebuilding life after betrayal trauma by focusing on one of the most essential—and most difficult—parts of healing: connection.

After betrayal, many survivors begin questioning not only their relationship, but their entire sense of safety with people. Dr. Skinner shares research showing that betrayal trauma often impacts our perception of trust, causing many to withdraw from friends, family, peers, and support systems. Isolation can feel safer in the short term, but healing rarely happens alone.

Together, MaryAnn and Dr. Skinner explore:

• Why betrayal trauma often leads to isolation and avoidance
• The nervous system’s fear of vulnerability and connection
• How secrecy and carrying trauma alone impacts the body and mind
• The healing power of support groups and safe relationships
• Common fears and barriers people experience when considering group support
• Why not all groups feel emotionally safe—and how to find healthy support
• The importance of “parking lot conversations” and authentic connection outside formal group time
• How healing happens through validation, attachment, and being truly seen
• The role of safe relationships in calming PTSD symptoms and rebuilding trust
• Attachment wounds, exclusion trauma, and the brain’s response to rejection
• How helping and supporting others in recovery also strengthens our own healing

Dr. Skinner shares powerful clinical stories illustrating how even one safe relationship can begin to regulate the nervous system and shift long-held beliefs of “I’m alone” into “I matter.” The conversation highlights how group healing is often less about the curriculum and more about the relationships formed through shared vulnerability and understanding.

MaryAnn also discusses:

• The difference between structured therapy groups and 12-step groups
• Why some group formats may feel triggering or invalidating
• Reframing harmful “co-addict” or codependency messaging through a trauma-informed lens
• The importance of finding people who can witness pain without minimizing it
• How collective healing creates growth, insight, and hope

This episode is a compassionate reminder that while connection after betrayal can feel terrifying, safe relationships are often one of the most transformative parts of recovery.

• Betrayal trauma frequently disrupts a person’s ability to trust others.
• Isolation may feel protective, but long-term healing requires safe connection.
• Group support can reduce shame, normalize experiences, and provide emotional regulation.
• Being witnessed in pain creates attachment and healing.
• One safe, nurturing relationship can profoundly impact recovery.
• Healing often happens collectively through shared stories, validation, and support.

• Treating Trauma from Sexual Betrayal by Kevin Skinner
• Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
• Secure by Amir Levine
• Sue Johnson and attachment-based healing concepts
• Patrick Carnes recommendation: attend a group multiple times before deciding if it’s a fit
• Grief After Betrayal Impact Scale Survey - please consider taking a few minutes to help with our ongoing research.
• Visit Humanintimacy.com for the Rise Companion Course, Courses on Communication, Boundaries and both Individual and Couple Healing.

If you are navigating betrayal trauma and feeling isolated, this episode encourages you to consider reaching out for support. Whether through therapy, group work, trusted friendships, or community, healing often begins when someone says: “I see you. You matter. You are not alone.”