EP 7: The Superpower of Compartmentalization in Betrayal Recovery
Release Date: 08/21/2025
Ask The Betrayed
In this practical episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae tackle some of the most common and destructive myths that keep betrayed partners trapped in confusion, guilt, and fear after infidelity. From “This pain will last forever” to “If I can keep them from acting out, I’ll be safe” they dismantle the cultural and emotional myths that block healing—and replace them with compassionate, reality-based truths. In This Episode You’ll Learn that: ✅ Healing from betrayal requires truth, not perfection. ✅ Repair happens through consistency, not control. ✅ You can love...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
In this powerful episode of Ask the Betrayed, Sharon and Rae expose the Big Fat Lies that keep betrayed partners trapped in pain and confusion after infidelity. From the cultural myths of “Good things happen to good people” to the heartbreaking belief that “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” this conversation dismantles the false stories that sabotage healing. Together, they share real-life examples and clinical insights on: ✅ Why we cling to lies like “If I were better, this wouldn’t have happened.” ✅ How shame, denial, and comparison keep you emotionally stuck. ✅ Why...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
When infidelity shatters a relationship, recovery doesn’t fail because of one event—it stops because of the traps that keep couples' relational recovery stuck. In this powerful episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae expose the seven relational pitfalls that derail healing after betrayal. They share raw personal stories, real client examples, and the emotional truth behind why so many couples can’t move forward—even when they want to. Whether you’re the betrayed partner trying to make sense of the chaos, or the unfaithful partner trying to rebuild trust, this episode offers...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
Have you ever felt like no matter how loudly you speak, your unfaithful partner still doesn’t hear you? In this episode of Ask the Betrayed, Sharon and Rae explore what it means for betrayed partners to find their voice after infidelity. 👉 Betrayal trauma often silences partners. Years of being dismissed, gaslit, or ignored leave many questioning whether their truth even matters. Healing begins when you learn to reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and trust your own reality again. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why betrayed partners often feel silenced or talked out of their truth...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
Are they truly sorry—or just sorry they got caught? In this powerful episode of Ask the Betrayed, Sharon and Rae unpack one of the most pressing questions betrayed partners ask after infidelity. Together, they explore how to recognize genuine remorse versus surface-level regret and why that distinction matters for recovery. You’ll learn: ✅ The difference between remorse (healing-focused) and regret (self-focused resentment). ✅ How betrayed partners can sense the difference between “I’m sorry for what I did to you” and “I’m sorry I feel bad.” ✅ Why understanding betrayal...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
Feeling stuck after betrayal? You’re not alone. In this episode of Ask the Betrayed, we unpack what it really means to feel “stuck” in your healing journey—why it happens, what it looks like, and most importantly, how to move forward. We explore: ✅ The signs of being stuck (numbness, looping thoughts, discouragement, going through the motions) ✅ Why trauma can trap betrayed partners in cycles of sadness, worry, and hypervigilance ✅ Practical tools for getting unstuck, including the Feelings Body exercise, journaling prompts, body-based movement, and creative outlets ✅ How to...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
In this episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae explore a new skill in betrayal recovery — compartmentalization. While extremely harmful to the Betrayed when used by the Unfaithful, compartmentalization can also become a powerful ally in healing when a Betrayed Partner uses it in an intentional way. You’ll discover: • The difference between healthy compartmentalization and harmful avoidance • How to use compartmentalization to regulate emotions and show up as your best self, for yourself and your relationship • Practical and powerful strategies to calm your trauma...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
In this episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae share a powerful new approach to boundaries—one that moves beyond rules and lines in the sand. Instead of focusing on “do this, don’t do that,” this episode helps betrayed partners: ✅ Reclaim their power and choice after betrayal ✅ Create boundaries that protect and empower ✅ Learn how to respond instead of react to triggers ✅ Understand the difference between values-aligned boundaries and reactive “walls” ✅ Break free from settling for crumbs and start designing the life they truly want You’ll hear real stories,...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
In this episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae explore the hidden triggers that blindside betrayed partners during recovery. From weddings and social gatherings to seemingly small moments like TV shows, public spaces, and holidays—unexpected triggers can shake your sense of stability. They don’t just talk about the problems—they give you practical tools and real-life strategies to help you reclaim your power in these moments. 🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to build your own “emotional first aid kit” for challenging events ✅ The importance of anchor statements...
info_outlineAsk The Betrayed
In this episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae dive into the third stage of betrayal trauma recovery: Post-Traumatic Growth - also known as the Reconnection Phase. This is the season when survivors begin shifting from survival to strength. Sharon and Rae unpack what it means to reconnect not only with others - but also with your truest self. You'll hear personal stories, insights, and practical encouragement for stepping out of safety - your "protection mode" - and into empowered living. Together, they explore: • What post-traumatic growth really looks like • How to move from...
info_outlineIn this episode of Ask The Betrayed, Sharon and Rae explore a new skill in betrayal recovery — compartmentalization. While extremely harmful to the Betrayed when used by the Unfaithful, compartmentalization can also become a powerful ally in healing when a Betrayed Partner uses it in an intentional way.
You’ll discover:
• The difference between healthy compartmentalization and harmful avoidance
• How to use compartmentalization to regulate emotions and show up as your best self, for yourself and your relationship
• Practical and powerful strategies to calm your trauma brain
• How compartmentalization can protect both your well-being and your relationships after betrayal
Whether you’re a betrayed partner or supporting someone through betrayal trauma, this episode offers compassionate, real-life examples and actionable tools to reclaim your mental space and emotional balance.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Redefining compartmentalization
4:12 – How betrayal shapes our view of compartmentalization
9:05 – Emotional regulation tools to pair with compartmentalization
14:45 – Practical exercises to set worries aside
20:30 – Reducing relationship anxiety through mindful choices
28:10 – Compartmentalization vs. avoidance: knowing the difference
🎧 Listen now and learn how to make compartmentalization your superpower in the journey toward healing!
💬 👇 We'd love to hear what resonated most for you - or you can ask your question for a future episode. Please press the Like button and Leave Your Comment below!
👍 If this episode resonates, like and subscribe for more support on your healing journey.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!
📬 If you have questions you'd like us to answer in an episode, or would like to inquire about coaching with Rae or therapy help, including intensives, with Sharon and James, please reach out to us at: AskTheBetrayed@gmail.com
📺 For more helpful content, we invite you to explore our companion show: Ask The Unfaithful (@AskTheUnfaithful on YouTube)
🎧 You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are found.
🔗 Need help healing? Find James & Sharon at the CORE Relationship Recovery website: www.HopeForUs.com (Email: Info@HopeForUs.com ) or find Rae at www.HealingTalksBack.com (Email: Rae@HealingTalksBack.com )
Our Website: https://www.AskTheBetrayed.com
Follow CORE Relationship Recovery (James & Sharon) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CORERelationshipRecovery