How Betrayal Trauma Changed Everything: The Story Behind APSATS with Barb Steffens

About this episode

This episode discusses the origins of betrayal trauma treatment and the research that transformed support for betrayed partners.

What happens when one research study challenges an entire field? In this episode of Betrayal Recovery Radio , Dr. Jake Porter sits down with Barb Steffens, founding president of APSATS, to discuss the origins of betrayal trauma treatment and the research that helped transform how betrayed partners are understood and supported. Barb shares the story behind her groundbreaking doctoral research, which found that a significant majority of partners discovering hidden sexual betrayal exhibited symptoms consistent with PTSD. At a time when betrayed partners were often viewed through a codependency lens, her work helped establish a trauma-informed framework that would eventually reshape treatment, training, and advocacy efforts across the field. Together, Jake and Barb explore the development of the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model, the founding of APSATS, the challenges of introducing a new paradigm, and the remarkable growth of a movement that continues to impact betrayed partners and professionals around the world. Whether you're a betrayed partner, a helping professional, or simply interested in the history of betrayal trauma recovery, this conversation offers an inspiring look…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Jake Porter

Guest: Barb Steffens

Topics covered

• betrayal trauma
• PTSD
• treatment
• research
• advocacy
• mental health

Keywords

• betrayal trauma
• PTSD
• APSATS
• Barb Steffens
• treatment framework
• Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model
• advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: APSATS, Daring Ventures

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