Betrayal Brain with Debbie McRae

Betrayal Brain with Debbie McRae

From Sex, Love, and Addiction by Robert Weiss, PhD, MSW

January 1, 2026 · 54 min · Episode 148

About this episode

Debbie McRae and Tami discuss the concept of 'betrayal brain' and its psychological effects on betrayed partners.

Debbie McRae and Tami tackle ‘betrayal brain’, the intrusive thoughts, and emotional flooding that often accompany betrayal. When the brain is in survival mode, neurological and psychological effects are out of the betrayed partner’s control. They discuss tactics to regain control when the brain is hijacked. TAKEAWAYS: [1:26] When betrayal occurs, the architecture of the brain is reshaped. [4:50] Warning signs of betrayal brain. [5:46] Four areas of the brain are affected by betrayal. [10:45] Triggers can occur even when the relationship feels safe. [12:07] Regaining control when the brain is hijacked. [25:37] Self-compassion practices and therapy after betrayal. [27:30] The betrayed partner has no control over how the brain is going to react. [31:41] Keeping regulation expectations simple. [33:54] Does my PTSD and anxiety make it harder to overcome betrayal brain? [40:12] What boundaries can I enact with a sex addict who is breaking the law? [46:17] Handling abandonment to create safety. [49:10] How can I increase my functionality to what it was before PTSD? RESOURCES: Seekingintegrity.com Email Tami: Tami@Seekingintegrity.com Sexandrelationshiphealing.com Intherooms.com Out of…

People in this episode

Host: Robert Weiss

Guest: Debbie McRae

Topics covered

  • betrayal brain
  • emotional flooding
  • neurological effects
  • regaining control
  • self-compassion
  • PTSD
  • boundaries

Keywords

  • betrayal
  • brain
  • emotional flooding
  • self-compassion
  • PTSD
  • anxiety
  • boundaries

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Seekingintegrity.com, Sexandrelationshiphealing.com, Intherooms.com

Books & works: Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay

More episodes of Sex, Love, and Addiction

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Sex, Love, and Addiction podcast page.