
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
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