Introduction: Kris and Jenn sit down with Karen Rellos, founder of Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. Karen, a certified betrayal trauma coach, joins the conversation to shed light on a topic that affects many relationships—Intimacy Deprivation, also known as Intimacy Atrophy (IA). With her extensive background in helping women navigate betrayal trauma, Karen offers valuable insights into the causes, impacts, and healing journey surrounding intimacy deprivation in relationships.

Key Highlights:

1. What is Intimacy Atrophy?
   • Karen explains Intimacy Atrophy as a gradual loss of emotional, physical, or spiritual connection within a relationship. The term highlights the diminishing closeness and vulnerability in relationships, which can deeply impact both partners.
2. Root Causes of Intimacy Deprivation:
   • According to Karen, the root causes of Intimacy Atrophy often lie in unresolved emotional wounds, betrayal trauma, or avoidance of vulnerability. She discusses how individuals who struggle with intimacy deprivation may have past hurts or emotional blockages that prevent them from fully engaging in the relationship.
3. Behaviors and Coping Mechanisms:
   • Karen outlines common behaviors associated with intimacy deprivation, including emotional withdrawal, detachment, or the avoidance of meaningful connection. These coping mechanisms may develop as a way to shield oneself from emotional pain but ultimately contribute to a lack of closeness in the relationship.
4. Impact on the Partner and Relationship:
   • Karen explains how intimacy atrophy can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and frustration in the partner who desires deeper connection, creating further strain and misunderstandings.
5. Healing and Recovery:
   • Karen emphasizes that healing from intimacy deprivation is possible. She describes the recovery process, which involves addressing the root causes, developing emotional awareness, and taking intentional steps toward rebuilding intimacy.
6. A Word of Encouragement:
   • In closing, Karen offers a heartfelt message to listeners, encouraging them to stay committed to the journey of healing and growth. She reminds them that it’s possible to rekindle intimacy and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.

Connect with Us:

• Karen Rellos: Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry.
• Watermark Coach
• Healing with the Howies
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help others find the help and support they deserve. 🌟

This podcast is sponsored by and produced with the support of www.purelifealliance.com

In this episode, we welcome Diane Schnickels, founder of Living Waters of Hope and a dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Diane brings her extensive experience and compassionate approach to discuss when sex addiction crosses the line into abuse. She has developed crucial resources like the Oasis Bible Study and the Hope Giver Essentials training program, empowering women to heal and reclaim their lives. Today, Diane shares her insights on recognizing the signs of abuse related to sex addiction and provides valuable guidance on supporting those affected.

Key Highlights:

1. Deceit and Betrayal: Repeated lying and secretive behavior that creates mistrust.
2. Emotional Manipulation: Gaslighting and minimizing actions that distort reality.
3. Neglect and Abandonment: The emotional neglect caused by prioritizing addiction over the relationship.
4. Sexual Coercion or Pressure: The importance of consent and respecting boundaries.
5. Financial Exploitation: Misuse of joint finances for addiction-related expenses.
6. Exposure to STDs: Health risks posed by undisclosed risky sexual behaviors.
7. Impact on Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD as consequences of dealing with a partner's sex addiction.

Connect with Us:

• Living Waters of Hope
• Visit our website: Watermark Coach
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help others find the help and support they deserve. 🌟

• Produced and edited by Kris Rocha & Jeremy Waldridge

This podcast is sponsored by and produced with the support of www.purelifealliance.com

On this episode of BRT, we have a special guest, Pastor Nick Stumbo. Nick is the Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries and has an extensive background in pastoral ministry. He began his ministry career at East Hills Alliance Church in Kelso, Washington, where he served as lead pastor for over a decade. Confronted with his own pornography addiction, Nick and his wife, Michelle, found hope and healing through Pure Desire’s counseling and group ministries. His public disclosure led to a revival of forgiveness and healing within his church, and he continues to lead the way in helping churches become places of healing.

Episode Description: In this episode, Kris, Jenn, and Nick share a powerful message for pastors and clergy on effectively supporting women going through betrayal trauma. Using the analogy of how a paramedic would treat a severe wound, they provide six key steps for clergy and support personnel to follow:

Key Highlights:

1. Assess the Severity of the Wound - Listen to Her: Nick emphasizes the importance of actively listening to the betrayed spouse, believing her reality, and displaying genuine sympathy. Show kindness and care to provide solace during her crisis.
2. Stop the Bleeding - Focus on the immediate need, not the marriage. Avoid cause-and-effect thinking and allow her to express her emotions and needs at her own pace. Asking "permission questions" will help the clergy better understand her urgent concerns and priorities.
3. Bandage the Wound & Stabilize the Patient - Educate Her About the Healing Process. Inform her there is a healing process, and she will not be alone. Don’t Rush Forgiveness: Understand forgiveness and avoid minimizing the situation. Guide Her in the Present: Help her focus on the "now" and provide comfort and hope. Teach the Keys to Rebuilding Trust: Discuss sincerity, ability, and durability as crucial elements of rebuilding trust.
4. Treat for Shock - Normalize the Experience: Minimize isolation, emotional flooding, and embarrassment by providing community and helping her deal with emotions. Provide Community: Connect her with others who understand her situation and can offer support.
5. Support the Injury - Offer Support: Provide resources, encourage her to grieve, help her establish a circle of trust, and teach the importance of healthy boundaries.
6. If the Wound is Too Severe, Call 911 - Ask for Help: Refer her to trained professionals like CSATs, PSAPs, CCPSs, and C-SASIs for specialized support. "When in doubt, refer out!"

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: Watermark Coach
• Follow us on Instagram: @WatermarkCoaching
• Pure Desire Ministries: https://puredesire.org

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on future episodes. 🌟

• This episode's content was written and produced by Kris Rocha
• Edited by: Dan Howie

This podcast is produced with the support of: www.purelifealliance.com