How does empathy change the dynamic of big, negative emotions? What is it about emotional intelligence that allows us to bring our best selves to relationships? What is cognitive dissonance and why is it easier to change our thinking about our behaviors than to actually change them? Tune in to this and more from therapist Stevie Hall, who leads us on this deep dive into empathy.

Stevie has a PhD in psychology as well as specific training in sex therapy, sex addiction, betrayal trauma, complex trauma, attachment theory, and couples therapy (Emotion Focused Therapy by Sue Johnson).

2025 is the year to better understand happiness! In this episode Shane shares what research indicates increases happiness as well as what blocks it. You might be surprised! "Happiness does not have to be a grand adventure—it can just come from simple things."

They foster connection, create a sense of belonging, and reinforce shared values. Shane shares some of his own family traditions as well as from asking others what traditions were meaningful to them.

He reminds the listeners to stay tuned to 2025 where the theme will be happiness. What are the ingredients for a happy life. He is open to guests submitting their nominee for someone they know is happy and feels comfortable being interviewed about the ways he/she has created a happy life.

Your world was torn apart by the person you loved the most in the world. Maybe you're still in the relationship, maybe not. Maybe you're trying to decide. What you know is that you don't feel yourself, and you're not getting past it. Therapist Kaylee Dunn talks with Shane about how betrayed partners learn from their anger and channel it to power their transformation. Back to safety and reconnection in relationships again.

She and a colleague started the Humans Navigating Betrayal FB group.

Feeling burned out at home? Not getting the love and support you need? Does your marriage need some work? Coach Shiloh Minor talks with Shane about

• boundaries
• self-care
• being more generous with yourself
• noticing the energy you give out, and
• finding the right time to ask for what you need

They make a HUGE difference in what you bring to your relationship and getting the love you need!

Connect with Shiloh's marriage coaching for women at
https://www.facebook.com/Shiloh.LoveYourMarriage/
or
https://www.shilohminor.com/

After the anger, grief, mourning, and loss, is there really hope for a relationship after a betrayal? Kate Conwell gives us a resounding "Yes!" Listen as she & Shane delve into the 3 stages of healing:

• Safety & stabilization
• Anger, grief. . . all the feelings
• Post-traumatic growth

Getting support with a group really accelerates healing, both for men and women. You can find Kate's groups for women's support at www.journeybeyondbetrayal.com or on Facebook or Instagram. SA Lifeline has recovery groups for both sex addicts and their betrayed partners. Most offer a remote attendance option. Their website is https://salifeline.org . The general Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting directory can be found here: https://saa-recovery.org/meetings

The podcast will be on break from at least July - Sept.

Related to that, I am excited to announce a new online course coming soon:
Heroic Healing: A Couples' Guide to Healing from Betrayal/Infidelity

This is my first time developing an online course. I am uncertain how much time it will require. I may take a longer break than just summer months if I need the time for course development. I will give listeners a time we will be back releasing episodes this fall. If you have a guest or topic you would like to recommend, please email me at
shaneadamsonlcsw@gmail.com

A decade-long journey to heal from PTSD, depression, and addiction took travel writer Brad Wetzler to the Holy Land, India, and the Himalayas. While immersed in nature, spirituality, and relationships with people (and dogs), Brad discovered himself. Self-compassion was a big healer: "When I softened the way I spoke to myself, I began to emerge, and began to feel more connected with my world."

Brad's journey is chronicled in his book Into the Soul of the World.