Should I Stay or Should I Go? Grief, Choice and Healing After Sexual Betrayal with Dr. Karen Strange (Rise Season 2, Episode 8)

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Grief, Choice, and Healing After Sexual Betrayal with Dr. Karen Strange Host: MaryAnn Michaelis, LCSW, CSAT, CPTT  Guest: Dr. Karen Strange, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT MaryAnn welcomes Dr. Strange back to conclude the grief and loss series, focusing on the deeply personal and complex decision many betrayed partners face: Should I stay or should I go?, offering validation, practical guidance, and reassurance that healing is nonlinear — and that hope grows when individuals reclaim choice, safety, and support. The episode also includes a link to a recording of the Human Intimacy Pre-Conference Q&A with Dr. Kevin Skinner, Michelle Mays, Darrell Brazell, Dr. Strange and MaryAnn as they field questions from viewers, an invitation to participate in a grief-and-loss survey addressing the limited research in this area and a preview of the upcoming Human Intimacy Conference (March 13–14, 2026). Topics Covered The “Stay or Go” Decision Why this question feels urgent after betrayal The importance of slowing down before making permanent decisions Exceptions when immediate safety (e.g., domestic violence) requires swift action Nervous System Regulation Shock, rage, confusion, and disorientation as normal trauma responses Regulating the nervous system to support rational, grounded decision-making The Power of Choice Reclaiming agency after betrayal The right to choose — and the right to change your mind Empowerment through informed, intentional decisions Betrayal Grief vs. Death Grief The complexity of grieving someone who is still alive Ongoing relational ambiguity How unresolved betrayal grief can resurface after divorce or remarriage The Importance of Witnessing Why grief needs compassionate support The healing power of peer connection The scarcity of structured resources for betrayal grief Research on Betrayed Men Dr. Strange’s doctoral research interviewing 11 betrayed men The lack of research and support specifically for men The value of creating space for underrepresented voices Sexual Reintegration Barriers couples face when attempting to rebuild intimacy Emotional, relational, and trauma-related obstacles Hope for renewed connection when healing work is intentional Grief Exercise: Expectations vs. Reality Identifying the gap between what was hoped for and what occurred Naming losses clearly and concretely Reframing hope as agency — having plans, options, and forward movement   Resources Human Intimacy Conference Pre-Session Q&A 2/26/26 2nd Annual Online Human Intimacy Conference Grief After Betrayal Impact Scale Men's Betrayal Group - send email to [email protected]