Episode 24: Sandcastles: Betrayal Trauma and the Cycle of Abuse (w/ Anne Blythe)

Betrayal trauma cuts deep because it comes from the people you thought would never hurt you. It's not just about what was done—it’s about who did it. When trust is broken by someone close, the impact reaches far beyond the moment of betrayal. It shakes your sense of safety, identity, and even reality.

In this episode with Anne Blythe of BTR.org, we talk about betrayal trauma, emotional abuse, and the harm caused when faith is used to excuse abuse. Anne helps us recognize hidden manipulation, reframe forgiveness, and remember this truth: God’s love never asks you to stay where you’re being harmed.

Song of the week: Sandcastles by Beyoncé

Topics Covered:

(00:02:22) Introducing our special guest, Anne Blythe, M.Ed

(00:05:56) What is betrayal trauma?

(00:09:47) What inspired you to start BTR?

(00:15:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services

(00:18:25) “I felt so stupid”

(00:20:13) The Living Free Workshop

(00:26:18) The transactional nature of abusers

(00:32:59) Abusers hide things to stay in power

(00:36:23) Victimhood

(00:52:23) You are Powerful 

(00:54:08) Connect with Anne Blythe, M.Ed

(00:56:48) Cuisine & Conversations (In-person event)

Key Takeaways:

“Women experience trauma from emotional abuse, even if they don't recognize it as such.”

Podcast Season Sponsor

Our Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Cuisine & Conversations (In-person event)

Join us for our FIRST in-person event on Saturday 6/7/25 at 6:30 pm in the DMV! To learn more about this intimate event and receive an email invitation to purchase your ticket, go to https://bit.ly/joinYNC.

About Our Guest

Anne Blythe, M.Ed., is the founder of Betrayal Trauma Recovery (BTR.ORG), where she supports women healing from betrayal in relationships. Through coaching, group sessions, and workshops, Anne helps women rebuild their self-worth and set healthy boundaries to regain safety and confidence.

Connect with Anne Blythe, M.Ed

Web: https://www.btr.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/btr.org_/

Podcast: https://www.btr.org/podcast/

About Your Host

Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

Web: https://yournextchapter.co/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_co

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Email: hello@yournextchapter.co