In early recovery, survival is the focus. But what does it look like for couples who’ve done the foundational healing work to move beyond crisis and start rebuilding true partnership?
In this powerful and relatable episode, we sit down with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, a couple who have lived through the depths of betrayal trauma and are now guiding others in later-stage recovery. Together, we explore what healthy partnership looks like after the secrets, lies, and trauma are out in the open—and when safety, sobriety, and honesty are becoming consistent.
We dig into the real dynamics of post-trauma cooperation vs. competition, compliance, and conflict avoidance. The Raabsmiths share personal stories and practical tools that couples can use to rebuild trust and co-create a shared life vision.
🎁 Download My Free Course: First Steps to Rebuilding Trust
📋Join me in the Courageous Together™ Program
Let’s Stay Connected:
🎙️Listen to More Podcast Episodes
About Geoff Steurer: I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, relationship educator, and coach with over 20 years of experience. I am the co-author of, "Love You, Hate the Porn: Healing a Relationship Damaged by Virtual Infidelity", the host of the weekly podcast, "From Crisis to Connection", and have produced workbooks, audio programs, and online courses helping couples and individuals heal from the impact of sexual betrayal, unwanted pornography use, partner betrayal trauma, and rebuilding broken trust. As a leader in the field, I am a frequent contributor on these subjects at national conferences, documentaries, blogs, magazines, and podcasts. I also write a weekly relationship advice column available on my blog. I founded and ran an outpatient sexual addiction and betrayal trauma recovery group program for over 14 years, co-founded and chaired a local conference to educate community members about harmful media, and founded and administered a specialized group therapy practice for over 10 years. I currently maintain a private counseling and coaching practice in beautiful Southern Utah where I live with my wife and children.
About Jody Steurer: Jody has been a strong voice supporting women as co-host of the podcast “Speak Up Sister”. She completed a bachelor's degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and is an ACA certified coach. She runs a small business and has years of experience in corporate training and organization. Jody’s most challenging work has been raising her four children (two of which are on the autism spectrum).
About Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith: Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are clinicians, speakers, and authors with over 20 years of combined experience in counseling, coaching, and guiding couples toward healing and transformation. Their mission is to help couples navigate the complexities of relational challenges, particularly in the aftermath of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, fostering deep restoration and growth.
Matthew is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) with a background in pastoral leadership, while Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR practitioner, and Certified Clinical Partner Specialist through APSATS. Both hold Master of Divinity degrees and have served together on multiple church leadership teams. Currently, they co-lead their private practice, The Raabsmith Team, where they specialize in helping couples rebuild connection, trust, and intimacy.
Matthew and Joanna live in Memphis, Tennessee, with their three young children. They prioritize self-care through shared adventures, new experiences, and a weekly game of pickleball.
http://www.raabsmithteam.com/free
Episode 296
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.