EP 34: Interview w/a CPTSD Expert & Neuroscientist on Infidelity, Betrayal Trauma & Psychotropics

The topic of CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and infidelity is important because infidelity can trigger complex trauma responses, especially for individuals who have a history of unresolved trauma or are vulnerable to the effects of betrayal. The intersection of these two can cause profound emotional and psychological damage, making it crucial to understand how infidelity can exacerbate or even trigger CPTSD symptoms.

Today you'll hear from a survivor of infidelity who also happens to be an expert in CPTSD, as well as a Neuroscientist who will discuss the effects of CPTSD on the brain and nervous system. We'll also discuss the effects and use of psychotropics for those who deal with betrayal trauma, CPTSD or addiction.

CPTSD often stems from early-life relational trauma—such as abuse or neglect by caregivers or partners—leading to attachment insecurity. For individuals with CPTSD, relationships are especially important for their sense of security and self-worth.

Infidelity shatters this already fragile attachment system. The act of betrayal may feel like a direct attack on their sense of self and their ability to trust others. It may also reinforce feelings of inadequacy and unlovability, common in CPTSD, making recovery even more challenging for the betrayed spouse.

Understanding the connection between CPTSD and infidelity is essential because it allows us to see the deep, often hidden layers of emotional trauma that infidelity can trigger, especially for those who have a history of prolonged abuse or neglect. Infidelity isn’t just a single betrayal; it can act as a re-traumatizing event for someone with CPTSD, setting off powerful emotional reactions that can complicate healing and recovery. This is why healing from both infidelity and CPTSD requires specialized, compassionate care like those you'll meet today—and why it’s important for those affected to understand the depth of their trauma in order to seek out the most appropriate support.

For more information you can contact Samuel at [e-mail].

To contact Amanda Asproni you can do so at Amanda‪@amandaelliottasproni‬ or amanda@[e-mail].

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Sam’s Healing Podcast is brought to you by one of infidelity recovery’s most prominent and gifted influencers and YouTuber. For 15 years, Samuel has been online as one of the the leading spokespersons for healing and recovery of both betrayed and unfaithful spouses. After more than a decade of blogging and filming under one of the betrayal trauma’s founding fathers, famed clinician Rick Reynolds of affairrecovery.com, Sam has ventured out to pursue, create and live out his lifelong vision and passion for healing those touched by the trauma of infidelity. Through his new podcast and YouTube channel Samuel will continue to bring his own personal experiences with infidelity recovery along with delivering the most current and up-to-date clinical wisdom and healing modalities for recovery after an affair. Sam will also be expanding into the other critical areas of developing healthy relationships such as emotional and sexual connection, the impact of childhood sexual abuse and dysfunctional patterns of relating on marital intimacy, problematic communication patterns, complex, attachment and intergenerational trauma, compulsive sexual behavior, boundaries and the importance of inner-child