Ep. 81- Rachel’s story

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In this powerful beautiful podcast, Becky and Autumn are joined by Rachel, who courageously shares her journey through betrayal trauma, deep emotional pain, and ultimately, profound spiritual healing. Early in her marriage, Rachel experienced devastating dishonesty and broken trust as she repeatedly uncovered the extent of her husband’s acting out.

Each “rock bottom” moment revealed not just the harm caused by addiction, but the toll of emotional gaslighting and the isolation she endured trying to fix things alone.

A pivotal shift came when Rachel surrendered her desire to control the outcome and instead leaned fully into her own healing and her relationship with God. With the support of 12-step recovery, therapy, coaching, and tools like journaling and body awareness, she began to reclaim her identity and rebuild trust in herself. Boundaries became a central turning point—not as a tool to change her husband, but as a declaration of self-love and safety.

As Rachel honored her own limits, her husband began to see the impact and eventually chose to begin his own recovery.

Rachel shares how placing God at the center of her healing—not her husband—transformed everything. Letting go of performance-based faith and stepping into a deeper, more surrendered relationship with Christ allowed her to experience peace, even amidst pain. She learned that recovery isn’t about reaching a destination, but about learning to walk with God, trust herself, and live from a place of authenticity and alignment.

The false belief that focusing on herself was selfish gave way to a new understanding: God is deeply boundaried, and self-respect is part of spiritual obedience.

To close, Rachel shares a personal original song, “Rise Strong,” inspired by Brené Brown’s work and her own intimate experience with God’s grace. This vulnerable piece encapsulates the beauty of rising after the fall—of choosing faith, voice, and healing even when it feels impossible.

Rachel’s story is a reminder that restoration is real, and it begins when we let go, trust God, and choose to rise—stronger, wiser, and deeply rooted in divine love.

Rachel’s Recovery Resources:

  • 12-Step Recovery Programs – Lifelong tools for healing and surrender

  • Therapy & Coaching – A powerful combo that supported her growth

  • Bloom for Women – Online support and community for betrayal trauma

  • Kevin Skinner's Resources – Especially helpful in early recovery

  • "Betrayal: The Crisis Behind Your Sexually Addicted Spouse" (book)

  • Boundaries Course by Molly Davis – Practical tools for healthy limits

  • Gaslighting Course by Sarah Morales – Help identifying and healing from emotional manipulation

  • Sensory Grounding Kit – Tools for calming and reconnecting with the body

  • Journaling, Poetry, and Music – Creative expression as spiritual and emotional release

  • AI-generated Visuals – Custom art used as healing symbols and reminders

  • Real, Safe Friendships – The irreplaceable role of authentic, present companions

Rachel’s Song: “Rise Strong” – Rachel’s original music, inspired by Brené Brown and her faith