Ep. 84- Courtney's Story
/***Special Announcement- The podcast begins with an announcement about a special upcoming episode where listeners are invited to share a song that has helped them through this healing journey and why it helped them. Listeners can email this information or submit a short voice recording of “the why the song helped” to be shared on the future podcast. Please email your song info to becky@riseuprestored.com ***
Cohosts Becky and Tiffany are joined by Courtney to share her journey of betrayal trauma, healing, and discovering her voice again after years of struggle. From early childhood trauma to the pain of her husband’s addiction, she explains how these experiences left her feeling lost, disconnected, and silenced. Yet, her story is also one of resilience and the slow rebuilding of hope.
She recalls the darkness of those early years, when life felt overwhelming and isolating. Like many in betrayal trauma, she tried to appear strong on the outside while carrying deep hurt internally. Therapy and group support became the turning point, even though she was hesitant to accept help at first.
One unique part of her healing came through sand tray therapy, an experiential approach that allowed her to visually and symbolically express the conflict between her inner and outer worlds. This process helped her begin to reclaim her power and set boundaries that reminded both herself and others of who she truly was.
As Courtney grew stronger, she embraced the life-changing idea that
“I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.”
This realization gave her freedom from shame and helped her recognize that being a victim doesn’t mean weakness—it simply means acknowledging what happened while choosing how to move forward.
Courtney also shares the role of faith in her recovery. Through EMDR therapy, she realized that Christ had always been present with her, holding her even in her most painful memories.
Over time, she built a deep trust in God, learning to surrender her fears and see even small challenges as tender mercies guiding her path.
Her marriage also became a place of collaborative healing. She and her husband worked hard to understand each other’s trauma, triggers, and needs. “It was a collaborative effort for both of us,” she explains, a mindset that allowed them to heal their relationship with greater empathy and connection.
Courtney is honest about the ongoing challenges she faces, particularly around intimacy and nervous system triggers.
But she emphasizes that healing is not about reaching a place of perfection—it’s about honesty, respect, and showing up authentically in her marriage and with God.
Today, Courtney says she finds restoration through Christ in both big and small ways. From career changes inspired by her trials to everyday reminders of God’s presence, she lives with greater peace and optimism.
Her message is one of steady hope: that healing is possible, God is faithful, and we are not defined by our worst moments but by what we choose to become.
Courtney’s Recovery Resources:
Finding a qualified betrayal trauma or sex addiction therapist (CSAT or trauma-informed specialist)
Therapy groups for both betrayed partners and addicts
Sand tray therapy and EMDR as experiential healing tools
12-step groups such as SAL, S-Anon, or other supportive communities that provide connection and understanding
Building a support network of safe people who “get it”
Courtney’s Song: "God’s Not Done With You" by Tauren Wells
A song that reminded Courtney that her story wasn’t over, that God was still writing something good, and that hope and purpose remain even in the hardest trials.
