From Crisis to Connection - with Geoff & Jody Steurer

• Caring for Children While Healing from Betrayal

  When betrayal happens in a marriage, the emotional impact on a betrayed partner is overwhelming. But what about the children? How can a mother (or father) navigate their own healing while still being present for their children? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jenet Erickson, an expert in family relationships and maternal mental health. She shares research-backed insights into the connection between mothers and children, how emotional regulation plays a role in both healing and parenting, and why you don’t have to be a perfect parent for your child to thrive. If you’ve ever felt guilt or fear about how your trauma is affecting your kids, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and practical ways to show up for your children while also taking care of yourself. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏳ [04:00] – The unseen impact of betrayal trauma on parenting⏳ [07:10] – The science behind mother-child attachment and emotional regulation⏳ [16:00] – The myth of shielding children from emotions—and why they need honesty instead⏳ [20:00] – How taking care of your own healing benefits your children long-term⏳ [24:10] – The power of small daily rituals (and why they matter more than hours of time)⏳ [26:00] – How healing is possible no matter how much time has passed⏳ [34:00] – Why your presence matters more than perfection in parenting Key Takeaways:✅ Children are resilient—they don’t need perfect parents, just present and emotionally engaged ones.✅ Healing yourself first is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.✅ Small, predictable moments of connection (like bedtime stories or shared meals) are more important than constant time together.✅ Children can handle emotions—what they struggle with is when their emotions are ignored or denied.✅ It’s never too late to heal. Even if your children are grown, your healing still impacts them in powerful ways. 🎁 Download My Free Course: First Steps to Rebuilding Trust If you’re navigating broken trust in your relationship, whether you’re the one who broke it or you’ve been deeply impacted by it, this free video course can help. 📋Join me in the Courageous Together™ Program If you’re looking for structured guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for recovery, check out my Courageous Together Program—an online course and support system designed to help couples rebuild trust and connection. Inside, you’ll get:✅ A structured healing roadmap✅ Live Q&A sessions with me✅ Exclusive video lessons and worksheets✅ Confidential and secure access Let’s Stay Connected:🌍Website 📩Subscribe to My Email List 📍Instagram🪧Facebook🎙️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). She loves to do landscape design, paint in watercolor, spend time outdoors, and snow ski. About Jenet Erickson:Jenet Jacob Erickson is an associate professor in Religious Education at Brigham Young University, where teaches the Eternal Family (Rel 200) course as well as the Introduction to Family Process (SFL 160) course for the School of Family Life. The 5th of 11 children, she was raised on a small farm in Orem, Utah, where they did lots of music together. She received a PhD in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, after completing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and master’s degree in Linguistics -TESOL at BYU. She is a research fellow of both the Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies and has been a columnist on family issues for the Deseret News since 2013. She and her husband, Michael, have been blessed with two children, LaDawn (age 13) and Peter (age 10), who provide them unending opportunities for learning and joy. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jenet-erickson/designed-for-covenant-relationships/ The advice offered through Geoff Steurer's podcasts is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Geoff Steurer is a trained psychotherapist, he is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these podcasts, but rather using his training to inform the content. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients, and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes. Episode 286

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  41:17
• What to Do When Your Partner Lacks Motivation

  What happens when you’re motivated, driven, and actively working on personal growth—but your partner isn’t? In this episode, we explore the challenges of navigating a relationship when one partner struggles with motivation—whether due to personal crises, depression, or long-standing patterns of complacency. We discuss why this imbalance happens, how gender differences may play a role, and what you can do when your partner isn’t taking initiative in their own life. Whether you’re dealing with a spouse who lacks direction, struggles with personal responsibility, or seems stuck in shame or avoidance, this episode offers practical insights on how to stay focused on your own growth without losing connection in your relationship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏳ [01:25] – The challenge of feeling “unequally yoked” in motivation and life direction⏳ [02:00] – Why some people struggle with self-commitment and personal responsibility⏳ [03:15] – How men and women often respond differently to feelings of failure or loss of direction⏳ [09:50] – The two extremes: Over-independence (“You do you, I’ll do me”) vs. Over-dependence (“I have to carry you”)⏳ [15:20] – Healthy ways to support your partner without over-functioning or losing yourself⏳ [19:00] – The importance of boundaries, self-care, and focusing on your own life, goals, and well-being Key Takeaways:✅ You can’t force your partner to change, but you can focus on yourself and set healthy boundaries.✅ The imbalance of motivation in a relationship can create frustration, resentment, and emotional exhaustion—it’s important to name it.✅ Avoid falling into extremes: pulling away completely or over-functioning to “fix” the problem.✅ It’s okay to live your life fully while still caring for your partner—but without enabling their avoidance.✅ If your partner is making an effort, even in small ways, that can be a powerful sign of commitment. 🎁 Download My Free Course: First Steps to Rebuilding Trust (link in bio)If you’re navigating broken trust in your relationship, whether you’re the one who broke it or you’ve been deeply impacted by it, this free video course can help. 📋Join me in the Courageous Together™ Program If you’re looking for structured guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for recovery, check out my Courageous Together Program—an online course and support system designed to help couples rebuild trust and connection. Inside, you’ll get: ✅ A structured healing roadmap✅ Live Q&A sessions with me✅ Exclusive video lessons and worksheets✅ Confidential and secure access Let’s Stay Connected:🌍Website 📩Subscribe to My Email List 📍Instagram🪧Facebook🎙️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). She loves to do landscape design, paint in watercolor, spend time outdoors, and snow ski. The advice offered through Geoff Steurer's podcasts is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Geoff Steurer is a trained psychotherapist, he is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these podcasts, but rather using his training to inform the content. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients, and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes. Episode 285

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  24:45
• The Impact of Agency on Mental Health - with Brianna Holmes - Episode 284

  In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and agency—how our ability to choose extends beyond simple decisions and impacts how we respond to betrayal, anxiety, depression, and life’s unexpected challenges. Our guest, Brianna Holmes, is a therapist specializing in relationship issues, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum disorders. She also writes for Public Square Magazine and has published insightful articles on mental health and spirituality. Together, we discuss how agency is more than just free will—it’s deeply connected to truth, meaning, and the way we engage with our experiences. Whether you’re facing the emotional weight of betrayal trauma, struggling with mental health, or wrestling with faith-based questions about suffering, this conversation offers new ways to see your choices, reframe your experience, and reclaim your power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🔹 How agency goes beyond free will—it’s also about how we engage with truth🔹 Why feeling powerless after betrayal is normal and how to regain personal agency🔹 The role of faith and spirituality in healing mental health struggles🔹 How the meaning we assign to our experiences shapes our healing🔹 The power of asking better questions—to God, ourselves, and others🔹 Practical ways to expand our perspective and find peace in difficult circumstances Join Me in the Courageous Together Program! If you’re looking for structured guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for recovery, check out my Courageous Together Program—an online course and support system designed to help couples rebuild trust and connection. Inside, you’ll get: ✅ A structured healing roadmap ✅ Live Q&A sessions with me ✅ Exclusive video lessons and worksheets ✅ Confidential and secure access https://www.geoffsteurer.com/courageous-together Broken trust? Download my FREE video series “The First Steps to Rebuilding Trust” Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on exciting new announcements! Connect with me on social media:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK Visit http://www.geoffsteurer.com for online courses and other supportive resources. 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). She loves to do landscape design, paint in watercolor, spend time outdoors, and snow ski. About Brianna Holmes:Brianna Holmes has a master’s degree in marriage, couples, and family counseling from Idaho State University and is currently a practicing therapist in Farmington, Utah. She is especially passionate about working with adults and couples navigating relationship issues, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum disorders. In addition to working as a therapist, Brianna works for a faith-based magazine, Public Square Magazine, as an associate editor and has published many articles focusing on mental health and a variety of other topics. Brianna is a wife and mother of four. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and cheering for her favorite hockey teams. [email protected] The advice offered through Geoff Steurer's podcasts is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Geoff Steurer is a trained psychotherapist, he is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these podcasts, but rather using his training to inform the content. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients, and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes.

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  34:48
• Can I Learn to Connect? - Episode 283

  In today’s episode, we’re talking about something so many people ask—What if I’m bad at connection? What if I don’t know how to connect? If you’ve ever felt disconnected or unsure how to build meaningful relationships, you’re not alone. We’ll walk through the developmental roots of connection, how it’s learned, and what you can do if it wasn’t modeled for you growing up. We’ll also explore what real connection looks like in relationships—especially for couples healing after betrayal. You’ll learn why connection isn’t always natural but can absolutely be developed. So if you’ve been wondering if there’s hope to feel truly seen and known by others, stick with us. There’s good news ahead. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Why most of us start off as bad connectors—and how to get better at it 🔹 How early attachment patterns influence your ability to connect as an adult 🔹 Why connection requires courage, vulnerability, and practice 🔹 The difference between performing connection and real connection 🔹 Simple steps to build deeper, more authentic relationships Join Me in the Courageous Together Program!If you’re looking for structured guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for recovery, check out my Courageous Together Program—an online course and support system designed to help couples rebuild trust and connection. Inside, you’ll get: ✅ A structured healing roadmap✅ Live Q&A sessions with me✅ Exclusive video lessons and worksheets✅ Confidential and secure access https://www.geoffsteurer.com/courageous-together Broken trust? Download my FREE video series “The First Steps to Rebuilding Trust” Join my 12-week program, The Trust Building Bootcamp, to heal your broken relationship. Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on exciting new announcements! Download my FREE guide to help you quickly end arguments with your spouse: Connect with me on social media:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK Visit http://www.geoffsteurer.com for online courses and other supportive resources. 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). She loves to do landscape design, paint in watercolor, spend time outdoors, and snow ski. The advice offered through Geoff Steurer's podcasts is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Geoff Steurer is a trained psychotherapist, he is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these podcasts, but rather using his training to inform the content. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients, and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes.

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  17:44
• 5 Key Things Couples Who Heal from Betrayal Do Differently - Episode 282

  One of the most common questions I hear from couples navigating betrayal recovery is, “Is it even possible for us to heal?” If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five key things I’ve seen every couple do when they successfully heal from betrayal. I’ll also help you reimagine what healing actually looks like—not just surviving, but creating a relationship that feels safe, connected, and even joyful again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What healing from betrayal really looks like (it’s probably different than you think) Why both partners must commit to radical honesty—not just the one who broke the trust The personal growth work both partners need to do for lasting change How to integrate the betrayal into your story without being defined by it The power of community and why you can’t heal in isolation Why professional support is essential—and what kind of help actually works Join me for a FREE webinar. REGISTER HERE "Reclaiming Your Peace: What 400+ Couples & Individuals Revealed About Healing from Betrayal" Join Me in the Courageous Together Program! If you’re looking for structured guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for recovery, check out my Courageous Together Program—an online course and support system designed to help couples rebuild trust and connection. Inside, you’ll get: ✅ A structured healing roadmap ✅ Live Q&A sessions with me ✅ Exclusive video lessons and worksheets ✅ Confidential and secure access 💡 Stay tuned for the program launch! Join my email list to be the first to know when doors open. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might benefit. I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a review and let me know what’s working for you! Broken trust? Download my FREE video series “The First Steps to Rebuilding Trust” Join my 12-week program, The Trust Building Bootcamp, to heal your broken relationship. Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on exciting new announcements! Download my FREE guide to help you quickly end arguments with your spouse. Connect with me on social media:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK Visit http://www.geoffsteurer.com for online courses and other supportive resources. 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). She loves to do landscape design, paint in watercolor, spend time outdoors, and snow ski. The advice offered through Geoff Steurer's podcasts is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Geoff Steurer is a trained psychotherapist, he is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these podcasts, but rather using his training to inform the content. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients, and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes.

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  20:12

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