One question I'm asked about healing from betrayal in marriage

Healing From Betrayal in Marriage: The #1 Question Answered


The Truth No One Talks About

Are you sitting in the aftermath of betrayal and asking yourself—“Can my marriage actually heal from this?”  

You’re not alone.  

This is the #1 question I get asked by couples who feel like the damage is too deep and the trust is too shattered to repair. 😔  

Here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear—healing from betrayal in marriage ISN’T IMPOSSIBLE. But it does require something most people avoid: honest ownership and intentional action. 

Betrayal doesn’t have to be the end of your marriage. It can be the breaking point that leads to real restoration. 💥  

So, grab your Bible, journal, pen, and a cup of coffee ☕—we’re diving deep into the exact approach that can help you rebuild trust, get that burning question answered, repair broken bonds, and invite God to do the work only He can do.  


Couple taking a walk in a vineyard

First, What Is Ownership in Healing from Betrayal in Marriage?  

Ownership isn’t about taking all the blame—it’s about taking responsibility for your own part in rebuilding what’s been broken. 👏  

For the betrayed spouse, ownership might mean:  

- Setting clear boundaries. 🚧  

- Refusing to carry guilt that isn’t yours to bear. 💥  

- Choosing forgiveness—not as a free pass but as a way to break free from bitterness. 🙌 (Ephesians 4:31-32)  

For the offending spouse, ownership looks like:  

- Confessing fully—no excuses, no half-truths. 💬  

- Demonstrating repentance through consistent actions—not just empty words.  

- Rebuilding trust by prioritizing accountability over secrecy. 



Follow me on Instagram: @savvymarriagerescue


Here’s the Deal:

Fact #1: Focus on the Family says that Couples who address betrayal head-on—without brushing it under the rug—are 70% more likely to experience emotional reconnection.

Fact #2: According to the American Association of Christian Counselors, studies show that faith-based counseling approaches lead to higher rates of reconciliation and long-term healing.

Fact #3: Forgiveness doesn’t erase consequences, but it does create space for God to work where bitterness once lived. (Colossians 3:13)  


Couple intimate moment

How I Started Healing from Betrayal and Rebuilding Trust in My Own Marriage  

Not too long ago, I found myself on the other side of a betrayal that felt like it shattered everything. 💔  

I didn’t know whether to stay and fight or cut my losses and run.  

And honestly? I wanted to run. 

But instead, I leaned into these truths:  

✅ I owned my need for healing—not just for my marriage but for my heart.  

✅ I let God expose what was broken in me—not just in my spouse.  

✅ I stopped praying for a perfect outcome and started praying for God’s perfect process. 🙌  

And here’s what happened next… We didn’t just rebuild—we rebuilt on better foundations. 🔥  

Does it take work? Absolutely. But with faith, accountability, and practical steps, healing from betrayal isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. 


Couple kissing and making up

5 Actionable Steps to Start Healing from Betrayal in Marriage Today

Ready to stop spinning in the same cycles and actually move forward? Here’s where to start:  

1. Get Honest About the Damage 

Stop minimizing what happened. Call it what it is—betrayal hurts. But healing can’t happen if you keep hiding the wound. (James 5:16)  

2. Build Boundaries, Not Walls

Boundaries protect what’s valuable—walls just shut people out. Sit down and outline clear boundaries that protect your heart without sabotaging connection.  

3. Prioritize Accountability Over Apologies 

Saying I’m sorry is easy. Showing change is hard. Make accountability a daily habit, not an occasional event.  

Helpful Resource: Check out Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages to rebuild emotional safety through intentional actions.  

I also created a post betrayal love languages checklist. Just sign up with your email and You can download that for free here.

4. Stop Fixing and Start Praying Fervently

You can’t fix what only God can heal. Commit to praying with your spouse—even when it feels awkward. (Matthew 18:20)  

5. Get Help Before It’s Too Late

Healing isn’t meant to happen in isolation.If you’re ready to take this seriously, contact me and let’s talk about how counseling can give you the tools to rebuild from the ground up.  

Pro Tip: Don’t make the mistake of waiting “until things calm down.” Healing starts now.  


couple quality time

Case Study: Rebuilding After Betrayal 

Let’s talk about Ruth and David (fictional names, very real struggles).  

David confessed to emotional infidelity, and Ruth was ready to walk away. Anger, shame, and fear were driving every decision.  

But instead of running, they committed to this process:  

✅ Ruth rebuilt boundaries without resentment.  

✅ David prioritized accountability—daily check-ins, phone transparency, and counseling. 

✅ Together, they prayed for God to renew their hearts before restoring their marriage.🙏 

The result? A marriage stronger than it had ever been—because it was rebuilt on truth, not illusions. 💥  


Your Marriage Can Heal, Too

Betrayal doesn’t get the final word—God does. 💛  

The fact that you’re still reading this means you’re not done fighting for what matters. And guess what? Neither is God. 

I created this guide (link-to-guide) for couples who want to renew and restore their marriage and for couples who are done making excuses and ready to rebuild with intention and faith.   

💬 You can also Click Here for Couples Therapy Session Packages if you’re ready to stop circling the same struggles, make a real investment in your marriage, and start seeing real change.  

Oh, and because you made it this far… 🎉 I’m giving you an extra 15% off the session package that you choose.  Rooting for you!


healing from betrayal in marriage couple cuddle time

(Disclaimer: I am licensed to provide therapy and counseling services in the States of Alabama and Tennessee. This blog post does not replace professional help from a mental health provider and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. The information on this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship and I will not be held liable for any damages or losses caused by using the tips and actions shared on this blog. If your situation calls for medical attention or therapeutic intervention, seek the advice of a Licensed Physician or licensed mental health providers in good standing in your local area. Call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room if you are in a life threatening or emergent situation. Also, this information is not for those in abusive situations or dealing with someone engaged in criminal acts. If that has happened in your situation, call the authorities and create a safety and exit plan. You don’t have to stay in an unsafe or dangerous situation).


Sources:

All Scripture References are from The Living Bible (1971) by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

Focus on The Family (2024) on statistic about couples address betrayal. Retrieved from: https://www.focusonthefamily.com.  

American Association of Christian Counselors (2024) on faith-based counseling approaches, retrieved from: https://www.aacc.net

Chapman, Gary (2024) The Five Love Languages. Retrieved from https://5lovelanguages.com



Rhonda Marie Stalb LMFT

Hi There! I’m Rhonda! Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Relational Strategist. I help married Christian Couples recover from betrayal trauma so they can live in the marriage of their dreams.

https://www.rhondamariestalblmft.com
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