Surviving Betrayal
Tue Jan 06 2026
If you have ever been blindsided by someone you trust, you know that betrayal isn't just a regular trauma. It is a psychological earthquake that shatters your identity and worldview. In this episode, Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the PBT Institute, breaks down her groundbreaking PhD research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome.
She reveals why betrayal causes unique physical symptoms like digestive issues and extreme fatigue and provides a predictable, 5 stage roadmap to move you from survival mode into a completely transformed version of yourself.
[05:41] Why Betrayal is a Unique Trauma: Dr. Debi explains why betrayal differs from other traumas because it forces you to question your ability to trust and trashes your sense of belonging and worthiness.
[09:38] Defining Post-Betrayal Syndrome: A look at the collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms including hypervigilance and low energy that affect those who haven't fully healed.
[15:19] The 5 Predictable Stages of Healing: Introducing the evidence based roadmap that takes you from the initial shock to the rebirth of a new worldview.
[19:56] The Stage 3 Trap: Why most people stay stuck for decades in survival mode because it feels safe, often leading to numbing behaviors like emotional eating or overworking.
[39:19] Rebuilding the Brick Wall of Trust: A powerful analogy explaining that trust must be rebuilt brick by brick by the person who broke it, while the betrayed person's only job is to observe.
About Dr. Debi Silber:Dr. Debi Silber is the Founder and CEO of The PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day. She is a 2-time #1 International bestselling author and has been featured on FOX, CBS, and The Dr. Oz Show.
Her PhD study revolutionized the understanding of betrayal recovery by identifying the specific stages required for full transformation.
Connect with Dr. Debi:
Take the Quiz: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?
Official Website: The PBT Institute
Watch the TEDx: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?
Listen to the Podcast: From Betrayal to Breakthrough
More
If you have ever been blindsided by someone you trust, you know that betrayal isn't just a regular trauma. It is a psychological earthquake that shatters your identity and worldview. In this episode, Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the PBT Institute, breaks down her groundbreaking PhD research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome. She reveals why betrayal causes unique physical symptoms like digestive issues and extreme fatigue and provides a predictable, 5 stage roadmap to move you from survival mode into a completely transformed version of yourself. [05:41] Why Betrayal is a Unique Trauma: Dr. Debi explains why betrayal differs from other traumas because it forces you to question your ability to trust and trashes your sense of belonging and worthiness. [09:38] Defining Post-Betrayal Syndrome: A look at the collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms including hypervigilance and low energy that affect those who haven't fully healed. [15:19] The 5 Predictable Stages of Healing: Introducing the evidence based roadmap that takes you from the initial shock to the rebirth of a new worldview. [19:56] The Stage 3 Trap: Why most people stay stuck for decades in survival mode because it feels safe, often leading to numbing behaviors like emotional eating or overworking. [39:19] Rebuilding the Brick Wall of Trust: A powerful analogy explaining that trust must be rebuilt brick by brick by the person who broke it, while the betrayed person's only job is to observe. About Dr. Debi Silber:Dr. Debi Silber is the Founder and CEO of The PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day. She is a 2-time #1 International bestselling author and has been featured on FOX, CBS, and The Dr. Oz Show. Her PhD study revolutionized the understanding of betrayal recovery by identifying the specific stages required for full transformation. Connect with Dr. Debi: Take the Quiz: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome? Official Website: The PBT Institute Watch the TEDx: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome? Listen to the Podcast: From Betrayal to Breakthrough