Healing from betrayal is not a solo journey, nor is it a linear one. In this conclusion to our conversation, Dr. Monique Thompson returns to discuss the "butterfly effect" of recovery and the practicalities of rebuilding a life after the internal explosion of discovery.

We dive deep into the specific therapeutic tools that move us from "surviving to tomorrow" to "unleashing" our most authentic selves. Dr. Thompson reframes the concept of forgiveness through a powerful financial lens: understanding that while you may choose to forgive a debt, you are under no obligation to issue new credit.

We talk about:

• Assembling Your Recovery Team: Why you shouldn’t rely on Google alone; the importance of finding "learned" practitioners who specialize in betrayal and can provide credible referrals for coaches, retreats, and specialists.

• The Science of Heartbreak: Exploring the 84-year Harvard study on health and the epigenetics of trauma, reminding us that working through betrayal is a vital investment in your long-term medical health.

• EMDR and Parts Work in Practice: How tools like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) help "cook to order" a healing path that respects your protective parts while accessing your "capital-S" Self.

• The "3:00 PM to 9:00 PM" Rule: Why we often "suck" at parenting ourselves in the evening and how to implement trauma-informed self-care, like outdoor walks and "brain-healthy" habits, to protect your nervous system during these high-risk hours.

• The Credit/Debt Metaphor for Forgiveness: A revolutionary way to look at forgiveness as a "bankruptcy" filing, dismissing an uncollectible debt for your own freedom without being forced to grant immediate trust or reconciliation.

This episode may be especially supportive if:

• You feel overwhelmed by the "alphabet soup" of therapy (EMDR, IFS, CBT) and want to know how these tools actually work in the room.

• You are struggling with the concept of forgiveness and feel pressured to "get over it" before your partner has proven they are "creditworthy" again.

• You find yourself doom-scrolling or engaging in "anti-survival" habits in the evenings and need a practical "reset" strategy.

• You are ready to move from being a victim of your circumstances to becoming the "general of your own army".

As Dr. Thompson beautifully notes, you never truly lose in this process, you either win or you learn. Every step you take toward choosing to heal is a step toward experiencing the precious few moments of life in a tangible, beautiful way.

Meet the Guest: Dr. Monique Thompson

Dr. Monique Thompson is an EMDR-trained therapist and trauma-informed life coach with over 24 years of experience. She specializes in betrayal trauma, PTSD, and couples recovery, helping clients restore nervous system safety to support clarity and accountability. She is the author of the Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples and is known for her culturally responsive, parts-based approach to healing.

Dr. Thompson’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drmoniquethompson

Dr. Thompson’s Private Counseling Practice - https://www.facebook.com/137813109676722?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web

Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples - https://www.amazon.com/Infidelity-Recovery-Workbook-Couples-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0CYGPRGQS

Rachel’s Booklist - ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17C3H1PVHJ5N9?ref_=wl_share⁠⁠
Rachel’s Newsletter - ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/iKgcY