Episodes

  • 426: Nervous System Healing & Human Design

    426: Nervous System Healing & Human Design
    Jun 23 2025
    Guest: Akary Busto – Nervous System Specialist, Human Design Expert, Breathwork Facilitator Episode Summary: What does it really mean to regulate your nervous system—and how do you know when it's dysregulated in the first place? In this episode, Dr. Debi Silber is joined by her friend and fellow healer Akary Busto for a wide-ranging, insight-packed conversation on nervous system regulation, HeartMath, human design, and how subtle energetic shifts can create massive emotional healing—especially in the aftermath of betrayal. Akary shares her personal journey of healing through biofeedback, breathwork, and intuitive embodiment practices, and explains how knowing your human design can offer profound clarity on your reactions, choices, and energy. You’ll learn how the nervous system holds the key to long-lasting transformation—and why simple tools like breathing through your heart can create immediate calm and coherence in everyday life. 🔑 Topics We Cover: Akary’s healing journey through betrayal and burnout What nervous system dysregulation really looks like Why traditional trauma therapy doesn’t always stick Using HeartMath and biofeedback to track inner states How breathwork helps rewire responses to stress Why simplicity is key—and why healing doesn’t have to be hard The hidden power of “the pause” Understanding human design: manifesting generators, open centers & more Why we attract certain people (like narcissists) based on our energetic blueprint How heart-centered presence can influence those around you The ripple effect of regulated energy in daily life Why your value isn’t tied to your productivity 💬 Memorable Quotes: “If your nervous system isn’t resilient, the healing won’t stick—no matter what therapy you do.” —Akary Busto “We are so conditioned to think healing has to be hard. But it’s the simple practices—like breathing through the heart—that change everything.” —Dr. Debi Silber “Everything is energy. So when you show up calm and centered, it affects everyone around you.” —Akary Busto 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: HeartMath Institute https://thepbtinstitute.com/humandesign/ resources and charts (discussed in the episode) Connect with Akary: https://uhkare.com and @uhkarebreathwork on Instagram The PBT Institute: Reclaim – for the betrayed 💡 Takeaway: Healing isn’t always about doing more—it’s about doing differently. When you regulate your nervous system, understand your energetic wiring, and lean into practices that work with your design, you open the door to real transformation—no force required. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Catch this episode of From Betrayal to Breakthrough on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to rate and review to help more people discover the tools and hope they need to heal.
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    31 mins
  • 425: Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal—What It Really Takes

    425: Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal—What It Really Takes
    Jun 16 2025
    Guest: Geoff Steurer, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Betrayal Trauma Specialist, and Co-Host of From Crisis to Connection Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Dr. Debi Silber sits down with Geoff Steurer to unpack the deeply layered process of rebuilding trust after betrayal. Whether the betrayal came from infidelity, emotional disconnection, or broken agreements, Geoff explains how couples can not only survive the fallout—but create a completely new, stronger relationship. Drawing from his personal marriage journey and 20+ years of professional experience, Geoff shares the turning point that transformed his own relationship and the essential roadmap he uses with couples navigating the aftermath of betrayal. You’ll hear how full disclosure is not just a confessional but a structured, trauma-informed process that sets the stage for healing. You’ll also learn why most traditional couples counseling fails betrayed couples, what real accountability looks like, and how the betrayer can become a source of strength instead of pain. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering rebuilding after betrayal—or helping others do the same. 🔑 Topics We Cover: Geoff’s personal betrayal recovery journey—and how it shaped his work The critical “wake-up call” moment that changed everything in his marriage Why many therapists unintentionally retraumatize betrayed partners The anatomy of a successful full disclosure process What betrayed partners really need to heal How betrayers can move from shame into strength and empathy Why traditional “relationship advice” (like more date nights) is premature The emotional cost of “trickle truth” and how to stop it What real intimacy looks like after betrayal Why healing timelines vary—and what a realistic journey looks like The role of courage in rebuilding a relationship from the ground up 💬 Memorable Quotes: “The most compassionate thing a betrayer can do is restore choice to the betrayed partner by telling the full truth.” “You can’t rebuild on sand. If you’re rebuilding, build it on something rock-solid—even if that means facing hard truths first.” “When couples do this work courageously, they often end up with a relationship they never imagined possible.” “Healing after betrayal isn’t about going back. It’s about co-creating something completely new—with mutual accountability, safety, and truth.” 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: From Crisis to Connection Podcast — Geoff’s show and site with his wife, Jody, offering a roadmap for couples healing from betrayal PBT Rebuild Program — For those who’ve betrayed and want to do the deep work of repair and transformation PBT Reclaim Program – For the betrayed who is ready to heal physically, mentally and emotionally 💡 Takeaway: Rebuilding after betrayal is hard—but not impossible. With honesty, accountability, empathy, and the right roadmap, couples can move beyond survival and into transformation. It starts with courageous truth-telling and continues with consistent, individual growth that supports the relationship over time. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don’t miss this episode of From Betrayal to Breakthrough wherever you get your podcasts.
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    34 mins
  • 424: The Performance Killer No One's Talking About: Betrayal Trauma at Work

    424: The Performance Killer No One's Talking About: Betrayal Trauma at Work
    Jun 9 2025
    In this powerful, eye-opening masterclass, Dr. Debi Silber explores the hidden ways unhealed betrayal trauma disrupts workplace performance, leadership, team dynamics, and personal well-being. From brain fog and burnout to disengagement and chronic stress, betrayal at work and in life silently chips away at trust, productivity, and engagement—until it's named and healed. You’ll also hear from several Certified PBT® Coaches and Practitioners sharing real-world examples, healing insights, and how the PBT Method transforms both individuals and organizations. What You’ll Learn: Why betrayal is a unique form of trauma that requires a specific kind of healing The 3 groundbreaking discoveries from Dr. Debi's PhD study on betrayal How betrayal shows up at work (emotional volatility, imposter syndrome, absenteeism, inability to trust or delegate) Post Betrayal Syndrome®: Symptoms and statistics from 100,000+ survey respondents How unhealed betrayal is misdiagnosed as stress, burnout, leadership breakdown, or low morale The 5 Stages from Betrayal to Breakthrough—and how to move through them Why time and even new relationships don’t heal betrayal—only deliberate action does Featuring Guest Experts & PBT Coaches: Coach Peggy: On how betrayal left her emotionally overwhelmed and unable to work—leading to months of missed work and HR intervention Coach Elizabeth: On the nervous system’s response to trauma, chronic pain, addiction, and how yoga and somatic work support healing Coach Nari: On self-awareness, trauma’s impact on leadership and decision-making, and how healing restores personal power Practitioner Jay: On the workplace costs of unhealed betrayal, from policy gaps to team dysfunction, shame, and numbing behaviors Coach Sunrise (Middle East): On cultural barriers to addressing betrayal, the fast-track to "getting over it," and the cost of skipping healing Coach Ingrid (Kenya): On how betrayal trauma is perceived in Kenya, small business impacts, and cultural silence around betrayal Coach Tran (Vietnam): On the hidden emotional toll betrayal takes in professional settings where it’s often ignored Key Stats Shared: 84% struggle with trust after betrayal 71% experience sleep issues 60% can’t concentrate 78% constantly revisit the betrayal 81% feel a loss of personal power 45% have digestive issues related to betrayal Programs Mentioned: Reclaim Essentials: Self-paced program with milestone tracking — $497 Reclaim Momentum: Includes group coaching, live classes, Q&A with Dr. Debi — $997 Transform: All of Momentum + 3 private sessions with Dr. Debi + small group Transform sessions — $5,000 Resources: Take the Post Betrayal Syndrome® Quiz: https://thepbtinstitute.com/quiz Join the Reclaim Program: https://thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim Learn about bringing PBT® to your workplace: https://thepbtinstitute.com/corporate/ Final Takeaway: You don’t leave your wounds at the door. Betrayal trauma—personal or professional—will show up in your leadership, performance, team relationships, and health unless you deliberately heal it. The good news? With the right roadmap, healing is not just possible—it’s predictable.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 423: Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Relationships

    423: Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Relationships
    Jun 2 2025
    Have you ever found yourself in the same toxic patterns—different people, but the same pain? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Debi sits down with Keyleigh Clarkson, a therapist who brings both professional training and lived experience to the conversation around toxic relationships, trauma, and healing. From growing up in an unstable household to dating emotionally unavailable partners, Keyleigh shares how she broke the cycle of pain and reclaimed her self-worth. Together, Debi and Keyleigh explore the psychological roots of toxic relationship patterns, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and—most importantly—how we can begin to heal. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Keyleigh’s personal story of repeating toxic patterns from childhood to adulthood What is Repetitive Compulsion? Understanding why we’re drawn to what hurts us How trauma impacts the nervous system—and what that means for healing Self-worth vs. self-love: Why “self-like” may be the missing step The danger of outsourcing your worth—and how to bring it back home Small daily promises as a powerful tool to rebuild self-trust Recognizing when you’re stuck: repeating patterns in love, friendship, and work Practical nervous system regulation tools (like the Butterfly Hug and 4-Square Breathing) Signs you’re healing: subtle shifts that signal growth and transformation Why the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other one 💬 Memorable Quotes: “We often date the same person in a different body. That’s a sign we’re stuck in a familiar pain.” – Keyleigh Clarkson “Healing doesn’t start with affirmations—it starts with safety in the body.” – Keyleigh Clarkson “There is nothing wrong with you. People’s behavior says more about them than it ever did about you.” – Keyleigh Clarkson “If we’re outsourcing our self-worth, it can be taken as quickly as it’s given.” – Keyleigh Clarkson “Self-like comes before self-love.” – Keyleigh Clarkson 🛠️ Practical Tools Mentioned: Butterfly Hug (crossed thumbs, alternating taps on chest or knees) 4-Square Breathing (inhale, hold, exhale, hold for 4 seconds each) Daily self-promises (e.g., reading two pages, taking a walk, journaling) Self-awareness exercises: Track recurring patterns in relationships Micro meditations: Just 1 minute of stillness to begin retraining your nervous system 💡 Final Takeaway: You are not broken. If you’ve found yourself in toxic relationships, it doesn’t mean you’re unworthy—it means you’re operating from learned survival patterns. Healing is possible, and it starts with reclaiming your self-trust, regulating your nervous system, and building a gentle, compassionate relationship with yourself—one promise at a time. Connect with Keyleigh Clarkson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkeyleighclarkson/ Connect with The PBT Institute: The Reclaim Program – For the betrayed – Learn more here: https://thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim/   👏 Leave a Review If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Healing from betrayal starts with understanding—and this episode is packed with insight that can make a real difference.
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    26 mins
  • 422: High-Vibration Living and the Gift of Sensitivity

    422: High-Vibration Living and the Gift of Sensitivity
    May 26 2025
    In this powerful and heart-expanding conversation, I’m joined by my new friend, Debbie Lynn Grace—intuitive mentor, energy expert, and founder of Sensitive Living Magazine. We dive deep into what it truly means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), how to embrace this trait as a superpower, and how to access higher vibrational states to move through life with greater clarity, peace, and purpose. Whether you’ve been told you're “too sensitive,” feel easily drained by your environment, or just sense that you're wired differently, this episode will help you see those traits not as liabilities—but as divine gifts. We also explore how trauma, especially betrayal, impacts highly sensitive people more intensely, and what it looks like to rise from that pain into the most empowered version of yourself. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: The science and energetics behind Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) Why sensitivity is not a weakness—but a gift for healing and intuitive insight The difference between ego path vs. soul path (and why most of us are stuck in ego mode) How to recognize your vibrational range—and live above your upper limit Four ways your higher guidance communicates with you (and how to stop ignoring it) How to shift from stuck, fear-based patterns into aligned, soul-level action What high-vibration living really means—and why it's the key to healing after betrayal 💡 Key Quotes: “If you took away my sensitivity, you'd have to take away my work.” – Debbie Lynn Grace “Highly sensitive people don’t just hear what’s said… they hear what’s not being said.” – Dr. Debi Silber “Living at a high vibration isn’t a someday idea. It’s available to you now. You just have to choose it.” 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Learn more about Debbie Lynn Grace: https://debbielynngrace.com 📖 Subscribe to Sensitive Living Magazine: https://www.sensitivelivingmagazine.com 🎓 Explore healing after betrayal: https://thepbtinstitute.com 🧭 Final Takeaway: Being highly sensitive isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to honor. In a world that often demands resilience over receptivity, sensitivity is your soul’s way of guiding you toward deeper healing, connection, and truth. When you stop operating from fear and ego, and start listening to your higher self—you step into the frequency of who you were always meant to be.
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    40 mins
  • 421: The Ugly Truth of Divorce: Co-Parenting, Parental Alienation, and the Power of Emotional Regulation

    421: The Ugly Truth of Divorce: Co-Parenting, Parental Alienation, and the Power of Emotional Regulation
    May 19 2025
    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Samantha Boss—divorce coach, parenting advocate, and truth-teller behind “The Ugly Truth of Divorce.” Samantha shares her raw, unfiltered journey through a high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a diagnosed narcissist, and the long road to healing—not just for herself, but for her children. We talk about the parts of divorce no one prepares you for: the manipulation, the guilt, the courtroom chaos, and the silent trauma children absorb when parents are too overwhelmed to see the signs. This episode isn’t just for those navigating divorce. It’s a masterclass in emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and reclaiming your parenting power in the face of chaos. If you're struggling to co-parent with someone toxic—or you feel like you’ve lost yourself trying to keep the peace—this conversation will bring clarity, courage, and hope. 🔑 What We Cover: Samantha’s whirlwind 60-day engagement and the red flags she missed The reality of divorcing a narcissist and enduring 300+ court appearances The impact of parental alienation—and how she didn’t see it coming Why emotional dysregulation sabotaged her parenting (and how she changed it) The role of play therapy in uncovering her children’s silent suffering How trying to “look like the good parent” backfired The turning point when a child psychologist gave her the wake-up call she needed Why trying to force co-parenting isn’t always the right answer How giving her children choices created emotional safety and empowerment What her children taught her about healing, boundaries, and finding their voice Why neutrality—not bashing the ex—is critical for your child’s long-term wellbeing Creating new traditions post-divorce and redefining “family” on your own terms Long-term parenting: how to think beyond court dates and into your child’s future 🛠️ Practical Tools and Takeaways: Stay neutral or say nothing when it comes to your co-parent. Let your kids form their own opinions. Emotional regulation is your superpower—your children mirror what you model. Prioritize your healing before trying to fix your kids. Your transformation leads theirs. Empower kids with choices—big or small. It restores their sense of control. Focus on creating a home that feels safe, consistent, and peaceful. Don't force co-parenting with someone incapable of respectful collaboration. Parallel parenting may be safer. Think long-term. Your relationship with your child goes far beyond age 18. 💬 Memorable Quotes: “I was promoting someone who was tearing me down behind closed doors. And the kids felt the disconnect.” “I didn’t realize I was teaching my children to people-please a bully.” “Once I emotionally regulated, everything changed. My kids followed my lead—because I was finally leading.” 👥 About Our Guest: Samantha Boss Samantha Boss is the founder of The Ugly Truth of Divorce, where she supports parents navigating high-conflict co-parenting, parental alienation, and post-divorce recovery. After surviving a decade of court battles and emotional warfare, she now helps others reclaim peace and power in their parenting. Learn more about Samantha at https://samanthaboss.com Resources: The 5 Stages from Betrayal to Breakthrough: https://thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim The Rebuild Program (For those who betrayed and want to heal): https://thepbtinstitute.com/rebuild/  The PBT Institute Community (Join the healing conversation): https://thepbtinstitute.com  
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    33 mins
  • 420: Betrayer: If You've Been Given a Second Chance After Betrayal, Don't Blow It

    420: Betrayer: If You've Been Given a Second Chance After Betrayal, Don't Blow It
    May 12 2025
    "A Message to the Betrayer: If You've Been Given Another Chance, Honor It" In today’s powerful episode, Dr. Debi speaks directly to the betrayer — the one who caused the hurt — offering a clear and compassionate roadmap for how to truly rebuild trust after betrayal. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why Curiosity Beats Defensiveness: Instead of reacting defensively, betrayers must get curious. How could you have said or done things differently? How can you communicate feelings without causing further harm? The Precious Gift of a Second Chance: When a betrayed partner is willing to cautiously hand their trust back to you, it's the most precious gift you could receive. If you have no intention of honoring it, Dr. Debi strongly urges you to let them go — they deserve healing, not more trauma. The Non-Negotiable Rule for Living and Healing: Dr. Debi shares her simple but life-changing rule: If it hurts another living being—don’t do it. Period. How to Handle Shame While Supporting Your Partner: Shame must be dealt with—but not at the expense of the betrayed’s healing process. Timing is everything. The Right Way to Rebuild Safety and Trust: Proactively show that you see what you never saw before. Bring up the hard conversations—not just when it’s convenient for you, but when the betrayed needs it. Consistently demonstrate that you are willing to do the hard work. What Betrayal Actually Does to a Person: Dr. Debi vividly describes the profound emotional, psychological, and even physical shattering that betrayal causes. Rebuilding takes seriousness, consistency, and deep respect. A Powerful Visualization Exercise: If you struggle to see the depth of the pain you've caused, imagine your own beloved child being betrayed. What would you want for them? What would you demand from the one who hurt them? Now act accordingly. For the Betrayed: A final, heartfelt reminder: "Even though it happened to you, it’s not about you." Betrayers often act out of their own unhealed wounds. Their choices do not define your worth. Key Takeaways: ✅ Healing is possible—but only with total honesty and commitment. ✅ If you have no intention to honor your second chance, the kindest thing you can do is walk away. ✅ Betrayal affects not just the partner but the entire family, including children—handle it with the gravity it deserves. ✅ Rebuilding after betrayal is hard work, but it leads to transformation you never thought possible. Resources Mentioned: The Rebuild Program – For betrayers ready to change: Learn More Here: https://thepbtinstitute.com/rebuild/ The Reclaim Program – For the betrayed: Learn more here: https://thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim/ Episode 418 – Talking to Kids About Betrayal: [Listen Here] Final Words from Dr. Debi: Betrayal shatters everything—but with the right help, support, and deep commitment, it can also lay the foundation for something stronger than ever before. You’re not alone, and you’re not beyond redemption—but you have to do the work.
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    33 mins
  • 419: Breaking the Silence: Family Secrets, Abuse, and Generational Healing

    419: Breaking the Silence: Family Secrets, Abuse, and Generational Healing
    May 5 2025
    Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive material about abuse, incest, and generational trauma. Please listen or watch at your own pace, and practice self-care as needed. Episode Overview: In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Dr. Debi Silber speaks with author and advocate Babs Walters about the lifelong impact of childhood abuse, the burden of keeping family secrets, and what it truly takes to heal. Babs courageously shares her deeply personal story, tracing the effects of trauma through her family history—and how she finally found freedom and purpose in breaking the silence. Key Themes Covered: The Legacy of Abuse and Secret-Keeping Babs recounts her childhood experience of incest, the secrecy that surrounded it, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her body and relationships. Dissociation and Survival As a child, Babs survived by dissociating and escaping into books—one of the few places she found hope and happy endings. From Silence to Advocacy Her journey from secrecy to speaking out includes therapy, education, and eventually, writing her memoir. Her mission: to make sure no other child feels as isolated as she did. Family Secrets and Their Lasting Damage The harm isn't just in the trauma—it’s in the demand for secrecy. Babs explains how family systems force silence, and how that pressure keeps generations stuck. Generational Trauma and Its Roots A shocking story about her father’s childhood reveals the hidden trauma that shaped his inability to love, empathize, or protect his children. The Healing Journey With over 45 years of therapy, programs like est (Erhard Seminars Training), and a commitment to self-growth, Babs shows that deep healing is possible—even decades later. Breaking the Chain Despite being criticized by her children for her own “extreme” parenting, Babs is proud to have disrupted the abusive legacy passed down through generations. Her Memoir and Mission: Babs made a vow as a child to someday write a book that would let another little girl know she wasn’t alone. That book is finally here—along with her advocacy work, speaking, and involvement with Brave Voices, a Library of Congress archive preserving survivor stories. Notable Quotes: “I made a promise to myself that one day I’d write a book so some other little girl wouldn’t feel all alone.” “The pain was bad—but my self-talk may have been worse.” “Healing isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And it’s never too late to begin.” Resources & Where to Find Babs: Website: https://babswalters.com Instagram: @babswalters Resources & Links Learn more about the PBT Institute  What Stage Are You In? Find out here  Want to bring the 5 Stages of Healing into your organization? Contact us about corporate programs  Explore our flagship program Reclaim  Become a Certified PBT® Coach/Practitioner  Final Thoughts from Dr. Debi: Healing from trauma takes courage, community, and compassion. Babs is living proof that no matter your age or how long it’s been, healing is possible—and your story has power. If you’re keeping a family secret, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it forever. Be sure to share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. And as always, take what serves you, leave what doesn’t, and treat yourself with gentleness as you heal.
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    28 mins
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