Family betrayal cuts deeper than almost any other wound. These are the very people we expect to love, guide, and protect us—and when they break that trust, the pain is overwhelming and confusing. 

In this episode, Dr. Debi Silber explores how early family betrayals shape our beliefs, relationships, health, and work. She shares her own personal story of family betrayal, how she questioned the beliefs she was raised with, and how breaking those patterns became the foundation for her healing and her life’s work. 

Dr. Debi also highlights the journey of a PBT member who discovered how guilt and manipulation had silently dictated her family dynamics for decades—and what happens when those tactics stop working. 

This conversation sheds light on: 

• Why family betrayal can feel so disorienting and devastating. 

• The progression from “It must be me” → “Maybe it’s not me.” “What if it’s them?” → “It’s them.” 

• How beliefs formed in childhood can carry into adult relationships, health, and career. 

• The painful but powerful process of setting new boundaries, even when it means losing relationships. 

• Why betrayal often gets worse before it gets better when you change the rules. 

• The ripple effects of unhealed early betrayal, including repeat betrayals, health struggles, and workplace challenges. 

• What changes when you do the work to heal, rebuild, and move through the 5 Stages from Betrayal to Breakthrough. 

Through her personal experiences and decades of research, Dr. Debi shows why cleaning up these early betrayals is essential to living a life that is healthy, fulfilling, and aligned with your true worth. 

 

✨ Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode 

• Learn more about the 5 Stages from Betrayal to Breakthrough inside the Reclaim program: thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim 

• Coaches & practitioners: explore how to add betrayal recovery to your toolkit in the Certification Masterclass: thepbtinstitute.com/certification-masterclass 

 

💡 Key Takeaway: When you stop believing betrayal was your fault and begin rewriting the rules, you open the door to healing, stronger relationships, and a life built on self-worth and boundaries.