Coping with Ghosting

By Gretta Perlmutter, MA, Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® CoachSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement Relationships

Coping with Ghosting episodes

September 27Is Digital Culture Disconnecting Us? Media Overload, Ghosting, & Reclaiming Attention with Dr. Annie Margaret
What if the way we communicate and build relationships is being heavily shaped by the digital environment we live in every day?
In this episode, Gretta sits down with Dr. Annie Margaret, educator and co-founder of the Post-Internet Project, to explore how the broader media ecosystem can influence empathy, heighten anxiety, make the end of a relationship harder to process, and, most importantly, how you can reclaim your peace.
We explore:
Digital Culture & Ghosting: When our attention systems are constantly overstimulated by infinite choice and fast content, holding space for slow, messy, real-life relationships becomes much harder.
Protecting a Raw Nervous System: Why consuming stressful news and endless feeds is unhelpful.
AI & Emotional Processing: What AI can actually help with after betrayal.
Reclaiming Your Sacred Attention: Why traditional digital detoxes often fail, and what to do instead.
Whether you're recovering from a sudden disconnect or feeling emotionally fatigued by today's digital pace, this conversation offers tools to help you protect your heart and cultivate meaningful connections.
Connect with Dr. Annie Margaret:
YouTube | Annie's Website
Annie Margaret, Ph.D., is an educator, speaker, and co-founder of the Post Internet Project. Merging her background in Cell and Molecular Biology with ancient contemplative practices, her work explores the intersection of mental health, tech design, and mindfulness. Annie is dedicated to restoring human agency and well-being in an era of digital distraction and the commodification of human attention.
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.
Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
41 min
August 30Healing After Suicide Loss: Processing Guilt, Grief, and Finding Peace with Dr. Celeste Birkhofer
If you’re carrying the heavy weight of losing a loved one to suicide, this episode was created to offer healing tools to help you begin finding your footing. In this episode, host Gretta interviews clinical psychologist Dr. Celeste Birkhofer, who shares deep insights on navigating the unique complexity of suicide loss, processing overwhelming guilt, and building the inner resources required to survive after heartbreaking loss.
In this episode, we explore:
Giving Grief a "Relational Home": The necessity of safe spaces and support systems.
The Mind-Body Connection: How suppressed pain often manifests as anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms.
Breaking the Guilt Loop: How to navigate self-blame and move away from self-punishment.
Somatic & Emotional Grounding: Practical ways to regulate your nervous system and handle emotional flooding.
Building Your Internal Operating System: The five core inner resources that help you survive traumatic loss and find lasting mental peace.
CRISIS SUPPORT: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (US & Canada).
Dr. Celeste Birkhofer is a licensed clinical psychologist and adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She maintains a private psychotherapy practice, teaches and supervises Stanford psychiatry residents, and is on the clinical advisory board for the Jed Foundation.
Connect with Dr. Celeste Birkhofer:
Website | Order your copy of her book: Beyond Quick Fixes: Essential Ingredients for Better Mental Health & A Fulfilling Life
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
38 min
July 26 Am I Being Ghosted? What to Do When You’re Not 100% Sure
Are you being ghosted, or are they just busy? Whether your friend, a date, or family member is MIA, this show provides solutions. In Episode 100, Gretta breaks down the early signs of ghosting, how to handle the anxiety of the "grey zone," and how to discover if you're being ghosted.
This show covers:
• How to ground down and separate facts from fear
• The problem with “If they wanted to, they would”
• Step-by-step outreach guidelines: How to text someone without chasing
• Follow-up limits for dating, committed relationships, and friendships
• What to ask if an "almost ghost" comes back
• The first steps to take if you've been ghosted.
If you're wondering, "Am I being ghosted?" this show will help you find answers.

Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only and provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or registered professionals.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
21 min
June 28Finding Your People & Building a Village After Betrayal ft. Florence Ann Romano
Are you seeking a fresh start for your friendship circle? 🌟
In this episode of Coping With Ghosting, Host Gretta speaks with Florence Ann Romano, author of Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life, about intentionally building a community and fostering healthy connections.
🎧 In this episode, we discuss:
Evaluating Your Relationships: Tips for mindfully reflecting on your friendships to see if they are fulfilling and aligned with your values.
Friendship Red Flags: The "micro-signals" of when a relationship may need to end.
Ending Friendships with Integrity: When to intentionally walk away from an outgrown relationship with compassion.
Healing Friendship Burnout: How to navigate a relationship when your friend is having an emotional crisis or health issue.
How to begin to trust after the trauma of betrayal: The very first step you need to take.
Rebuilding Your Village: Low-risk, sustainable ways to slowly re-enter a community.
If you are navigating the loneliness epidemic or healing from a friendship breakup, press play to start building your village with intention.
Connect with Florence Ann Romano:
Florence Ann's Website | 📖READ: Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life | Instagram
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only and provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or registered professionals.
Ghosted? You deserve peace of mind. Explore coaching with Gretta today.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
31 min
May 31 How to Heal the Body and Nervous System After Betrayal
Discover how to use somatic exercises and hypnotherapy to regulate your nervous system and reclaim safety in your body after experiencing betrayal trauma.
Ghosting and betrayal don't just affect your thoughts; they trigger a physical stress response. This week, Host Gretta connects with Dr. Danielle Griffin to examine how emotional trauma impacts the body, causing elevated cortisol, jaw tension, tight shoulders, and headaches.
After burnout and grief prompted a career pivot into somatic therapy, Dr. Danielle now helps people address the physical strain that traditional talk therapy often leaves behind. This conversation clarifies what hypnotherapy actually looks like, defines somatic work through simple mechanics, and concludes with a brief, 90-second practice to help ground your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed.
Connect with Dr. Danielle Griffin:
Dr. Griffin's Website | Healing Books and Products from Dr. Danielle
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only and provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or registered professionals.
Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
28 min
April 26How to Heal From Cheating and Betrayal
When someone you trust breaks that bond, the world can feel like it’s turned upside down. In this episode, breakup coach Janice Formicella and Host Gretta discuss the messy reality of betrayal and how to move forward. We dive into why people cheat, how to handle the "I’m not enough" narrative, and why taking a break from dating might be the best thing you ever do for your confidence.
What we cover in this episode:
Why cheaters do it, from poor communication to fear of conflict.
Attachment styles and cheating.
How to stop the "not enough" spiral after a breakup.
Practical ways to start trusting your gut again.
They're not all cheaters; tips for those who want a relationship but are hesitant to date again.
How to balance grief, anger, and healthy distractions.
If you're healing after being cheated on, this conversation is for you. You'll gain practical steps to feel like yourself again.
Connect with Janice Formichella:
YouTube | Janice's Website | Insight Timer Guided Meditations by Janice
Janice Formichella is a breakup coach and the host of the podcasts Sex and the Solo Girl and Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On. She is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds to beat their breakup, overcome loneliness, and make the end of a relationship the start of a powerful new beginning.
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only and provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or registered professionals.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
38 min
March 29When Chaos Feels Like Home: Healing From High-Conflict Family Cycles with Dr. Tracy Hutchinson
Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the "other shoe to drop," even when things are going well? If you grew up in a high-conflict environment, your nervous system may have been wired to view chaos as "home."
In this episode, host Gretta welcomes trauma therapist and author Dr. Tracy Hutchinson to explore the deep-seated impact of being raised in unpredictable, high-stress family systems. The habits we formed to survive these environments often follow us into adulthood, showing up as anxiety, self-blame, and a pattern of choosing unstable relationships. In this episode, we cover the following:
How to know if you have high-conflict family members.
Why over-apologizing, "people-pleasing," and fawn responses can show up as a result of trauma.
Understanding how unhealthy family patterns affect adult professional and romantic lives.
Cognitive dissonance: what it is and how to detect it.
How ghosting and estrangement are different, when estrangement may be necessary, and when to repair a relationship.
How to heal & make meaning.
Dr. Tracy Hutchinson is a psychotherapist, professor, and author specializing in recovery from sociopathic abuse, narcissistic abuse, and family trauma. Her latest book, Adult Children of High-Conflict Parents: Find Freedom from Your Past, Heal the Pain of Toxic Relational Trauma, and Cultivate Lasting Self-Love, is a roadmap for anyone looking to heal.
Connect with Dr. Tracy Hutchinson:
Website | Facebook | Get the Book
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Host Gretta Perlmutter, a Certified Post Betrayal Transformation® Coach, delivers evidence-based strategies to turn personal betrayal into a powerful catalyst for growth and healing.
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
46 min
February 22From Anxious to Secure Attachment Style with Trevor Hanson
Does it ever feel like you’re dating the same person with a different name? If you notice that you’re often gravitating toward emotionally unavailable people, this episode is for you.
Joining Gretta to discuss attachment is Trevor Hanson, coach and founder of The Art of Healing. Trevor teaches relationship and attachment skills through the Secure Self Club. In this show, Trevor deconstructs common relationship dynamics and shares how to finally break the cycle of insecure attachment.
This episode covers:
How to move from an insecure attachment style to a more secure one.
How anxious patterns can amplify avoidance.
Why men who have an anxious attachment style may tend to get ghosted more.
Insights on why men may be more prone to avoidant attachment.
How porn and other addictions are often attempts to soothe unmet attachment needs.
If you’re ready to make powerful shifts in your life, this episode is for you.
Connect with Trevor:
Instagram | Trevor’s Website | YouTube | TikTok
Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.
Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
48 min
January 25Betrayal and Burnout: Managing Life When It’s "Too Much," with Dr. Ken Huey
If your nervous system has been on high alert lately, you aren’t alone. Maybe you’re dealing with a painful betrayal or the silence of being ghosted, and facing a job issue, a personal loss, or health stress.
In this episode, Dr. Ken Huey from The Voice of Hope Podcast shares how to navigate compounded stress and find your way back from overwhelm when everything feels like "too much."
In this episode, we discuss:
The Breath as an Anchor: Using your breath as the primary entry point to the present moment.
Success vs. Distraction: Why achieving one "meaningful win" is more effective for stress relief than common distractions.
Tools for a Reality Check: Using journaling and a "circle of trust" to reset your perspective after extremely stressful situations.
Curating Your Influence: The importance of intentionally choosing the five people or sources that shape your mindset.
From Betrayal to Boundaries: Shedding a victim mindset, taking your power back, and creating high standards and non-negotiable boundaries.
Whether you are reeling from a recent relationship ending or feeling the heavy weight of multiple issues, this conversation will give you free, easy-to-implement tools to help. It will give you hope.
Dr. Ken Huey is CEO at The Hope Group and Havenwood Academy in Utah, and Host of The Voice of Hope Podcast. Dr. Huey has over 25 years of experience in the mental health and behavioral healthcare fields and holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
Connect With Dr. Ken Huey:
Listen to The Voice of Hope Podcast and check out his LinkedIn

Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.

Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
35 min
December 28, 2025 How to Spot a Narcissist in Relationships, with Dr. Harold Shinitzky, Psy.D.
Narcissistic behavior often hides in plain sight, especially in relationships. Recognizing the signs of narcissism before entering a relationship or while you are already in one can be the first step toward protecting your peace of mind.
In this episode, Dr. Harold Shinitzky, Psy.D., breaks down the different types of narcissism, how narcissistic traits show up in relationships, and what real support and healing can look like.
You’ll learn about:
• Gaslighting, love bombing, mirroring, and future faking
• Put-downs, smear campaigns, and projection
• Control, surveillance, and emotional manipulation
• What actually motivates change in narcissists
• Boundary phrases that shut down manipulation
• Resources to help you move forward with clarity and confidence
Dr. Shinitzky is a highly sought after presenter nationally and internationally. He is the developer of A Champion’s Mindset™, and The Winning Zone ©. He also co-authored the book, “A Champions Mindset: 15 Mental Conditioning Steps to Becoming a Champion Athlete” and works with Olympians and professional athletes (PGA, NFL, MLB, ATP, WTA, NBA, NHL) and nationally ranked juniors. Dr. Harold E. Shinitzky, Psy. D. is located in St. Petersburg Florida.
Connect With Dr. Shinitzky: drshinitzky.com
Read Dr. Dr. Shinitzky's Book: Me, Myself, and I: A Narcissist’s Mindset: A Self-Help Handbook for Victims-Survivors of a Narcissist

Connect with Gretta:
Free Guide: What to Say To A Ghost
Free and Private Facebook Support Group | Instagram | copingwithghosting.com
Music: "Ghosted" by Gustavo Zaiah
Disclaimer: This information is designed to mentor and guide you to cope with Ghosting by cultivating a positive mindset and implementing self-care practices. It is for educational purposes only; it solely provides self-help tools for your use. Coping With Ghosting is not providing health care or psychological therapy services and is not diagnosing or treating any physical or mental ailment of the mind or body. The content is not a substitute for therapy or any advice given by a licensed psychologist or other licensed or other registered professionals.
Support the show
Note to All Listeners: Ghosting is defined as: The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication (Oxford Languages). When you leave an abusive situation without saying "goodbye," it's not ghosting, it's "self-protection." When you quietly exit a relationship after a communicated boundary has been violated, it's not ghosting, it's "self-respect."
58 min