Episode at a Glance

We've talked a lot about the different forms sex addiction and infidelity can manifest themselves in a relationship. But what can you do when the reaction to an exposure of addiction is silence, and face intimacy anorexia?

I am so excited to be landing in Dallas, Texas today to speak with my new friend, Karen Rellos, Certified AASAT Intimacy Anorexia Coach and founder of Restored Hope Coaching &  Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. Karen explains what Intimacy Anorexia is, why it can be devistating to partners in a relationship, and what can be done to redeem love in a relationship after betrayal.

Karen shares her betrayal story of how she suffered for years with soul-crushing emotional neglect and verbal abuse, and how she was able to find her voice in that abuse and restore her marriage. She then discusses how she used that experience to become an APSAT Certified Partner Coach, helping other women who suffer through intimacy anorexia reclaim their lives and relationships after betrayal.

Who is Karen Rellos?

Karen Rellos is an APSATS Certified Partner Coach. She is also an ICF Certified Christian Life Coach, certified and trained as an Intimacy Anorexia Coach with APSATS, and a Certified Partner Mentor with Bravehearts University. She is trained in “Couples-Centered Recovery Coaching” with Dr. Jake Porter of Daring Ventures. Karen has additional training in Somatic practices and Attachment theory/strategies. Karen leads weekly groups for “Live Free wives” ministry as well as Dr. Sheri Keffer’s “Brave one Community,” in addition to her own groups and individual Coaching.

Karen & her husband John work individually and collaboratively helping couples impacted from the devastation of betrayal / sex addiction and founded Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. They help support couples on the journey toward healing, wholeness and redemption.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Karen's coaching sessions, access additional resources and contact her at her website: www.redeeming-love.com

Follow Karen's Instagram: @redeeming.love

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

We have talked many times about just how life altering betrayal and trauma can be for a woman that has a spouse who is addicted to sex or pornography. Through the pain and uncertainty of it, we ask how we can heal from this and find resilience after those moments of betrayal?

I am so excited to welcome my new friend, EMDR therapist KayLee Dunn, to the Melody and Friends podcast. KayLee shares her story of finding and marrying her highschool sweetheart only to realize his addiction to pornography a few years into their marriage. She then shares how she walked through that trial of betrayal and how she learned to work through the lasting anxiety that remained even after healing took place. She also stresses that although support and therapy/coaching is a vital step in the process to recovering, you alone are responsible for attaining and maintaining your resilience. However, KayLee reminds us all that, we are never alone and we can do this.

Who is KayLee Dunn?

Kaylee is an EMDR therapist and she has specialized in betrayal, trauma, and unwanted sexual behaviors for over 14 years. She helps individuals with sexual addiction/compulsions obtain and sustain sobriety and build recovery and also helps couples navigate reconnection or separation during their journey. She provides tele-health therapy services to women and men in Utah and Arizona.  Kaylee is also a mom to triplets who are seven and twins who are five years old. 

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about KayLee's one on one coaching, free virtual conference and more by visiting her website at www.kayleedunn.com

Check out KayLee on Instagram: @heykayleedunn

You can also find any other links to KayLee's resources, social media and more at www.kayleedunn.com/links

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

I am so grateful for today's guest on Melody and Friends, Lyschel Burket, because she is a woman who has walked both the personal journey of finding life beyond betrayal and creating communities to help other women do the same. Lyschel shares her story of betrayal as her husband had an "on again, off again" struggle with pornography, before finding treatment that walked him and her through rebuilding their marriage. 

From there, she felt called by the Lord to begin ministering to other women who had experienced betrayal through pornography addiction or infidelity, and Hope Redefined was born from that calling. Lyschel shares the important steps to recovery for women experiencing betrayal, the best resources they can access to help them along that journey, and why finding a community of women who have also walked the same path as them is a vital step to redefining hope for their life.

Who is Lyschel Burket?

Lyschel Burket, PCC, FRLC, APSATS-c, ADOH, has been working with women since 2008 as they take steps toward healing and their pursuit of God. She has facilitated support groups specific to partners of sex addicts since 2013 both locally in Knoxville, TN and online through Vicki Tiede Ministries.

Lyschel is the Lead Hope Caster and Founder of Hope Redefined. She desires to be a part of something so much bigger than herself as she continues to expand the reach of support for women who are facing similar things to her own recovery story. She and her husband, Garren, have five kiddos. Lyschel and Garren have been on the road of recovery since 2006.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Lyschel's community, coaching opportunities and resources for women walking through betrayal on her website using the link here: www.hoperedefined.org

You can also get in touch with Hope Redefined's Team through their Facebook: www.facebook.com/hoperedefinedsupport

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

Confidence is a resource that is invaluable to women. Doubt and imposter feelings are a big reason women hold back and play small instead of going for what they truly desire in their lives. Coupled with what often times seems like an ability to attract toxic or manipulative people, it’s no wonder that so many women are undervaluing themselves and their abilities.

That is why I am so grateful to have Kelli Thompson as our guest on today's episode of Melody and Friends. Kelli shares her story of closing her own confidence gap, and how that led to her becoming a women's leadership coach. She also explains the importance of confidence for women, and how it can transform their lives in their work, their church and in their homelife.

Who is Kelli Thompson?

Kelli Thompson is a women's leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award® winner for Women in Business--Coach of the Year.

Kelli holds an MBA, has served as an adjunct management professor, and has more than ten years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology organizations. Her thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, MarketWatch, Parents Magazine, Huff-Post, and Working Mother. Kelli is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her favorite roles are wife to her husband, Jason, and mom to her daughter, Hailey.

Resources:

Our listeners can purchase Kelli's book, Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck, using the link here: www.amazon.com/Closing-Confidence-Gap-Potential-Paycheck/dp/1637554206/

You can also learn more about Kelli at her website: www.kelliraethompson.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

Dealing with loss or betrayal can be devistating blows to our lives. But what should we do if we are faced with both?

I am so blessed to have Author Elisa Allison Sproule on as our guest today. Elisa shares her story of loss after the tragic death of her husband Clifford Allison and then several years later experiencing betrayal in a future relationship. It was in that valley of grief and heartbreak that she discovered the power of writing in a journal while reading Scripture. 

Elisa shares that there is no fast fix for the emotional hurt that betrayal and loss can bring. However, we do not have to face this alone, and there is power in talking with God and reading His word in times of heartbreak. Through this, Elisa became the author of several books, including her latest book, Toxic Vows: Betrayal Speaks "You Are Not Enough" God Whispers "You Are Greater Than."

Who is Elisa Sproule?

Elisa Allison Sproule is a writer and the author of “Forever Not Always”, “The Wages Of Sin” and “Toxic Vows”. Elisa began writing through her own grief of the loss of her husband Clifford Allison. Elisa learned that her faith was stronger than she thought and God was closer than ever.

Elisa is a mother, grandmother and wife. She holds trophies and titles with competitive body builder being one of them. Elisa laughs when asked about adding actress to her titles when recently filming with John Travolta. Elisa speaks to womens groups and podcasts encouraging self-wellness during tough and difficult times. Teaching that loss and betrayal are disastrous, but they do not have to destroy. Elisa’s travels have taken her as far as Australia and New Zealand.

Elisa writes daily with a novel, several children’s books and daily devotionals on the horizon. Elisa is an executive writer for her company, EarthScripts Publishing. Whether Elisa is working from home, the lake or the beach, she enjoys nature, writing, photography, painting and studying God’s word.

Resources:

Our listeners can purchase Elisa's book, Toxic Vows: Betrayal Speaks "You Are Not Enough" God Whispers "You Are Greater Than.", using the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Vows-Betrayal-Whispers-Greater/dp/1664273972

You can also learn more about Elisa at her website: https://www.elisaallisonsprouleauthor.com/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

Betrayal in a relationship is one of the hardest things a woman can walk through in her journey of life. We are often left shattered and removed from the life we thought we knew, as we are left to pick up the pieces and ask "what now?". So what are some of the ways that God can begin healing us on that journey?

We are so excited to have Author Sheila Page on this episode of Melody and Friends as she talks about her book, Healing One Brushstroke at a Time. Sheila shares her story of growing up as a missionary kid, living in Zimbabwe, Japan, and the United States before finally coming to live in Bangkok, Thailand. She then shares how she discovered her husband's addiction to sex and how she used an unlikely hobby that helped her recover, painting.

Sheila's story is a story of God's love for a woman whose world had fallen apart, and how she discovered healing as she painted-one brushstroke at a time.

Who is Sheila Page?

Sheila Paige is a certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional and Author who writes and paints about hurt and hope. Like most of us who live in this broken world, she has experienced heartbreak, trauma, rejection, confusion, betrayal and grief.

Sheila is an American citizen who was born in Japan, raised in Zimbabwe, has lived in Georgia and Alabama, and has resided in Thailand for the last twenty-five years. She knows her story of betrayal trauma resonates with women from all nations.

Resources:

Our listeners can purchase Sheila's book, Healing One Brushstroke at a Time, using the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-One-Brushstroke-at-Time/dp/B0B4HYDVMP

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

With everything going on in our world today, it seems like there has never been a more nervous, anxious, or challenging season in recent history than the one we are living in now...especially if you are a young woman. With depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and overall hopelessness on the rise, everyone, including young women, could use a dose of hope and encouragement!

That's why we are so excited to have Author Melanie Redd as our guest on today's episode. Melanie shares her journey of becoming a speaker, blogger and author and why rest is SO important for women today. Melanie explains she was living life like a sail boat using both an engine and sail. When she discovered the importance of rest, and let the engine of the boat stop, she was able to find incredible peace and calm in God's love.

Who is Melanie Redd?

Melanie Redd is a woman who loves to encourage, equip, train, and motivate other women. Melanie wrote Sunday school curriculum and magazine articles for Lifeway Resources before launching her own speaking, blogging, and writing ministry.

As a speaker and as a author, she inspires others using the Bible, practical applications, a little wit, and a whole lot of common sense. She’s known for taking complicated biblical and relational concepts and making them simple to understand and put to use. Her latest book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal Diary, is a 90 day journey to find peace, calm, and soul rest. Included among the pages of this short devotional is an area to journal thoughts and prayers while reading this encouraging book.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Melanie, links to free resources and links to her books at her website: www.melanieredd.com

You can also purchase Melanie's Book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal Diary, on Amazon at the link here: www.amazon.com/Just-Rest-Day-Devotional-Journal/dp/163797020X

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, I am super excited to sit down with Author and Certified Enneagram Teacher, Meredith Boggs, to discuss how we can use the enneagram to not only deepen our connections with others, but also deepen our faith. 

Meredith shares how The Enneagram can be a particularly useful tool for Christians, especially those who are struggling with their faith. She also provides our listeners with a biblical road map to using the Enneagram, so that they can walk in who God has created them to be into a place of deeper connection and fulfillment.

Who is Meredith Boggs?

Meredith Boggs is the writer and host of The Other Half blog and podcast. She's known for sharing transparently and authentically about the half of life that doesn't make the social media highlight reel, addressing personal and spiritual growth, the Enneagram, and marriage.

Her work has been featured in Lifeway, Relevant, Grit & Virtue, Her View From Home, Rising Tide Society,YouVersion, and the COMPEL training blog. Meredith is also a critical care transport nurse and a sexual assault forensic nurse examiner who is married to her high school sweetheart, Justin. They live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their sweet and wild boy, Jack.

Things We Talk About In This Episode:

• How can we use the Enneagram for spiritual growth?
• What are the aha moments you can discover about your personality through the Enneagram?
• Why is it important to understand the weaknesses of our type, particularly when it comes to areas we are most likely to sin?

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Meredith, links to free resources and links to her book at her website: www.meredithwboggs.com

You can also purchase Meredith's Book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships, on Amazon at the link here: www.amazon.com/Journey-Home-Biblical-Enneagram-Relationships-ebook

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, I sit down with my new friend Savannah Esposito to discuss how forensic psychology intersects with sex addiction in relationships and why forensic psychology can be a powerful tool in discovering, identifying and treating sex addiction. Savannah shares her story about discovering her husband's pornography addiction and how frustrating the process of finding a trained professional to help was, especially when several licensed therapists didn't seem to think there was any problem in their relationship.

That's when Savannah developed The Modern Mr. and Mrs. to create a place where couples could learn steps to creating a healthy relationship dynamic and treat ongoing addictions to sex and pornography. I loved getting to hear what she is doing for couples young and old in this episode and believe you will too!

Who is Savannah Esposito?

Savannah is a nationally certified life, relationship, and recovery coach with a Bachelors in Forensic Psychology in CT. She is passionate about empowering couples that lack relationship skills because they didn't have the role models growing up to teach them about healthy relationships.

Savannah works to let couples know that there's no shame in lacking relationship skills and reaching out for help, especially when it comes to addictions. Between the lack of role models and toxic societal messages about relationships, it's not a shock to feel helpless when you're relationship isn't going right.

Things We Talk About In This Episode:

• What is the difference between active addiction and active recovery? Why is that important?
• What is sexual stimulation addiction and why is it a better term to use when encompassing addictions to different sexual experiences?
• What is forensic psychology and how can it help a partner who is struggling with addiction?

Resources:

Learn more about Savannah and The Modern Mr. and Mrs. by visiting her website: www.themodernmrandmrs.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

Episode at a Glance

On this episode of Melody and Friends, I sit down with my friend Sandra Brown to talk about pathology and more specifically dangerous, pathologic partners in relationships. Sandra explains her history in studying pathology and why it is such an important field of study when it comes to abuse in relationships. She tells us what pathology is, how to identify the signs of pathologic partners, and what we can do to help women heal from these extremely traumatic situations. She also walks through her development of Pathological Love Relationship training for other professionals, and how she has developed survivor-based support services for women who experienced psychopathic partners.

Sandra then talks about personality disorders, from Narcissism to Anti-Social Behavior to Psychopathy, and how each of these types can cause significant damage to a woman emotionally. However, she also provides warning signs to look out for and multiple resources to begin the process of healing from these potent forms of abuse.

Who is Sandra Brown?

Sandra L. Brown, MA, has spent over 30 years working in the psychology field related to psychopathology. Her earlier years were spent developing a dual-focused treatment center for persons with personality disorders who also had trauma disorders. During this time, she also began working, in individual and group sessions, with the partners and children of those with personality disorders. She eventually established one of the country’s first prototype long-term residential treatment centers for women with Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sandra accomplished this while also providing treatment in a women’s inpatient hospital trauma program.

Things We Talk About In This Episode:

• What is pathology and why can it often impact victims in a relationship so much more deeply then other forms of abuse?
• Why isn't pathology as well studied or understood compared to things like depression or anxiety?
• What methods of treatment are available for victims? What should they be looking out for in relationships to spot warning signs of this behavior?
• What are personality disorders? How can this affect partners in a relationship?

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Sandra's Training, speaking engagements, and get in contact with Sandra by visiting her website: www.sandralbrownma.com

You can also find all of her books, including How To Spot A Dangerous Man, by visiting her Amazon Page here: www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-L.-Brown

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!