Lessons from Elisa and George Clooney

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

January 28, 2026

"There’s something really hard in knowing that your planned future… isn’t going to be what you thought. But there’s also something really empowering in—What can I be?"

—"Elisa" in my interview with her yesterday, looking back six years ago when her husband left her for someone else.

For over two decades, I’ve helped individuals and couples recover from infidelity. I’ve seen the wreckage it leaves behind—confusion, grief, anger, disbelief. And I’ve also seen what can emerge after the dust settles: resilience, clarity, and sometimes a deeper sense of self than existed before.

Some wounds arrive through no fault of our own. Betrayal, loss, illness, accidents—life has a way of intruding without asking permission. Being a victim in the moment is real. Staying one forever is not required.

The events that derail us don’t have to define us. With time, support, and a willingness to grow, many people discover paths they never would have chosen, but don’t regret finding.

Last year, I shared Elisa’s story in three podcast episodes, based on interviews we recorded six years ago. Her journey wasn’t tidy. She struggled. By her own admission, she got some things wrong. But she kept showing up to learn and change, as characters in the most meaningful stories do.

More of Elisa’s interviews will be released as podcast episodes over the next few months.

Podcast Episode 40

Tim & Sharon talk about the difficult decision to leave a marriage after an affair. In this first episode, they explore the importance of timing and indicators that leaving may be the healthiest next step.

Lessons from Jay Kelly

What we can learn from the Netflix movie, Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney.

What Else Is New...

Rising Phoenix: Trusting the Process, part 2
Rising Phoenix finishes her story with a 4-part look at her healing process. Here’s part 2: When the Trusting Process Becomes Real
Exercise: Your Life the Movie
An exercise (downloadable) for individuals to encourage reflection on your life—a complimentary resource to the Lessons from Jay Kelly post.

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