the Double Whammy


January 14, 2025

Updated: Understanding WHY Course
I've just released the new version of my Understanding WHY course, which includes four full coaching sessions. This resource is for the Involved Partner who needs more clarity about their affair. I'm offering 50% off for the first two people who use this discount code: WHY-50.

"I never dreamed I'd go through the experience in my own marriage." —Linda MacDonald

Top Takeaways: My Conversation with Linda MacDonald

I interviewed Linda MacDonald (auther of How To Help Your Spouse Heal from Your Affair and Redeeming the Post-Affair Divorce) in the most recent episode of our podcast. Here are some of the major takeaways from our conversation.

  • Linda coined the term “betrandoned” to describe the double trauma of betrayal and abandonment.
  • People who face both experience compounded struggles with some victims remaining unhealed for decades.
  • For months, Linda struggled with thoughts of suicide.
  • PTSD is often experienced when the bond of intimate attachment is unexpectedly broken.
  • There is less social support when losing a spouse due to abandonment than when losing a spouse due to death, even though the consequences are often greater.
  • Effective support for someone in this pain doesn’t try to fix their problem; it provides an empathetic space for grieving.
  • Abandonment isn’t just physical; spouses can leave emotionally, too.
  • Being witness to the unhealthy ways other victims coped with being abandoned, Linda eventually was determined to “emerge from my season of shame” in a better way. Her book helps others do the same.

Free Downloads from Linda

Linda MacDonald created a page of free downloadable resources for podcast listeners. You can see everything available and download them directly from this page on her site: indajmacdonald.com/free

Podcast Episode 38

Listen to my interview with author Linda MacDonald about her experience with the double trauma of betrayal and abandonment, and her new book, Redeeming the Post-Affair Divorce.

Seeing the Other Person for What She Was

Rising Phoenix traces the slow, embodied shift from seeing the "other woman" as a rival to recognizing she was never the true threat—the unhealed wounds within the marriage were. It’s about reclaiming self-worth, letting comparison fall away, and coming home to oneself.

Will you join me in a group meeting?

Next week, I'll announce another free online group meeing that you will be invited to attend. I'm looking for a group of people who will give honest input about where you're at... what you need... and your input on ideas we have for new resources. Watch for details.

275 Medical Dr #3622, Carmel, IN 46082
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Affair Healing

A weekly newsletter offering affair recovery help through articles, podcasts, downloads, and recommended resources. Presented by Tim Tedder, an affair recovery counselor for over 20 years.

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