#156 Anger After Betrayal — What It Really Means & How to Work With It with Matt Wenger, LPC, CSAT, CCPS

Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions in betrayal trauma — but still shapes every interaction, every conversation, and every attempt at repair.In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Matt Wenger, LPC, CSAT, CCSP to unpack what anger actually is, what it’s protecting, and why nervous system regulation is the key to responding rather than reacting.Because anger isn’t the problem. It’s the nervous system underneath it that determines what happens next.Matt is the Executive Clinical Director of Begin Again Institute, a treatment center that offers Trauma Based Intensives for Men seeking recovery from porn and sex addiction. He has served more than 1,500 families since 2019. Matt’s expertise is in men’s addiction, betrayal trauma, childhood trauma, couple’s recovery and the spiritual aspects of recovery. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Couples and Family Counseling and is credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS). If you would like to connect with Matt: beginagaininstitute.com matt.wenger@bai.care https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wenger-19b883294/Connect With Me + Continue Your HealingIf today’s episode resonated with you, you don’t have to walk the healing journey after betrayal alone. I create trauma-informed resources, conversations, and learning experiences to support individuals and couples navigating infidelity, betrayal trauma, and relational repair.Here are a few ways to stay connected and continue your healing:Join me at a Retreat or IntensiveIf you’re craving deeper, in-person support and embodied healing, I’m helping facilitate upcoming experiences created specifically for betrayed partners.⁠⁠⁠Register for my 90-minute Zoom workshop⁠⁠⁠ called Boundaries That Build Safety: Reclaiming Your Power After Betrayal. Happening Thursday, April 30th at 6 PM Pacific Time.⁠Email Hali⁠⁠ to join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interest list for an upcoming course for parents called Intentional Parenting After Betrayal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, hosted by Hali and her daughter, Morgan Ellsworth. The⁠ ⁠⁠Courage to Thrive Betrayal Trauma Intensive⁠⁠⁠ takes place August 25-28 in Spanish Fork, Utah and offers a structured, trauma-informed space to understand betrayal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild self-trust.Free Resources & DownloadsAccess free tools, guided practices, and educational resources designed to support nervous system regulation, self-trust, boundaries, and clarity after betrayal.👉⁠⁠A Mini Guide to Mindful Healing After Betrayal⁠⁠👉⁠⁠Your First Steps to Rising After Betrayal⁠⁠Upcoming Course: Reclaiming You After BetrayalIf you’re ready for deeper guidance in a structured, supportive format, I am offering a course focused on healing after betrayal, rebuilding self-trust, and grounding into your values and identity—without rushing decisions about staying or leaving.This course is ideal for those who want support without individual coaching and at a pace that honors their nervous system.👉⁠ ⁠Join the Reclaiming You Waitlist to be the first to Register!⁠Listen to My Other PodcastIf you are still in your relationship—or in the process of discerning whether you want to stay—I invite you to also follow my podcast, Choosing to Stay After Infidelity and Betrayal, where I speak to both partners about healing, accountability, and rebuilding trust.👉⁠ ⁠Choosing to Stay After Infidelity and Betrayal⁠⁠Join My NewsletterStay co