Serial Cheating Isn’t a Struggle It’s a Strategy | Episode 013

Cheating doesn't always happen in spite of how much it hurts you. Sometimes it happens because it hurts you - because that's the exact reason they want you to feel that pain, to feel less than. But the psychology behind serial cheating is more complex than we might think, and understanding it can help us make better decisions about our relationships and our own healing. This week, I sit down with Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, to explore the real motivations behind serial cheating. We dive deep into the concept of "eroticized rage" and how cheaters use infidelity to restore power, seek revenge, transgress social norms, or possess what feels out of reach. Kate explains why the common narrative of "unmet sexual needs" is actually bullshit - men don't have a biological need for sex, and cheating is rarely about the betrayed partner at all. We discuss the difference between compulsive sexual behavior and coercive control, why some people weaponize the "sex addiction" label, and how patriarchal conditioning creates sexual entitlement in relationships. Kate also shares insights on why saying "just leave" isn't always realistic and how to assess whether a relationship involving infidelity is worth trying to repair. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize that no one is entitled to sex from another person, and that healing from betrayal requires individual work - not couples therapy. RESOURCES MENTIONED: • Dr. Kate Balestrieri's book: "What Happened to My Sex Life? A Sex Therapist's Guide to Reclaiming Lost Desire, Connection and Pleasure": https://a.co/d/7Cj0iCb • "Isn't Sex My Right?" webinar featuring Dr. Kate Balestrieri: https://strongerthanbefore.podia.com/... CONNECT WITH DR. KATE BALESTRIERI: • Website: https://www.modernintimacy.com/ • Social Media: @drkatebalestrieri Lisa Sonni Stronger Than Before Coaching | Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Bond Recovery Expert Certified Trauma Recovery Coach specializing in evidence-based healing methods Helping survivors break free from narcissistic abuse and trauma bonds through evidence-based recovery coaching and healing resources. Transform from surviving to thriving with proven trauma recovery methods. About Lisa Sonni: Trusted by over 1 million survivors worldwide. Providing expert narcissistic abuse recovery coaching, trauma healing resources, and transformational programs. Author of 4 bestselling recovery books and creator of the Break & Rebuild Method™ featured inside the Trauma Bond Recovery Course. Host of Real Talk with Lisa Sonni: Relationships Uncensored Podcast. ✨ FREE RECOVERY RESOURCES: → FREE 'Are You Trauma Bonded?' 2 minute quiz with instant results https://kcdplmm983r.typeform.com/trau... → FREE Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Guide: 12-Step Healing Blueprint https://www.subscribepage.com/trauma-... → FREE 'What's Your Biggest Roadblock To Healing?' 2 min quiz with instant results https://kcdplmm983r.typeform.com/Rebu... → FREE 'Are You Done Yet?' 2 min quiz with instant results to find out if you're even ready to let go: https://kcdplmm983r.typeform.com/to/o... 🌟 TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE: → 1:1 Recovery Coaching: Talk to Lisa https://strongerthanbefore.ca/book-a-... → Trauma Bond Recovery Course: Break Free Forever https://strongerthanbefore.ca/trauma-... → Toxic Free Relationship Club: Join Our Healing Community https://strongerthanbefore.ca/membership 📚 HEALING RESOURCES BY LISA SONNI: The Trauma Bond Recovery Journal https://a.co/d/h7pdo14 Rebuilding After A Trauma Bond: A Self-Love Journal https://a.co/d/5aefClg Narcissism Unmasked: A Survivors Handbook https://a.co/d/dM16LbZ Surviving To Thriving: Six Step Blueprint to Recovery https://a.co/d/0Jtxpym 🔒 CERTIFIED TRAUMA SPECIALIST: Certified Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach Trauma-Informed Relationship Expert Danger Assessment Professional Certified Trauma Bond Recovery Specialist Specialized in Complex PTSD Recovery 💕 JOIN OUR HEALING COMMUNITY: Instagram: @stronger_than_before_coach_ TikTok: @stronger_than_before Website: https://strongerthanbefore.ca #NarcissisticAbuse #TraumaRecovery #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #TraumaBonding #EmotionalAbuse #NarcissisticPersonalityDisorder #HealingFromTrauma #ToxicRelationships ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy or medical advice. Always seek professional help for your specific situation.