Why Women Betray: Breaking Cycles of Self-Abandonment and Shame

In this episode of The Illicit Feminine podcast, host Elizabeth Marth dives into the hidden truth about betrayal in relationships, not just from the perspective of being betrayed, but also stepping into the role of the betrayer. While society often casts women as victims of betrayal, Elizabeth reveals how women, too, can unconsciously betray through self-abandonment, silencing their needs, and repeating generational patterns.

Drawing from her personal story and years of guiding women through healing betrayal and rebuilding self-trust, Elizabeth unpacks why betrayal happens, the role of shame and guilt, and how true empowerment begins with listening to yourself. She explores how betrayal is not limited to affairs; it shows up in workaholism, emotional disconnection, addictions, and choosing others over yourself.

This conversation is not about blame or punishment. It is about awareness, self-forgiveness, and reclaiming your personal power. You will learn how betrayal can become an invitation to deepen self-love, authentic connection, and spiritual growth.

If you have ever carried guilt for your own choices, felt judged for choosing yourself, or struggled to heal after betrayal, this episode offers tools, journal prompts, and insights to break the cycle and step into radical self-honesty and emotional freedom.

01:30  Why women identify more with being betrayed than being the betrayer
04:00  How childhood betrayal leads to lifelong patterns of self-betrayal
07:00  Elizabeth’s personal story of shame, guilt, and relationship betrayal
11:00  The hidden forms of betrayal including addiction, workaholism, and emotional withdrawal
15:00  Why women betray and the cost of ignoring needs and abandoning self-trust
19:00  When choosing yourself is mislabeled 
23:00  How guilt and shame spiral women into silence and how to seek healing support
25:00  The power of self-forgiveness and understanding your why
30:00  Reflection prompts to transform betrayal into growth

Reflection Journal Prompts

Where do you still carry guilt or shame about past betrayals?
How has being betrayed shaped the way you betray yourself or others?
What needs have you abandoned that caused you to hurt someone else?
How can you start meeting your needs with honesty, love, and alignment?

Learn more and follow along with Elizabeth at:

Website: https://sacredfreedom.life/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredfreedomforher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacredfreedomforher

Thank you so much for listening, and remember come as you are in your light, in your shadow, in your illicit feminine. Please subscribe to my podcast and leave a five-star review.

Elizabeth