The Beginning
Years ago, I went through my own betrayal trauma journey. My healing and recovery coincided with my enrollment in graduate school in Seattle, Washington to become a counselor. This “coincidence” was exactly what I needed and created a boot camp of healing and transformation in my life.
2005
I crossed the country and moved back to Northern Virginia where I opened a private practice in Leesburg, specializing in treating sex addiction, childhood trauma, partner betrayal trauma and relationship issues.
2011
I founded the Center for Relational Recovery (CRR). CRR is centered around the belief that our attachments to others are both the most meaningful and at times the most challenging parts of our lives. Our programs are grounded in a systems and attachment-based relational model that leads to transformed lives and relationships.
2017
I launched the Authentic Hope Blog (formerly known as the PartnerHope blog), read by betrayed partners around the globe united in their search for healing and restoration.
2017
The Aftermath of Betrayal was released to help partners identify and articulate the experience of betrayal trauma during a time when they are highly activated and need language and concepts to help regulate their nervous systems.
2018
The Disclosure Prep Workshop for Couples along with the Disclosure Prep Manual for Therapists were made available to provide clear guidance and support around facilitating effective disclosures.
2018
I published When It All Breaks Bad: 10 Things to Do (and Not Do) After Betrayal to help partners navigate the pivotal days following the discovery of betrayal. Each chapter outlines the ten steps to take to quickly move betrayed partners toward healing and the ten pitfalls to avoid that can hijack progress.
2020
Braving Hope™: Become the Hero of Your Betrayal Story was born! Hundreds of betrayed partners have transformed their lives and relationships through participating in this premier 12-week online coaching program grounded in a new attachment-based treatment model for partner betrayal.
2020
I created the Braving Hope™ Treatment Model a new attachment-based methodology for treating partner betrayal.
2021
The Center for Relational Recovery moves into its own new lovely building!
2022
The Braving Together Couples Mastermind is launched. This year-long group-based coaching mastermind supports couples in recovery as they transform their emotional and sexual relationships.
Feb 28, 2023
The Betrayal Bind: How to Heal When the Person You Love the Most Has Hurt You the Worst will be published! This book introduces new language, concepts, and imagery to explore the crucial relational dilemma that betrayed partners face when their significant other is unsafe to connect to, yet connection is the key to healing.
The Official Stuff
Michelle Mays is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in both Virginia and Washington DC, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Supervisor. She was trained by Pia Mellody in the Post Induction Therapy model for treating developmental trauma and is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Sexology and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
She is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health, the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the American Counseling Association, and the Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association.
