Seeing Your Blind Spots:

Why We Make the Choices We Do

In this powerful and reflective episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis explore why people make choices that go against their values—especially in the aftermath of trauma, betrayal, and emotional flooding. Drawing from clinical experience, Internal Family Systems (IFS) language, trauma reenactment, arousal templates, and the science of human behavior, they unpack the subconscious forces that drive unwanted patterns.

The discussion highlights how “firefighter” parts act impulsively to stop emotional pain, why unresolved trauma often leads to repeated relational patterns, and how blind spots develop from both early experiences and generational learning. Dr. Skinner and MaryAnn explore how shame, fear, secrecy, and lack of boundaries contribute to destructive behaviors—whether as the betrayed or the betrayer.

The heart of this episode centers on building self-awareness, humility, and character development through honest reflection. Listeners are invited to pause, examine the choices they’re making, recognize patterns that no longer serve them, and take courageous steps toward change. Whether you’re working through betrayal trauma, navigating recovery, or wanting to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a path forward.

Resources Mentioned & Recommended
Human Intimacy Courses

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  RISE: Hope and Healing After Sexual Betrayal
  
  A comprehensive online course to help betrayed partners navigate trauma, rebuild emotional safety, and understand the healing journey.

  
  


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  Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life
  
  A structured recovery program addressing unwanted pornography use, shame cycles, and rebuilding intimacy.

  
  

Books & Frameworks Referenced

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  Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Richard Schwartz
  
  Understanding “firefighter” parts and internal protective systems.

  
  


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  Trauma Reenactment Concepts – Judith Herman, Bessel van der Kolk
  
  Insight into repeated relational and behavioral patterns tied to past trauma.

  
  


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  Arousal Template Research – Dr. Kevin Skinner
  
  Clinical insights into how early sexual experiences shape adult behavior.

  
  


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  Character Development Approach – Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s virtues
  
  A model for intentional growth and self-refinement.

  
  

Additional Human Intimacy Resources

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  Human Intimacy Podcast Archive

  
  


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  HumanIntimacy.com – Articles, assessments, and healing tools

  
  


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  Second Annual Human Intimacy Conference – March 13–14, 2026 (registration link in show notes)