Ep 28. Surviving a Breakup: A Therapist’s Guide

Breakups hurt... even when you’re the one who ended it.

In this episode, counsellor Tracey Quayle (20+ years’ experience) and her husband Scott share a compassionate, practical guide for the first days and weeks: what to do, what to avoid, and how to rebuild with clarity.

What we cover:

- The different types of breakups (amicable vs blindsided; leaver vs left) and why the experience feels so different

- Why the leaver also needs support - and how to ask for it

- Day-one self-care: making space to feel it (yes, the ugly cry), nervous-system regulation, and leaning on your people

- The social media trap: why your ex’s highlight reel isn’t the truth

- “Perpetual problems” in relationships (and what to learn from them)

- Scott’s story: the guilt of breaking up and the regret of trying again!

- The “New Partner List” exercise: turn red flags into green standards before you date again

- Boundaries, self-respect, and being gentle while you rebuild

- Creating things to look forward to

Who this episode is for?

If you’ve just been through a breakup, you’re considering ending a relationship, or you’re trying to make sense of what happened, this is for you!

Try this (from the episode)

Before you date again, write your New Partner List:

– What didn’t work last time? Flip each “don’t want” into a clear “must have”.

– What behaviours help you feel safe, seen and respected?

– What are your non-negotiables?

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