Rare is the person who has never been betrayed. It is a near-universal human experience.

In The Judas Kiss: Growing Beyond Betrayal, family therapist and leadership development consultant John Brownlee draws on his clinical expertise to show us how we can overcome our pain and begin to heal. In this practical, common-sense book, he also teaches us how to spot betrayers sooner the next time—because there will be a next time.

Brownlee goes deep into the multigenerational aspects of betrayal, touching on both its roots in our ancestors and its impact on our children and grandchildren. He offers hope and useful suggestions to help us soften potentially harmful effects on the family so future generations don’t repeat damaging patterns. His no-nonsense approach is nonetheless laced with compassion as he encourages us to face difficult truths in order to move forward.