Betrayal Trauma

Trust is one of the essential building blocks of a safe and fulfilling relationship. When that trust is broken, feelings of betrayal often arise and are quite upsetting. However, if the if the betrayal occurs in an intimate relationship, betrayal trauma can result. 

Betrayal trauma is devastating and affects all areas of our life. Some common symptoms of betrayal trauma include:

· Physically

      o Sleep Disturbance, such as insomnia or sleeping too much

      o Appetite loss or gain

      o Hypervigiliance, such as a profound and physical feeling of unsafety

      o Panic attacks

      o Restlessness

      o Chronic headaches or upset stomach

· Emotionally

      o Mood swings

      o Rage, both at yourself and others

      o Depression

      o Shame

      o Anxiety

      o Low Self-Esteem

· Cognitively

      o Racing Thoughts

      o Difficulty making decisions

      o Loss of sense of self

      o Denial of the betrayal

      o Dissociation from the body

      o Nightmares or intrusive thoughts

· Relationally

      o Distrust of others

      o Isolation or avoidance of others

      o Increased or decrease sexual behaviors

      o Acting outside of your values

      o Spiritual disconnect or abandonment

      o Loss of sense of self

      o Grief

      o Fears of being alone and fears of being with others

Whether through infidelity, deception, or both, betrayal trauma is debilitating. Experiencing the betrayal is hard enough; reaching out for help and healing can be even harder. As a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, I can help ease some of this burden, help you find safety, reduce symptoms, and reclaim your sense of self. If betrayal is something you struggle with, I invite you to contact me for a free consultation.