Finding Healing After Betrayal Trauma: How Therapy Can Help

Trauma is classified as a deeply distressing experience that can leave an individual with psychological scars. It can stem from a range of incidents, from natural disasters to violence and even emotional abuse. 

Betrayal trauma happens when someone an individual depends on deeply violates that individual’s trust. Some forms of trauma are deeply personal, and others are caused by external events. Treatment options and different types of support for betrayal trauma are available to help individuals reclaim control over their lives.

Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma can manifest in both emotional and physical ways. The body responds to trauma with symptoms like fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and insomnia. Mentally, you may experience anxiety, emotional numbness, or depression. You may also find that you have a hard time concentrating, that you have intrusive thoughts, and sleep disturbances. This can be combined with physical pain, with no clear cause.

It’s important to remember that trauma doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Pre-existing mental health conditions influence how someone heals and copes.

Betrayal Trauma

“Betrayal trauma” was coined by psychologist Jennifer Freyd in the 1990s. As presented, betrayal trauma results when someone is deeply betrayed by someone whom they trust deeply, and upon whom they rely. It may be that there is infidelity in a romantic relationship or that there has been physical and emotional abuse by a caregiver or a parent. Institutional betrayal can include actions of an authority figure. 

As betrayal trauma often results in a breach of trust, it can be complex to process. There is often conflict, as the betrayed person feels as though they need to stay connected to the betrayer, even though the betrayal accompanies emotional pain.

The Psychological and Emotional Effects of Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma can leave emotional wounds that are often very difficult to heal. They affect people in different ways, too. 

Anxiety

Victims of betrayal trauma may go on to experience a lot of physical anxiety, including racing thoughts, panic attacks, and an overall sense of dread. The fear of being hurt can also lead to a level of hypervigilance, especially in future relationships.

Trust Issues

The most obvious impact of betrayal trauma is the fact that you may have a hard time trusting others. This can extend far beyond the person whose betrayal is associated with the trauma.

Low Self-Esteem

The experience of being betrayed can be accompanied by a person questioning their worth. Feelings of guilt, shame, or even being unlovable are all common.

Depression

The emotional weight of being betrayed can lead to depression, including hopelessness, fatigue, disinterest in activities, and more.

Relationship Struggles

Those who have been affected by betrayal trauma may struggle to set boundaries and feel secure in their relationships. They may also find it very difficult to form new relationships or maintain them.

Post-Traumatic Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma

Results of betrayal trauma may include post-traumatic symptoms, with flashbacks, avoidance behavior, acute stress disorder (ASD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Flashbacks

Victims may find that they are reliving the moment of betrayal, over and over again. This can be through vivid memories or triggered emotional responses. 

Avoidance Behavior

To help manage the resulting pain of betrayal trauma, one may avoid certain places, people, or situations that are reminders of the betrayal.

ASD and PTSD

Betrayal can lead to ASD, which normally occurs within the first month of the traumatic event, with symptoms including nightmares, dissociation, and intrusive thoughts. If symptoms continue, over time the condition transfers to that of PTSD.

Therapy Treatment for Betrayal Trauma

Treatment for betrayal trauma is available, with therapy as one of the most effective approaches. Both individual and group therapy may aid in increased self-awareness and improved coping skills. Participants may also find that they end up rebuilding trust and getting validation and support. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is one-on-one therapy. This type of therapy may help individuals understand both their feelings and responses.

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a shared experience. Knowing that other people are going through similar experiences and are working through their difficulties can help group therapy participants feel less alone.

Betrayal Trauma Therapy at Jackson House

Jackson House provides compassionate trauma treatment, whether individuals have faced betrayal or other types of trauma. Our team has a great deal of clinical expertise and tailors treatment to align with individual circumstances. We don’t just treat symptoms. We focus on helping individuals rebuild their lives after trauma.

Key elements of our trauma treatment include:

Identifying the core event

Understanding the central betrayal and the emotional aftermath of it is a huge part of treatment and recovery.

One-on-one and group therapy

Personalized therapy sessions can help clients process the trauma at their own pace. 

We also offer group therapy in guided sessions so people can share, connect, and support one another.

Contact Jackson House

All forms of trauma, including betrayal trauma, may have lasting effects. With healing, you can turn things around. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services.