Betrayal Trauma
Recovery in the Wake of Betrayal
When the trust and reliability of a committed relationship is shattered by betrayal, finding one’s bearings to move forward amidst the anger, confusion, sadness, and fear often seems overwhelming. As one of our greatest strengths, relationships leave us incredibly vulnerable when things go wrong.
How did this happen?
How didn’t I know?
What else don’t I know?
Can I trust others?
Can I trust myself?
Will I ever be OK?
Situations involving addiction, affairs, personality disorders, and unhealthy relationships in the family, at work, and in society provide settings in which betrayal is more likely.
If you have experienced betrayal, you it’s normal for you to want, even demand, the person who betrayed you get treatment to make sure it doesn’t happen again. After all, if another person injures you, it seems they need to be responsible for making it right!
Unfortunately, the healing, growth, and change of your betrayer is likely not enough to help you. That’s like refusing help from first responders, doctors, and automotive mechanics when you get in a car accident, because you expect the person who ran a red light and totaled your car to repair the damage to your car and heal the injuries to your body. Your brain and nervous system is likely in a state of traumatic reactivity, and will need treatment to return you to a state of functioning where you can reach your potential. It may not be fair, but if you don’t make significant efforts in treatment, you may be left with permanent distress and impairment.
Advanced Training in Betrayal Trauma
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals, Steven R. Hobbs has extensive experience working with betrayal trauma. For many years, he has supported individuals, couples, and families impacted by betrayal trauma overcome the challenges of recovery, and reengage in healthier, more satisfying living.
In addition to helping clients understand their situation and create a hope-filled, realistic treatment plan, Steven R. Hobbs has advanced training in specialized trauma treatment (AF-EMDR), and has used his training and experience to create a specialized workbook to help couples successfully prepare and complete a formal disclosure regarding sexual/relational betrayal. In collaboration together with Thriving Families’ other psychotherapists, and select network of skilled and trained psychotherapists and other professionals, we are honored to provide the guidance and support needed to help you and your family move past the devastating effects of betrayal trauma.