Betrayal Trauma
What is Betrayal Trauma?
Betrayal Trauma can occur across a variety of significant relationships in our lives—not just intimate ones. Betrayal trauma happens when we form strong attachments or bonds with people who cannot reciprocate trust and respect and/or abuse power in the relationship. The term ‘bonding’ has a positive connotation, however, not all bonds are healthy. Negative bonds form when a relationship becomes exploitive or toxic. There are many types of exploitive relationships including: familial, martial, litigious, religious, friendships, professional, etc…As a result, a number of trauma responses can surface which can affect daily living and the ability to form healthy relationships in the future.
Betrayal in a significant relationship can cause a trauma response that may produce symptoms such as:
• loss of self-esteem and self-worth
• numbness
• self-doubt or trouble making decisions
• anger, depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms
• guilt and shame
• obsessive or intrusive thoughts
• distrust and hypervigilance
• physical symptoms, including pain, headaches, insomnia, and/or stomach issues—increased or decreased appetite
Treatment Approach
It is possible to heal from trauma bonds and learn how to have healthy, trusting relationships. Our team is highly experienced in working with betrayal trauma of all kinds. We understand the significant impact betrayal trauma can have, and we will work with you at your pace to ensure you feel safe throughout the recovery process. Part of recovering from betrayal trauma is learning about exploitive relationships and building insight in recognizing when it occurs. Processing your emotions and grief as you become more aware of betrayal(s) is fundamental to the healing process as well. Additionally, exploring your own past relationships and family of origin will also be critical in identifying any vulnerabilities or tendencies to engage/stay in exploitive relationships. We want to treat the root cause of betrayal trauma so you experience long-term growth and change. The goal is for you to feel empowered and secure in yourself and your ability to foster healthy relationships moving forward. If you have questions or want more information, please do not hesitate to call or email using the form below.
Betrayal Trauma Treatment for Partners of Sex Addicts
Sex addiction treatment extends beyond the addict to the entire family—especially the partner of a sex addict. The Kraft Group utilizes the teaching of Dr. Stephanie Carnes who is one of the leading voices on healthy sexuality and recovery for partners of sex addicts to help partners move beyond heartbreak, anger, shame, and feelings of isolation and betrayal to feelings of clarity and peace to help restore their lives. At The Kraft Group, you will find a safe and confidential space to explore and process your trauma as a result of betrayal.
We help partners understand sex addiction to reduce shame-based beliefs or self-blame. Our team works to empower partners to set healthy boundaries and build self-esteem so they too can begin the process of recovery. Often the addicts are the focus of treatment and the partner's pain is overlooked or seen as secondary in treatment. We firmly believe that both partners need to be treated simultaneously.
The Kraft Group utilizes a team approach to treatment and conjoint couples therapy. This comprehensive approach allows each partner the security of their own individual therapist present to guide them through the process, as well as, simultaneous couples healing.
If you are experiencing betrayal trauma, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Your recovery is just as important! We specialize in working with trauma and use multiple modalities to help clients grow and thrive, including EMDR. We are here to guide you through the recovery process one step at a time.