Betrayal Trauma
Support after trust has been profoundly broken in an important relationship.
Discovering deception, infidelity or another significant betrayal can unsettle your sense of safety, trust and even your understanding of the relationship. Counselling can give you space to make sense of what has happened without rushing you towards a particular decision.
What is Betrayal Trauma?
Betrayal trauma describes the emotional impact that can follow when someone you depend on or feel deeply connected to violates your trust. The term can apply to different forms of relational betrayal and does not require you to fit your experience into a particular label.
How might Betrayal Trauma Affect you?
You may find yourself replaying events, searching for answers, doubting your judgement, feeling angry or numb, struggling to trust, or moving between wanting closeness and wanting distance.
When might Counselling be helpful?
Counselling may be helpful when betrayal is affecting your confidence, relationships, sense of safety or ability to move forward, whether the relationship has ended or is continuing.
How can Counselling help?
Counselling can help you explore the impact of the betrayal, understand your emotional responses, reconnect with your own needs and boundaries, and consider what trust and safety mean for you now.
Taking care of yourself
Give yourself permission not to have immediate answers. Supportive relationships, rest, routine and reducing pressure to make major decisions before you feel ready may help while you process what has happened.
Deciding which counselling feels right
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What counts as betrayal trauma?
Do I have to decide whether to stay in the relationship?
Can counselling help after infidelity?
Why do I keep replaying what happened?
Can I have betrayal trauma counselling online?
Recommended Resources
The Betrayal Bind
Michelle Mays
NOT "Just Friends"
Shirley P. Glass ph. D.
Same Time Next Week
Joshua Fletcher