Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma is defined as a trauma caused by someone close to you that you rely upon for support and survival. This form of trauma is often experienced by the partners of sexual addicts.
What it Looks Like
Relationships are built on a foundation of trust, love, and respect. The discovery of sexual betrayal in a partnership can cause strong negative emotions. Few experiences create more pain and hurt than betrayal caused by sexually compulsive behaviors. The intense emotions experienced by partners can often persist for months or years and can even mimic symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the treatment I provide I help partners understand the effects of betrayal trauma, help them process the emotions through techniques such as EMDR, and teach specific ways to cope such as mindfulness, coherent breathing, and emotionally focused tapping.