What is betrayal trauma?

Betrayal trauma is a type of trauma that can occur from a breach of trust in a relationship and is often accompanied by significant psychological distress.

In 1991, Jenny Freyd identified the term Betrayal Trauma to describe these symptoms. Betrayal trauma theory posits that when a betrayal happens in an important relationship, it can cause long-term symptoms of trauma.

Betrayal trauma can arise from dishonesty, disclosure of confidential personal information, disloyalty, and infidelity. Some examples of betrayal trauma include:

• Discovering a sexual or an emotional affair

• Secretive compulsive sexual behavior

• Financial exploitation

• Uncovering emotional, sexual, or physical abuse

Betrayal trauma can occur between romantic partners, interpersonal relationships, parental relationships and in professional relationships. A person experiencing betrayal trauma may experience depression, anxiety, denial, shock or obsession. Post-traumatic stress after a betrayal happens because a person’s attachment to the other person in their relationship is threatened. It is common for survivors to feel a high degree of uncertainty about the future, experience hyper-vigilance around others, increased worry.

Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma

Can My Relationship Recover From Infidelity?

Research estimates the prevalence of infidelity in American marriages ranges from 20-40% and the success rate of relationship therapy in cases of infidelity vary based on many factors; studies suggest couples who are actively engaged in therapy after an affair find it to be beneficial in helping improve trust and connection in their relationship. A relationship therapist can help individuals understand their response to their partner's affair, work towards forgiving, letting go, or moving on. Therapists also help clients deal with emotional distress and physical reactivity after exposure to triggers, betrayal blindness, negative thoughts about self or others, negative affect, irritability or aggression, destructive behavior, and a heightened startle reaction, which can occur from betrayal trauma.

Relationship therapy can help partners learn about their needs and relationship goals, build transparency, explore what may have led to the betrayal and also help couples understand how to rebuild trust, reestablish connection and sexual intimacy. In our experience, affair recovery tends to be most successful when partners begin therapy early on with the help of a trained relationship therapist.

Betrayal Trauma Recovery: Expert Sex Therapy & Couples Counseling in Chicago

If you or your partner are experiencing betrayal trauma due to infidelity, seeking specialized sex therapy and couples counseling in Chicago can provide the support needed for healing and recovery. At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we offer trauma-informed therapy tailored to the unique challenges of betrayal trauma. Our skilled therapists help individuals and couples navigate the emotional pain and confusion caused by infidelity, rebuilding trust and intimacy along the way.

Sex therapy in Chicago focuses on restoring sexual connection after an affair. Infidelity can cause deep emotional wounds, which often manifest as sexual disengagement, anxiety, and trust issues. Through specialized sex therapy, we help individuals and couples heal the emotional and physical aspects of their relationship, creating a path for emotional intimacy and sexual reconnection.

Couples Counseling for Infidelity & Betrayal Trauma in Chicago

Infidelity can be one of the most challenging obstacles a couple faces. Our couples counseling services in Chicago provide a compassionate environment for partners to explore the impact of betrayal, understand underlying issues, and work toward rebuilding their connection. Whether you are trying to rebuild trust, heal after an affair, or enhance communication, our therapists specialize in helping couples recover from infidelity.

In couples counseling, we focus on guiding you through the healing process, teaching healthy communication strategies, and helping both partners address emotional triggers. Our goal is to help couples regain a sense of security and closeness, both emotionally and sexually, after betrayal trauma.

Serving Chicago's Communities: Compassionate Therapy for Betrayal Trauma Recovery

Embrace Sexual Wellness is proud to offer infidelity recovery therapy and betrayal trauma counseling throughout the Chicago area. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a betrayal or looking to prevent future trust issues, our team is here to support your journey toward healing. Sex therapy and couples counseling services in Chicago are designed to help you regain emotional balance, rebuild trust, and restore intimacy in your relationship.

How do I begin betrayal trauma recovery?

FAQs

What is betrayal trauma and how is it different from regular relationship hurt?

Betrayal trauma happens when trust is broken in a close relationship, often through infidelity or secrecy. Unlike ordinary hurt, it can shake your sense of safety and identity. The effects are often deeper, long-lasting, and can feel traumatic.

What are common symptoms of betrayal trauma after infidelity?

Many people experience anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, or depression. Physical signs like body tension, sleep issues, or loss of appetite are also common. Others may struggle with intimacy, self-esteem, or fear of abandonment.

Can my relationship recover from infidelity?

Yes, recovery is possible when both partners are willing to work on rebuilding trust. Therapy can help address underlying issues, improve communication, and set new boundaries. With commitment, many couples are able to heal and reconnect.

What does betrayal trauma therapy usually involve?

Therapy focuses on safety, validation, and pacing recovery at your comfort level. It often combines individual work to process emotions with couples therapy to rebuild trust. Sex therapy may also help restore intimacy if it’s been impacted.

How do I start healing from betrayal trauma, either alone or with my partner?

Healing starts with acknowledging the pain and seeking support. A trauma-informed therapist can help you process emotions, build coping strategies, and decide on your next steps. Both individual and joint therapy can be valuable.

How long does recovery from betrayal trauma take, and is it ever fully “over”?

There’s no set timeline. Some people notice progress in months, while others take longer. Recovery depends on the nature of the betrayal and the support system in place. Even after healing, occasional triggers may surface, which is normal.

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