Betrayal Trauma, and Abuse Counseling
“Professional expertise matched by genuine care and compassion.”
Understanding the effects on those who have experienced trauma are very real, even when they don’t recognize it has occurred. In order to heal, trauma must first be understood and recognized. Then it must be processed with the help of someone with appropriate training and skills.
Trauma may be defined as life experiences that leave lasting negative impacts on a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships. These experiences may include accidental events like a flood or fire, the loss of a loved one, betrayal in a significant relationship, and many different forms of abuse.
Traumatic experiences affect each person in unique ways and it is not helpful to compare different peoples’ responses to the trauma they go through. Rather, we should try to understand the circumstances of a person’s trauma and their individual response to what happened.
As therapists, we assess the nature and extent of an individual’s trauma. We consider three factors: what, when, and how often, provide a safe environment, then utilize advanced therapeutic methods for those specific needs.
Call Us Today for Your Free 30 Minute Consultation with One of Our Therapists at 801.272.3420
How We Can Help
The foundation of our therapeutic approach to healing trauma is the establishment of a safe environment in the therapy room and a strong and compassionate bond between therapist and client. This safety and connection gives survivors the courage they need to face the wounds of their past.
In the context of that safe and trusting relationship, we use an advanced therapeutic technique called “Brainspotting,” which accesses the unconscious mind and nervous system. Neurologically, trauma is recorded in multiple structures within the brain, including conscious parts where memories and beliefs are stored and unconscious parts where emotions and bodily senses are held.
Each trauma we experience creates a network of links among these different parts of the brain. In order to heal trauma, all of these links must be accessed together and processed in a way that removes the traumatic memories from even the most unconscious places in our minds and bodies.
The most common forms of therapy, which are talk therapy and behavior modification techniques, tend to have little or no lasting therapeutic effect on trauma because they access only the most conscious part of the brain. In contrast, “EMDR” and “Brainspotting” access deep levels of traumatic memory, bringing lasting relief. While Brainspotting and EMDR are extremely powerful forms of psychotherapy, they are also very gentle, and they allow the person…….needs.
While Brainspotting is an extremely powerful and effective form of psychotherapy, it is also extremely gentle. It marshals deep levels of internal resources, which greatly strengthen the survivor to face therapeutic challenges. And it allows the person to proceed at a pace that is just right for his or her needs.
Research consistently shows that for betrayal trauma, optimal change results from a combination of both individual and group treatment.
Call Us Today for Your Free 30 Minute Consultation
with One of Our Therapists at 801.272.3420
Testimonials
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FAQs
What is betrayal trauma?
Betrayal trauma occurs when someone you depend on and trust violates that trust in a significant way. This often happens in the context of intimate relationships, such as discovering a partner’s sexual addiction, infidelity, or deception. The trauma is compounded because the person who caused the harm is also someone you rely on for safety and support. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, difficulty trusting others, and intrusive thoughts.
How do I know if I'm experiencing betrayal trauma?
Common signs of betrayal trauma include constant anxiety or hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the betrayal, emotional numbness or feeling disconnected, difficulty trusting others, feelings of shame or self-blame, physical symptoms like nausea or chest tightness, and questioning your own reality or judgment. If you’re experiencing these symptoms after discovering a partner’s betrayal, you may be dealing with betrayal trauma.
What is Brainspotting and how does it help with trauma?
Brainspotting is an advanced therapeutic technique that accesses the unconscious mind and nervous system where trauma is stored. Unlike talk therapy, which only accesses conscious parts of the brain, Brainspotting reaches deep levels of traumatic memory stored in multiple brain structures. This allows for processing and releasing trauma that traditional therapy cannot reach. While extremely powerful, Brainspotting is also gentle and allows you to heal at your own pace.
What is the difference between EMDR and Brainspotting?
Both EMDR and Brainspotting are evidence-based trauma therapies that access deeper levels of the brain than traditional talk therapy. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Brainspotting uses fixed eye positions to access trauma stored in the body and nervous system. Both are highly effective for betrayal trauma, and our therapists are trained in both modalities to determine which approach best fits your needs.
Why doesn't regular talk therapy work for trauma?
Trauma is recorded in multiple structures within the brain, including conscious parts where memories and beliefs are stored and unconscious parts where emotions and bodily sensations are held. Traditional talk therapy and behavior modification techniques only access the conscious part of the brain. This is why many trauma survivors feel stuck despite years of therapy. EMDR and Brainspotting access all the linked parts of the brain where trauma is stored, allowing for complete processing and lasting relief.
Can a marriage recover after betrayal?
Yes, many marriages do recover and even become stronger after betrayal, but it requires dedicated work from both partners and professional guidance. Recovery is possible when the betraying partner takes full responsibility, demonstrates genuine change, and the couple works together in therapy. However, healing takes time and there are no shortcuts. Our therapists can help you navigate this difficult journey and determine what path is right for your situation.
Do you offer video counseling for betrayal trauma therapy?
Yes, we offer both in-person and HIPAA-compliant video counseling sessions. Many of our clients find telehealth sessions equally effective as face-to-face appointments. This allows you to receive quality trauma therapy from the comfort and privacy of your home, which can be especially important when dealing with sensitive issues like betrayal trauma.