Betrayal trauma occurs when someone you deeply trust—such as a partner, family member, or close friend—violates that trust in a way that causes emotional or psychological harm. This type of trauma is often associated with infidelity, deception, emotional abuse, or breaches of trust in significant relationships. A person with betrayal trauma may experience the following:
Feeling disconnected, detached, or unable to experience emotions fully.
Replaying the betrayal over and over, experiencing flashbacks, or obsessing over details.
Struggling to trust others, even those who haven't hurt you, and fearing vulnerability.
Replaying the betrayal over and over, experiencing flashbacks, or obsessing over details.
Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or experiencing panic attacks related to the betrayal.
Blaming yourself for the betrayal or questioning your worth and judgment.
When you’ve experienced betrayal, it can feel like you’re entirely alone, as if no one else understands the emotional turmoil you’re going through. But the reality is, betrayal trauma is more common than many realize.
Studies show that up to 70% of people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, and approximately 6% will struggle with PTSD (1)(2). While betrayal trauma, such as infidelity, dishonesty, or emotional manipulation, may not always be recognized as trauma, it has a profound effect on a person’s emotional well-being.
Many people tend to think of trauma as something extreme, like combat or violence, and may not realize how deeply betrayal can hurt. When someone you deeply trust breaks that trust, it can feel like a betrayal of your entire sense of security. Experiences like a partner’s infidelity, emotional abuse, or being deceived by a close friend can leave lasting emotional scars.
It’s easy to believe that betrayal trauma is rare or that others haven’t been through the same thing. But, in fact, it’s incredibly common. Recognizing how betrayal has impacted your emotional health can be difficult, especially when it involves someone you thought would never hurt you. A betrayal trauma therapist can help you understand how your experiences have shaped your emotions and provide the support you need to heal. You don’t have to face this journey alone—professional help can help you rebuild trust, regain emotional safety, and find peace again.
Betrayal trauma doesn’t just affect your trust in others; it shakes the very foundation of your identity and emotional well-being. When someone you love or trust betrays you, it can lead to deep feelings of confusion, pain, and loss. The emotional impact of betrayal can manifest in many ways, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others moving forward.
The emotional aftermath of betrayal often feels overwhelming because it’s not just about the betrayal itself—it’s about how it challenges your perception of safety and security in relationships. It can leave you questioning your worth, wondering if you could have done something differently, or fearing that others will hurt you in the same way. For many, the shame, guilt, and sadness can feel unbearable, but it’s important to remember that these feelings are a natural response to being betrayed.
The path to healing after betrayal trauma begins with understanding that your feelings are valid and that recovery is possible. Therapy for betrayal trauma provides a safe space to process these complex emotions, rebuild self-trust, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. By working through the layers of pain, you can reclaim your sense of self, establish new boundaries, and develop healthier relationships in the future.
Healing from betrayal trauma isn’t easy, but it is possible with the right support. A betrayal trauma therapist can guide you through this process, helping you to rebuild a sense of safety and control in your life. It’s time to take the first step toward healing and regain the peace you deserve.
With so many approaches to dealing with betrayal trauma, it’s challenging to determine what might work best for you. Trauma-focused therapy is invaluable in these situations. It helps you explore and understand your unique experiences, offers fresh perspectives, and develops personalized strategies to aid in your recovery.
Finding a therapist who specializes in betrayal trauma, particularly related to infidelity or narcissistic abuse, begins with searching for licensed professionals with experience in trauma-informed therapy. Look for therapists who specifically mention expertise in infidelity, narcissistic abuse, or relationship trauma on their websites or in their bios. It can also be helpful to ask for referrals from trusted sources or support groups. At MindWell NYC, we have therapists with specialized training in betrayal trauma, ensuring you receive the targeted care you need to heal.
Several therapeutic approaches can be effective for healing from betrayal trauma, including:
MindWell NYC is considered an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. Many insurance plans provide reimbursement for psychotherapy services (assessments, group, and individual therapy). MindWell NYC will provide you with monthly insurance statements with the necessary codes for possible reimbursement from your insurance provider or flexible spending plan.
MindWell NYC does not bill health insurance directly. We are happy to provide you with statements at the end of the month which can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement as per your plan.
Phone: 646-809-5440
Email: intake@mindwellnyc.com
Address: 80 8th Avenue, Suite 600
New York, NY 10011
(NE corner of 8th Avenue and 14th Street)
