Understanding Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma occurs when trust is broken in a close, emotionally significant relationship.
This may involve infidelity, sexual compulsive behavior, secrecy, or repeated boundary violations.
Unlike typical relationship distress, betrayal trauma impacts the nervous system.
Many partners experience symptoms similar to PTSD.
These reactions are not signs of weakness.
They are the body and brain responding to a threat to emotional safety and attachment.
Common Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma can show up in many ways, including:
• Intrusive thoughts or mental replay
• Hypervigilance or constant scanning for danger
• Emotional numbness or overwhelm
• Anxiety, panic, or sudden mood shifts
• Difficulty trusting yourself or your perceptions
• Sleep disturbances or physical stress symptoms
These responses are adaptive survival reactions, not character flaws.
How Betrayal Trauma Therapy Helps
Therapy provides a structured, compassionate space to stabilize the nervous system and rebuild safety.
Our work focuses on:
Stabilization and grounding
Helping your body feel safe enough to process what happened.
Validation of emotional responses
Your reactions make sense given the impact of betrayal.
Rebuilding internal safety
Strengthening self-trust, intuition, and emotional regulation.
Clarifying boundaries and needs
Learning what you require to feel secure moving forward.
A Trauma-Informed, Non-Blaming Approach
Betrayal trauma therapy is not about rushing forgiveness or minimizing harm.
It is about honoring your experience while restoring choice and empowerment.
We approach betrayal through a trauma-informed lens that recognizes:
• Betrayal disrupts attachment bonds
• Healing must happen at the nervous system level
• Safety comes before relational repair
• Your pace matters
You remain in control of your healing process.
Individual Therapy for Betrayal Trauma
Many partners benefit from individual therapy to process their experience outside of the relationship.
Individual betrayal trauma therapy can help you:
• Reclaim your sense of reality
• Reduce trauma responses and emotional flooding
• Strengthen boundaries and self-advocacy
• Reconnect with your authentic Self
• Restore confidence and clarity
This work supports healing regardless of relationship outcomes.
Couples Therapy After Betrayal (When Appropriate)
Couples therapy may be appropriate once adequate stabilization is established.
This work focuses on:
• Creating emotional and relational safety
• Addressing patterns that contributed to secrecy or disconnection
• Supporting accountability and transparency
• Rebuilding trust through consistent action
• Facilitating corrective emotional experiences
Couples work proceeds carefully and never at the expense of the betrayed partner’s well-being.
Therapy Models Used
At Big Valley Therapy, betrayal trauma work may include:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
To repair attachment injuries and restore emotional connection.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
To gently work with protective and wounded parts impacted by betrayal.
Trauma-Informed Stabilization Techniques
To regulate the nervous system and reduce trauma symptoms.
Therapy is tailored to your needs, goals, and readiness.
You Are Not “Too Much”
Betrayal trauma can leave partners questioning their sanity, needs, or worth.
You are not overreacting.
Your body learned that something vital was not safe.
Healing is possible with the right support, pacing, and compassion.
Betrayal Trauma Therapy in Sandy, Utah
Big Valley Therapy offers betrayal trauma therapy for individuals and couples in Sandy, Utah and surrounding areas.
We provide a grounded, respectful space to help you move from survival toward clarity, stability, and healing.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been impacted by betrayal, you do not have to navigate this alone.
Contact Big Valley Therapy today to schedule a consultation and learn how betrayal trauma therapy can support your healing.