Betrayal Trauma & Sex Addiction
Healing and Post-Traumatic Growth for Partners of Sex Addicts
As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS), and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPPT), I support partners in healing and achieving post-traumatic growth. This concept refers to the positive psychological changes that can occur as a result of struggling with a traumatic event.
The Devastation of Discovering a Partner’s Sex Addiction
The discovery that your partner is a sex addict can be overwhelming and shattering. You may experience a profound sense of betrayal and a loss of trust. The impact on your mind, body, and spirit can be severe, leaving you questioning your self-worth and doubting everything you believe about your relationship.
Partners often feel they are living with a stranger who has led a secret double life. The traumatic event of discovery can have a ripple effect, affecting every area of your life. It is common to experience feelings of dismissiveness, decreased sexual intimacy, less engagement with children, and a lack of presence in the relationship.
Betrayal Trauma and Its Symptoms
Partners of sex addicts often experience Betrayal Trauma, which is similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This trauma can manifest in various ways, including:
- Flashbacks, intrusive memories, and thoughts
- Hypervigilance and re-experiencing
- Negative core beliefs (e.g., “I am unlovable,” “I’m not good enough”)
- Nightmares and distressing dreams
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Disconnection from others
- Irritability, moodiness, and anger
- Depression and sadness
- Anxiety and distress
These symptoms can be overwhelming, making it challenging to function in daily life.
The Need for Specialized Therapy
Choosing a therapist who understands complex trauma, PTSD, and sexual addiction is crucial for your healing journey. A competent therapist plays a pivotal role in your recovery, providing the necessary support, guidance, and understanding in the aftermath of betrayal. They will provide psychoeducation on trauma recovery and guide you through a step-by-step process to heal without re-traumatization.
Betrayal Trauma Treatment
Therapy for Betrayal Trauma involves:
- Stabilization and Safety: Establishing a sense of security and stability.
- Psychoeducation: Understanding trauma and its impact on your mind and body.
- Processing Trauma: Working through traumatic memories and integrating them to promote healing.
- Rebuilding Trust: If you stay in the relationship, therapy can help repair the ruptures, heal, and rebuild trust.
Committed to Your Healing Journey
Whether you decide to stay in the relationship or not, you deserve the opportunity to heal and restore a sense of safety, peace, and harmony. I am deeply committed to helping you work through these painful, traumatic symptoms and restore healing and hope after heartbreak. You are not alone.
Please take the first step today to start your healing process. Your decision to seek help is a powerful step towards reclaiming your well-being and peace of mind.
