What is Betrayal Trauma?

Betrayal trauma occurs when someone we deeply trust violates that trust in a way that causes significant emotional and psychological distress. Unlike other types of trauma, betrayal trauma is unique because it is rooted in relationships that should provide safety and security. Whether from a romantic partner, a family member, an institution, or a close friend, the effects of betrayal can be profound, often leading to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to research, individuals who perceive their experiences as betrayal-based often exhibit more severe trauma symptoms than those who do not categorize their experiences this way. This highlights the subjective nature of betrayal trauma and the need for trauma-sensitive interventions that validate an individual’s experience rather than dismiss it as mere relational conflict.

Additionally, studies show that institutional responses to betrayal can significantly impact an individual’s recovery. For example, when survivors of campus sexual assault receive justice-oriented responses from universities, they experience lower rates of PTSD and depression. Conversely, institutional betrayal—such as cover-ups or victim-blaming—exacerbates trauma symptoms and contributes to long-term emotional distress.

Another study found that betrayal trauma in childhood is strongly linked to dissociation and depression in adulthood. Individuals who experienced significant betrayal early in life often develop heightened emotional numbing, difficulty forming secure relationships, and increased risk for complex PTSD. These findings underscore the lasting impact of betrayal trauma and the importance of early intervention.

“Betraying someone once can be a mistake. Betraying someone twice is a choice.”

– Garima Soni

Moreover, research highlights how it intersects with moral injury, particularly among marginalized groups such as sexual and gender minorities. This study indicates that when individuals experience both betrayal trauma and systemic discrimination, their risk for anxiety, depression, and PTSD increases significantly.

If you’re struggling with betrayal trauma, know that healing is possible. This guide explores what betrayal trauma is, its symptoms, causes, and evidence-based treatment options to help you recover and rebuild trust in yourself and others.

Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation today.

What Is Betrayal Trauma?

The term “betrayal trauma” was first introduced by Dr. Jennifer Freyd to describe the psychological impact of a trusted person or institution violating one’s safety and well-being. Unlike other forms of trauma that result from external threats, betrayal trauma originates from a trusted source, making it uniquely painful and disorienting.

Betrayal trauma is particularly damaging because it often requires the victim to remain dependent on the betrayer, especially in cases involving caregivers, institutions, or romantic partners. This dependency can lead to a psychological phenomenon known as betrayal blindness, where individuals unconsciously suppress or ignore the betrayal to maintain the relationship or ensure their survival.

Betrayal trauma can manifest in multiple contexts, including:

Infidelity Trauma:

When a romantic partner engages in emotional or physical affairs, leading to shattered trust and significant emotional distress. Research on betrayal trauma and infidelity suggests that many partners of unfaithful individuals experience symptoms similar to PTSD, including hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation.

Institutional Betrayal:

Occurs when organizations, workplaces, or institutions fail to protect, support, or believe victims of wrongdoing. According to studies, institutions that dismiss or minimize reports of abuse or discrimination significantly worsen trauma outcomes. This form of betrayal is especially prevalent in workplaces, religious communities, and legal systems.

Family Betrayal

When caregivers or close family members violate trust through abuse, neglect, or secrecy. A study found that childhood betrayal trauma is strongly linked to dissociation and long-term mental health issues, making early intervention crucial.

Friendship Betrayal:

When a close friend deceives, lies, or abandons you in a time of need. This form of betrayal can trigger deep emotional wounds, particularly in those with prior attachment injuries or experiences of relational trauma.

Understanding betrayal trauma and its various forms is essential for validating the experiences of those affected and guiding them toward appropriate therapeutic interventions. If you have experienced betrayal trauma, recognizing its impact is the first step toward healing.

Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation call today to take the first step toward healing with a therapist who understands the complexities of trauma and is ready to support you.

Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma can manifest in a variety of emotional, psychological, and physiological symptoms. While every individual experiences it differently, common symptoms include:

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms

• PTSD-like symptoms: Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing, making it difficult for individuals to feel safe even in neutral situations. Many victims report experiencing intrusive thoughts and emotional dysregulation long after the betrayal event.
  
• Intense anxiety and depression: Chronic sadness, loss of interest in activities, and excessive worry that can interfere with daily life. According to research, individuals with betrayal trauma often exhibit higher rates of depression and dissociation.
  
• Shame and self-doubt: Feeling unworthy, questioning one’s own reality (gaslighting effects), and struggling with low self-esteem, often leading to self-isolation. Studies on moral injury and institutional betrayal suggest that marginalized groups experience compounded distress due to societal discrimination and betrayal.
  
• Emotional dysregulation: Sudden mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions, which can strain relationships and impact professional and personal life. This can lead to increased social withdrawal and interpersonal difficulties.
  
• Trust issues: A deep fear of trusting others, leading to avoidance of intimacy and difficulty forming new relationships. Betrayal trauma survivors often struggle with hypervigilance in relationships, fearing further betrayal or abandonment.

Physical and Behavioral Symptoms

• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or excessive sleeping, often linked to hyperarousal or avoidance behaviors. Many individuals report difficulties falling or staying asleep due to replaying the betrayal in their minds.
  
• Gastrointestinal issues: Stomach pain, nausea, or digestive distress caused by prolonged stress responses. Stress from betrayal trauma has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders.
  
• Social withdrawal: Avoidance of relationships, isolation, or fear of intimacy due to the inability to trust others. Survivors may withdraw from friends and family out of fear of vulnerability.
  
• Compulsive behaviors: Overeating, substance abuse, overworking, or engaging in risky behaviors as coping mechanisms to numb emotional pain. Studies indicate that betrayal trauma survivors often resort to maladaptive coping mechanisms.
  
• Somatic symptoms: Chronic headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue, which can be linked to heightened stress levels and nervous system dysregulation.

Recognizing these symptoms is a crucial step in seeking appropriate support and therapeutic interventions for healing. Book a complimentary 20-minute consult call.

Causes and Risk Factors of Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma often occurs within relationships where trust is foundational. Some factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing betrayal trauma include:

• Early childhood attachment wounds: Individuals who experienced inconsistent caregiving or abandonment in childhood may be more vulnerable to betrayal trauma in adulthood. A study found that childhood betrayal trauma is linked to increased risk of dissociation, depression, and emotional numbing later in life.
  
• Personality and emotional sensitivity: Those with high emotional intelligence or empathy may feel betrayal more acutely. According to research, individuals who are more attuned to emotional nuances tend to experience heightened psychological distress when betrayed.
  
• Cultural and societal pressures: Gender roles and social conditioning may lead some individuals to ignore red flags in relationships, making them more susceptible to betrayal trauma. Studies on moral injury and institutional betrayal indicate that societal structures can exacerbate trauma in marginalized communities.
  
• Institutional failures: Lack of support from workplaces, religious institutions, or legal systems can intensify the trauma. A 2024 study published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy found that survivors who received justice-oriented responses from institutions had lower rates of PTSD and depression. This underscores the need for stronger policies and survivor-centered approaches in workplaces, universities, and healthcare settings.
  
• Repeated betrayal exposure: Individuals who have experienced multiple betrayals, whether in personal relationships or institutions, may develop a heightened sensitivity to future betrayals, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. This cumulative effect can contribute to difficulty forming trusting relationships and heightened emotional reactivity.
  
• Lack of self-trust: Betrayal trauma can undermine an individual’s ability to trust themselves, leading to poor decision-making in future relationships. This can result in a cycle where individuals repeatedly find themselves in relationships or environments where betrayal occurs.

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals recognize vulnerabilities and seek proactive support. Identifying patterns of betrayal in relationships and institutions is a crucial step in preventing further trauma and promoting healing. Take the first step toward healing—book a complimentary 20-minute consult call.

Healing From Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, healing is possible. Therapy, self-care strategies, and community support can all play a vital role in recovery.

Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is particularly effective for betrayal trauma, helping individuals process painful memories and reframe negative beliefs. Research suggests that EMDR can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional distress related to betrayal trauma.
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals challenge distorted thoughts, rebuild self-esteem, and develop coping strategies. According to studies, CBT has been shown to be highly effective in reducing betrayal trauma symptoms, especially for those experiencing anxiety and depression.
  
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): A specialized form of CBT that is effective for those with childhood betrayal trauma. Research has demonstrated that TF-CBT can significantly improve emotional regulation and resilience in survivors of early-life betrayal trauma.
  
• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps individuals reconnect with wounded parts of themselves and develop self-compassion. IFS is particularly beneficial for those struggling with internalized self-blame following betrayal.
  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples: A highly effective approach for couples seeking to heal from infidelity-related betrayal trauma. EFT focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds and fostering secure attachment in relationships.

Practical Healing Strategies

• Establish boundaries: Create emotional and physical boundaries to protect yourself from further harm.
  
• Self-compassion practices: Engage in mindfulness, journaling, and self-care activities that promote emotional regulation. Research shows that self-compassion reduces PTSD symptoms and improves emotional resilience.
  
• Build supportive relationships: Seek out friends, support groups, or trauma-informed therapists who validate your experiences. A strong social support system has been linked to improved psychological recovery from betrayal trauma.
  
• Rebuild trust at your own pace: Healing does not mean forcing yourself into new relationships before you are ready. Trust-building should be a gradual and intentional process.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent PTSD symptoms, severe anxiety, or depression that interferes with daily life, seeking professional help is essential. Therapy with a specialist can provide the guidance and tools needed for deep healing. A study found that early intervention and evidence-based therapy approaches significantly reduce the long-term impact of betrayal trauma.

The journey to healing from betrayal trauma is deeply personal, but with the right therapeutic support, practical coping strategies, and self-compassion, recovery is possible. Recognizing the impact of betrayal and taking steps toward healing can help individuals regain their sense of trust, self-worth, and emotional well-being.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the lasting effects of betrayal trauma, help is available. Book a complimentary 20-minute consult call today to find support that meets your needs.