I was excited to connect with Jennifer Cole on Chasing Hard Podcast. We talked a lot about betrayal trauma. “Jennifer has extensive training and has served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS). She is an Energy Leadership Index: tm:️ Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) and is also a mom, Canadian, entrepreneur, Grammy, daughter, sister, Christian, aunt, friend, and wife of a recovered sex addict and intimacy anorexic” according to Leslie Vernick Co.
Betrayal trauma is real and often occurs because of the prevalence of sex addiction in our modern-day society. According to Begin Again Institute “Infidelity trauma, or betrayal trauma, as it is also known, is a form of trauma experienced when there is infidelity or loss of trust between spouses or those in committed relationships. This trauma can be due to physical adultery, an emotional affair, or other sexual behavior outside the relationship”.
Jennifer and I made a connection early in the conversation. We clicked. We had some of the same experiences and ideas, especially EMDR therapy. She has helped countless women navigate betrayal trauma not only because that’s what she does as a career and calling but she lived it. She knows first-hand the heart-wrenching pain that shapes your thoughts and ultimately life when you are affected by betrayal trauma.
Betrayal comes in many shapes and sizes.
When you purchase something and it doesn’t deliver what was promised.
A friend talking about you behind your back or dropping you for no apparent reason.
Someone in your church, or a person in authority who was supposed to protect you but instead, used you in the worse way.
A spouse who commits adultery.
All of these produce betrayal trauma and can leave a gaping hole in your heart unless you do the intentional hard work of healing. Here’s the thing though, you don’t have to do that alone. In fact, please DON’T go through it alone. If you don’t have a pastor, trusted friend or counselor, do a Google search for a group near you or on Zoom to help you connect, or send me a message and I will get back with you.
I will keep you in my prayers, my friend, as you deal with the effects of betrayal trauma. Let me know how I can help.