Betrayal trauma arises when a person’s trust is deeply violated by someone they rely on for security or emotional support. This often leads to feelings of shock, anger, grief, and confusion. Betrayal trauma may lead to physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or digestive issues.

While betrayal trauma affects both men and women, research indicates that relational betrayal can often have a stronger impact on women. Those affected may experience symptoms that are similar to PTSD, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and distrust in relationships.

Common signs include:

• Anger

• Loss of trust

• Confusion

• Anxiety

• Depression

Diagnosis is usually based on a thorough mental health evaluation. Treatment often includes:

• Trauma-informed therapy

• EMDR

• Somatic therapy