Betrayal is one of the most painful human experiences and oftentimes the most difficult to understand. Discovering that someone we trusted has violated us can be incredibly jolting and traumatic.For many of us, when we hear the word “betrayal”, we instantly think “affair.” But betrayal comes in many forms including deceit, deception, disrespect, lying, disloyalty, spreading gossip and other things related to trust.
A harmful aspect of betrayal is that our sense of reality is damaged. It catches us totally off guard and threatens our sense of security. Our innocence is destroyed. We are left to wonder: How could he/she do this? What happened? How could this happen? How could I be so stupid? Who is this person? However, this pursuit for answers keeps us imprisoned in victim mode and only prolongs our hurting.
There is a way out of the suffering, but moving through betrayal is a process. Most often, people cannot do it alone. Therapy allows you to feel your feelings. It is a safe place to fix what is broken within you. It is natural to be wary and cautious, but you cannot perpetuate the belief that you cannot trust anyone ever again.
Carrie
