Being damaged by betrayal trauma can leave you with a very deep wound. Depending on the size and scope of that wound, it could set us on the path to a difficult recovery. It took me 10 years to crawl out of the pain of this betrayal. I Wish I would have known how to escape the grip of the damage and heal quickly, but I did not. Today I want to take a look to see if I can find ways to help us recover faster from such devastation.
Healing from betrayal trauma is a challenging and deeply personal journey. When trust is broken by someone we depended on, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, hurt, and uncertain about the path forward. This article offers practical ways to begin the healing process. With faith, self-care, and determination, it’s possible to move beyond the pain and reclaim your strength and peace.
Here are a few techniques to aid in healing…
Aids to Healing
- Healing starts with recognizing what you’re experiencing. Accept your feelings, seek to understand them, and be open to the possibility that you may be dealing with betrayal trauma.
- Turn to those you can trust for support. This may not always be family or friends you knew before your divorce.
- Practice self-care and stress relief, even when it’s hard, during times of betrayal. These efforts can help refocus your energy and mind, allowing you to start lifting yourself out of sadness.
- Push yourself to engage in the activities you once loved, even when you don’t feel the desire. It’s important to keep trying, because the joy you’ve lost can come back through those familiar experiences. Speaking from personal experience, I kept at it, this wasn’t easy, but eventually, the joy returned.
- Keep taking baby steps each day—get up in the morning, go to work, stay busy, pray, and meditate. Healing is a slow journey, but those small steps will eventually become big strides toward reclaiming a happy life. Don’t give up—you’re stronger than you know!
- Make time for exercise in your routine—it’s vital for both your body and your mind. For me, staying active was one of the key things that helped me survive the darkest days of my divorce. Moving my body gave me strength, clarity, and a sense of hope when I needed it most.
- Seek counseling with a therapist who understands betrayal trauma—someone who truly knows what you’re going through and can guide you toward healing. Be sure to do your due diligence in finding a specialist in this area of counseling to ensure the best support and results on your recovery journey.
- Start rebuilding your new life. Even if it doesn’t feel like it yet, this is a fresh start. Reach out, make new friends, and push yourself to connect with others. Begin to recognize that your life is still full of possibilities—even if it’s not the one you originally imagined, it can still be a good and fulfilling life.
- Set healthy boundaries for yourself. If you ever feel pressured into doing things you don’t want to do, take control and simply say no. Focus on what you can control, and make those choices confidently. Establishing boundaries can bring a much-needed sense of peace during this challenging time.
- Find a way to share your story—whether it’s with others going through similar experiences, a trusted friend, or through journaling. Sharing your story can help you process what’s happening and may open the door to new insights and solutions as you navigate your journey ahead.
- One of the most important ways to aid in healing is to “hold tightly to your faith.” It does not matter what faith you rely on; what matters is that you draw your strength and hope from it. Take the words and promises from your faith and hold on to them, take the love spoken in your faith and realize you are loved, take the strength from your faith and realize you are stronger than you think, and remember you are not alone.
The strategies mentioned above are just a few of the many ways to begin healing from betrayal trauma. Healing isn’t an exact science, and everyone’s journey looks different. I believe that the longer we deny or avoid facing the situation, the longer it takes to rise above it.
I hope you’re doing okay as you navigate this challenging journey. Remember, healing isn’t an overnight fix. With the strength of your faith and the determination to keep moving forward, one step at a time, you’ll gradually begin to heal.
Don’t give up. Remember, God, will never leave you or forsake you.
God Bless You!
KathieyV