Betrayal Trauma
Stress is defined as the reaction that the body and brain have to any negative change. Trauma takes place when that stress is consistent over a period of time, or when the impact of the brain and stressor are more intense. When an individual experiences trauma, the brain changes. This is a result of neural plasticity. The trauma that a partner experiences when he or she discovers that their intimate partner or significant other has been sexually unfaithful is involved with sexual addiction or other problematic sexual behavior is called Betrayal Trauma. The only appropriate lenses to view this trauma through is a post-traumatic stress lens.
At the IRATAD we know that for most individuals who come into treatment, there is a suffering partner. That is why we provide treatment for the betrayed as well. Their recovery is a unique journey to them and is equally important to that of the addict. And, if the couples relationship is to survive and thrive, both partners need their own individual and group therapy as well as couples therapy. That is why we provide individual and group therapy for individuals who are suffering from Betrayal Trauma.