“I can’t believe it happened. My partner, the person I trusted more than anyone, had an affair. My world is upside down. I’m a jumble of rage, hurt, and confusion. One minute I want to forgive and rebuild, the next I want to shield myself and run.”
Guest therapist, Yehudah Alcabes, joined host Patricia Wu on “Life Quakes” to help the viewer understand this whirlwind of emotions. Yehudah calls it “betrayal trauma” and says it acts a lot like post-traumatic stress disorder – the anxiety, the mood swings, the feeling totally lost. What about deciding if he should try to save this relationship? Even if his partner does all the right things to try and change, there’s still a lingering fear. How does he trust again?
Betrayal creates deep emotional wounds
The pain and confusion are a normal response to a shattered sense of trust.
Prioritizing self-care is essential
Protecting yourself through boundaries is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and compassion.
Seek specialized help
A therapist trained in betrayal trauma can guide you through the complex process of healing and decision-making.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
