women's betrayal trauma - PHASE 1 - hope after heartache

Partners of a sexual addict experience specific symptoms that are similar to PTSD, this is called Betrayal Trauma.  The discovery of addictive behaviors from the person you love can be one of the most painful attachment betrayal experiences a partner or spouse can ever go through.  The feelings of hurt, confusion, anger, betrayal, and even numbness can be overwhelming. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCING BETRAYAL TRAUMA? 

Common reactions to the discovery or disclosure of a partner's sexual addiction resemble those of PTSD, including:

• Flashbacks 
• Intrusive memories and thoughts
• Negative thoughts about yourself (“I am bad,” “I am unlovable,” “I’m not good enough,” etc.)
• Distressing dreams
• Hypervigilance 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering important things
• Feeling disconnected from others
• Irritability/anger
• Depression
• Anxiety  

These can affect multiple areas of one’s life and can create distrust in others that are not connected to the addiction.  We at Centerpoint Counseling view the effects of sex and pornography addiction on the partners of the addicts from the lens of Betrayal Trauma.  

"WHY SHOULD I GET TREATMENT?"

This question comes up a lot because the partner is most often not a part of the addiction. Many partners report feeling like their life has begun to spiral out of control and that anger has entered all of their relationships.   All partners deserve the chance to heal and restore a sense of balance, safety, peace, hope and serenity back into their lives, whether or not they decide to stay in the relationship. We are committed to helping betrayed partners work through these traumatic symptoms and restore healing and hope after heartbreak.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

We offer multiple avenues for receiving this support; individual therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy.  A thorough assessment, called the Inventory of Partner Attachment, Stress, and Trauma (IPAST), is administered and reviewed with each partner.  This process allows us to determine the best course of treatment for each partner’s needs.

Resilient Transformations is a Women's group to support: A woman’s journey of self-discovery as she learns to grow an unspeakable core of calm, strength, and happiness.     

• The Path: Safety, Satisfaction, Connection  
• The Goal: Resilient Well-being  
• The 4 "How's": Recognizing, Resourcing, Regulating, Relating    

Recognize your 12 Inner Strengths:  

1. Compassion   
2. Grit   
3. Calm   
4. Courage   
5. Mindfulness   
6. Gratitude   
7. Motivation   
8. Aspiration   
9. Learning   
10. Confidence   
11. Intimacy   
12. Generosity    

“If I am not for myself, then who will be for ME? If not now, WHEN?” Rabbi Hillel    

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Please call Centerpoint for more information - 208-359-4840