Betrayal trauma can be incredibly complex and difficult to understand. It can involve a variety of emotions, including pain, confusion, betrayal, and rage. While each person’s experience is unique, there are typically several stages that people go through when they are experiencing betrayal trauma.
Here are the stages of betrayal trauma and a little more about each of them:
1. Shock
The first stage of betrayal trauma is often shock and disbelief. This is when the person first learns of the betrayal and can’t believe that it has happened. They may feel like they are in a dream or that they are going to wake up and everything will be okay.
This stage can last for a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the betrayal. They may also feel numb and disconnected from what is happening around them. This stage can be very confusing and overwhelming.
2. Denial
The denial stage is when the person tries to push away what has happened and pretend it didn’t happen. This stage can last for a few weeks or months and can be very frustrating for friends and family members who are trying to support them.
They may try to rationalize or justify the betrayal, or they may just ignore it altogether. This can be a way of coping with the trauma, but it often doesn’t last long.
3. Obsession
The obsession stage is when the person becomes fixated on the betrayal and can’t stop thinking about it. This stage can last for a few weeks or months and can be very disruptive to their life. They may spend a lot of time obsessing over the details of the betrayal and trying to figure out what went wrong.
They may also have trouble focusing on anything else. This stage can be very damaging, as it often leads to further isolation and distress.
4. Anger
The anger stage is when the person finally starts to express the rage and hurt they are feeling. This stage can last for weeks or months and can be very destructive. They may lash out at friends, family, and even strangers. This anger can also be directed at the person who betrayed them, or it may be turned inward.
5. Bargaining
The bargaining stage is when the person tries to make a deal with God or the universe in order to fix things. This stage can last for a few weeks or months and often involves making promises that they will never do it again or pleading with the person who betrayed them to make things right.
This stage can be very frustrating for those around them, as it often delays the healing process. They may plead for forgiveness or offer to do anything in order to make things right again. This stage can be very self-destructive.
6. Depression
The depression stage is when the person sinks into deep sadness and despair. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy and feel like there is no hope left. This stage can be very debilitating and often leads to suicidal thoughts or actions.
7. Acceptance
The acceptance stage is when the person finally comes to terms with what has happened. They may not be happy about it, but they are able to move on with their life. This stage can be very liberating and often leads to a stronger sense of self. This stage can be very difficult, but it is also ultimately healing.
Seek Help with Solace Emotional
Each person’s journey through betrayal trauma is unique, but these are just some of the most common stages. Each stage of betrayal trauma can be incredibly difficult to cope with.
If you are experiencing any of these stages, it is important to seek out help from a therapist or counselor at Solace Emotional Health who can help you work through the trauma. You don’t have to go through this alone.
