The Healing Trauma Podcast Healing from Betrayal Trauma With Michelle Mays
Aug 16, 2023
Michelle Mays, Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in treating sexual betrayal and trauma, explores the devastating impact of betrayal on attachment bonds, shattering trust and leaving betrayed partners feeling unsafe. She discusses the connection between childhood trauma and adult betrayals, the three types of betrayal trauma traps, and the role of fear and powerlessness in hindering healing. Mays emphasizes the interconnectedness of fear, shame, and powerlessness in the healing process and the importance of addressing both present and childhood trauma.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Betrayal Is A Relational Form Of Trauma
- Betrayal trauma reframes trauma as fundamentally relational rather than only individual.
- Jennifer Freyd's betrayal trauma theory shows betrayal changes both experience of harm and how healing must occur.
Childcare Betrayal Mirrors Adult Partner Injury
- Childhood caregiver betrayal creates a survival dilemma because children must stay attached to those who harm them.
- Adult partner betrayal mirrors child attachment wounds and often reactivates shame and multilayered trauma.
Attachment Needs Stay Wired Into Adulthood
- Attachment needs persist into adulthood and romantic partners become primary attachment figures.
- Relational threats register in the body as survival threats even when cognitive logic knows otherwise.