Sexual addiction is a traumatic experience for a partner of a sex addict. Her world has been shaken by the revelation of secret behaviors. The repercussions are far-reaching and devastating. Her once predictable life is now spiraling out of control because of her loved one’s actions. She feels victimized, betrayed, and may even suffer from self-shame or self-blame. She is not okay. She is not all right. She is traumatized, wounded, and feeling unsafe.
How can she find safety in an unsafe situation? How can she move from being a victim to becoming an empowered and resilient woman? How can she put sanity back in her life?
Betrayal trauma induced by sex addition has many layers, which affects a partner on several levels from the realization that her concept of family has been shattered, to distrusting those around her, the emotional roller-coaster that ensues, being triggered by memories, dreams or familiar places or events. Sexual addiction causes collateral damage. Some are evident immediately while others emerge with time.
With a multidimensional approach, a partner is able to tap into her power and create a safe life for herself.
“Your power is in how you choose to respond.”
M. J. Welcome
Power of Choice
How she chooses to respond to betrayal trauma will determine if she is ready to take control of the situation, which was initially out of her control. The road to empowerment is rocky, it has setbacks, it is painful but it is worth traveling to recapture a sense of self, self-worth, and to heal.
Betrayal Trauma Specialist
A betrayal trauma specialist coach is specifically trained to support partners of sex addicts, to help them reclaim their sense of safety by assisting them to identify the things that will restore their sense of safety. Everyone’s safety list will look different but it will help her to feel empowered. It will enable her to unlock her inner resilience. It will transition her from feeling and being at the mercy of this traumatic life event to being in control and determining what is in her best interest.
It is possible to find safety in the midst of betrayal trauma, in the midst of this unsafe situation, but it is determined by your next choice.
