Shattered Trust: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing Betrayal Trauma in Couples

Course overview

Infidelity remains one of the most prevalent yet challenging issues in couple therapy. Often experienced as a profound form of betrayal trauma, infidelity creates complex psychological impacts for both partners, with the hurt partner frequently experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation. Despite its prevalence, many clinicians report feeling underprepared to treat infidelity, consistently rating it among the most difficult therapeutic issues. This webinar will provide a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to understanding and healing betrayal trauma in couples. Drawing on current research, the presenter will examine the prevalence, risk factors, and relational consequences of infidelity through a trauma lens. Special attention will be given to the clinical challenges that frequently arise, including unresolved countertransference, heightened emotional reactivity, split alliances, and the need to maintain emotional safety while navigating intense relational dynamics. Participants will be introduced to an evidence-based framework for conceptualizing and treating infidelity as betrayal trauma, with practical strategies for guiding couples through the recovery phases. Emphasis will be placed on therapeutic pacing, interventions that foster trust repair and emotional regulation, and relational healing. Attendees will leave equipped with increased clinical confidence and evidence-based tools to effectively guide couples through betrayal recovery.