Is it possible to heal from betrayal trauma and emotional abuse?
Absolutely.
Feeling “Stuck”? Use These Three Tips To Start Healing Today
Many victims of betrayal trauma and emotional abuse describe “feeling stuck” as they try to process trauma.
Abuse, by its very nature, is meant to make women feel powerless, small, and “stuck”.
Using these three tips, women can move forward with life: safe, strong, and empowered.
1. Start Giving Responsibility Back To The Abuser (And Stop Taking the Blame)
Many women suffering from the effects of betrayal trauma and emotional abuse are conditioned by their abusers to believe that the abuse is their fault, rather than the fault of the abuser. This is called “victim-blaming” and it’s all too common in today’s society.
When victims set a boundary regarding what they are willing to take on as their personal responsibility, they are making a powerful move toward healing from emotional abuse.
Victims Cannot Cause, Cure, or Control Emotional Abuse and Betrayal
You can start healing today by handing the responsibility to your abuser: he betrayed you, he has committed relational abuse. You are not to blame. There is nothing you could have done to control, cure, or cause the abuse and betrayal. Give him the responsibility back and shed the blame that you’ve been carrying.
2. Start a Self-Care Routine That Includes Positive Self-Talk
Most, if not all women in betrayal trauma, have also suffered from extensive verbal and emotional abuse.
Their sense of self-worth as well as their awareness of their own needs have eroded over time because abusive men feel entitled to be the “center of the universe” and in doing so, condition women to ignore their own needs and their own powerful selves.
I would definitely go back and tell myself I am more than worth it! That I will get through this, that this is his stuff and not mine, and that I don’t need to know all the answers right now.
My needs are important. My feelings are valid. I would definitely talk positively to myself as opposed to beating myself up and talking negatively.
Jen, member of the BTR.ORG Community
Victims of Emotional Abuse Are “More Than Worth It”
Start a self-care routine today, and begin by simply saying,
“I am more than worth it.”
Other self-care essentials include:
- Setting and maintaining boundaries that separate you from abusive behaviors
- Working toward healthy sleep and nutrition
- Sharing your story with a safe person or through writing
- Meditation, yoga, walking, or breathing exercises
3. Start Sharing Your Story With Other Victims of Emotional Abuse
I first made the decision, I want to heal. I deserve to heal. I’m going to do this no matter how scary it is with everything I have.
Jen, member of the BTR.ORG Community
As victims of emotional abuse share their experiences with other women who can relate to what they have gone through, they find healing and validation, empowerment and strength.
Many women have tried to share their experiences with clergy, therapists, family, and friends who have ultimately responded in unhealthy ways that have enabled the abuser and shamed or blamed the victim. This is tragically common and extremely difficult for women to process.
BTR.ORG Is Here For You
As victims of emotional abuse seek safe places to share their stories and courageously speak the truth, their journey to healing begins. Often, it is with other women who have endured the same abuse that women find solidarity and healing.
Consider attending a BTR.ORG Group Session today.