Lecture: Effects of Betrayal Trauma on the Brain
Overview of Betrayal Trauma
- Definition: Betrayal trauma refers to the psychological impact experienced when an individual is betrayed by a trusted partner.
- Types of Betrayal Trauma:
- Infidelity: Cheating with someone else, often a close friend or acquaintance.
- Pornography: Discovery of a partner’s secretive use, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
- Intimacy Anorexia: A partner withholding emotional connection, love, or intimacy.
Psychological and Physical Impacts
- Common Reactions: Depression, weight fluctuation, emotional and spiritual shutdown, PTSD symptoms (e.g., intrusive thoughts, social withdrawal).
- Existential Crisis: Questions about identity and future arise, feeling of a "rug pulled out" from under them.
- Impact on Life: Affects past memories, current reality, and future stability (financial, relational).
Brain Function Alterations
- Fear Center Activation: Constant hypervigilance and anxiety, leading to emotional dysregulation.
- Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty in reasoning, decision-making, and emotional control.
- Fight, Flight, or Freeze Responses: Shift of focus to problem-solving (fight) or being stuck (freeze).
Gender Differences
- Women experience betrayal trauma 2.6 times more intensely than men due to brain structure differences.
- Neuromodulation treatment shows promise in helping balance brain function.
Neuromodulation Treatment
- Intensive therapy offered at Heart to Heart Counseling Center.
- Treatment can help realign brain function and improve cognitive and emotional regulation.
- Case Study Example: Personal anecdote of trauma from a car accident, illustrating quick recovery through neuromodulation.
Call to Action
- Encouragement to seek help for betrayal trauma.
- Emphasis on personal responsibility for healing.
- Resources provided: counseling services, intensive therapy, neuromodulation treatment.
Additional Resources
- Hundreds of DVDs and videos available for further education.
- Open invitation for questions and further engagement through comments or calls.
Note: This lecture emphasizes the devastating impact of betrayal trauma on mental, emotional, and physical health, and highlights the importance of seeking professional help to regain balance and healing.