There is no betrayal quite like spousal betrayal. Perhaps you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there now. You know what it is to discover your spouse has been living a double life with double standards. First, trauma knocked on your door. Then it kicked the door down. Now it has taken up residence in your home.
The next move is yours. What will your response be?
Dr. Carmen Harra, clinical psychologist, suggests seven steps to overcoming the trauma of betrayal:
- Identify your emotions.
- Learn to forgive.
- Don’t blame yourself.
- Detach from people you do not trust.
- Don’t betray anyone yourself.
- Envision a better future.
- Take a leap of faith.
You can’t possibly overcome the trauma of betrayal on your own. Try this: “Cast your cares on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Recovery Step: Trauma is a foe like none other. But you can overcome. Start today.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
