Top Rated Seattle & Bellevue Betrayal Trauma Therapists

Betrayal Trauma
Has someone broken your trust? Kept a secret that has led you to question your own reality? Betrayal can cause deep emotional distress and lingering physical symptoms of trauma. At the BTRC, we create a safe space for you to move beyond betrayal into resilience, recovery, and restoration.
Betrayal trauma occurs when someone you trust, like a partner or close friend, acts in a way that violates your trust and sense of safety. This type of trauma is often associated with situations where the betrayal is perceived as intentional, such as infidelity or deceit. The emotional impact can be profound, leading to feelings of shock, anger, and confusion. It can disrupt one’s ability to feel secure in relationships, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, or difficulty trusting others. Because betrayal contradicts our core beliefs about those we rely on, it can take a significant toll on mental health, requiring time and effort to heal and rebuild trust.
Through evidence-based techniques (Emotional Transformation Therapy), alternative healing modalities (eg., hypnotherapy, sound bath, meditation), and personalized support, the Resilience Through Betrayal Program will help you develop resilience to adapt, cope, and thrive in the face of adversity. Our experienced professionals will provide the tools coping skills, strategies, and resources to build your resilience muscle.
Symptoms of betrayal trauma include:
Intrusive thoughts and images
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Hypervigilance
Trouble sleeping
Irritability and angry outbursts
Anxiety
Isolating
Fatigue
Difficulty focusing
Difficulty regulating emotions
Lack of appetite
In betrayal trauma therapy, you will begin the path of reclaiming your life’s narrative.
Heal and grow in your own identity while remaining consistent with your value system. You deserve a safe place to be heard and how well being supported on this journey of recovery and therapy can help.
Services offered
6 of the best Seattle & Bellevue betrayal trauma specialists
1. Elizabeth Abbruzza, LMHC, LPC, CCPS
As a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS), Elizabeth has advanced training in understanding and treating betrayal trauma, particularly for partners of those struggling with sex addiction. This certification equips her to provide targeted, compassionate care to clients dealing with betrayal’s complex emotional and psychological impact.
Credentials
Education & Credentials:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LMHC)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado State (LPC)
Washington State Approved Clinical Supervisor
APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS)
Certified ETT Complex Trauma Therapist
Certified ETT Somatic Psychotherapist
Certified ETT Addictions Therapist
Specialty Area (s)
Complex PTSD, Betrayal trauma recovery, Emotional abuse, Intimate partner betrayal trauma counseling, childhood trauma
Years in Practice
9 years
2. Connie Zollner
Connie is both an APSATS-certified clinical partner specialist (CCPS) and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), which gives her the ability to support and hold balanced space for both sides of a partnership when navigating the impacts of betrayal trauma, problematic sexual behaviors, sex addiction, and out-of-control technology-based behaviors. She acknowledges the distressing and disruptive effects these behaviors can have on her clients and their families and works to bring clients clarity and understanding so they can make changes and decisions that fit best for their life. Her work aims to foster resilience, facilitate recovery, and deepen self-understanding.
Credentials
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MA)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LMHC)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado State (LPC)
APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS)
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): Levels 1-4
Certified ETT Complex Trauma Therapist
Certified ETT Somatic Psychotherapist
Certified ETT Addictions Therapist
Specialty Area (s)
Betrayal trauma therapy, sexual addiction therapy, childhood trauma, coping mechanisms, partners infidelity,
Years in Practice
10
3. Jessica Lamar
Jessica is a certified ETT therapist and a certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) through The International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Professionals (IITAP). She applies an attachment-based, interpersonal therapy model to effectively facilitate rapid trauma recovery. With extensive training and experience in treating problematic sexual behaviors and sex addiction, Jessica understands the distress and disruption these behaviors can cause. She believes that this expertise is crucial for supporting and guiding individuals through a supportive recovery process from the effects of Betrayal Trauma.
Credentials
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LMHC)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado State (LPC)
IITAP Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Certified Grief Professional (CGP)
Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): Levels 1-4
Certified ETT Complex Trauma Therapist
Certified ETT Somatic Psychotherapist
Certified ETT Addictions Therapist
Certified ETT Couples Therapist
Specialty Area (s)
Individual Therapy, Intimate relationship, Betrayed partners, Betrayal trauma therapy, healthy relationships, Trauma therapy,
Years in Practice
11 years
4. Raisa Felts
Dr. Felts brings specialized expertise in navigating the impact of complex trauma. Her practice addresses a range of trauma experiences, including relational trauma in intimate relationships, betrayal trauma, attachment wounds, and single-instance traumas. Through advanced training and extensive experience, she provides tailored support that addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of PTSD.
Credentials
Doctorate of Psychology from Northwest University (PsyD)
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University (MA)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA)
APSATS Certified Clinical Partner Specialist- Candidate (CCPS-C)
Specialty Area (s)
Betrayal trauma therapy, Trauma therapy, Individual Therapy, Neurodiversity, Partner betrayal trauma
Years in Practice
9 years
5. Mary-Frances Moore
Mary-Frances has a deep focus on addressing intergenerational trauma, survivors of abuse, betrayal trauma, infidelity recovery, substance use and recovery, out-of-control sexual behaviors (OCSB), and supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD.
Credentials
Master in Education in Counseling (M.Ed.)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington (LMHC)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2(CCTP-II)
Certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist
Level 1 Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
Speciality Areas
Betrayal trauma therapy, out of control sexual behaviors, neurodivergent individuals, Institutional Betrayal Trauma
Years in Practice
11 years
6. Julietta Strugo
Julieta’s expertise lies in helping women identify and break negative relationship patterns that prevent them from forming authentic, fulfilling connections. She understands the complexities of cultivating meaningful relationships and is committed to supporting clients through obstacles rooted in relational trauma and negative self-beliefs.
Credentials
Speciality Area (s)
Partnerbetrayal trauma counseling, childhood trauma, betrayal trauma specialist
Years in Practice
3 Years
FAQs about betrayal trauma counseling
What is betrayal trauma?
Betrayal trauma occurs when someone you trust betrays your trust in a deep and significant way. This can happen in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, and family connections, often leading to emotional distress and trauma.
How can counseling help with betrayal trauma?
Counseling provides a safe space to process feelings of hurt, anger, and confusion brought on by betrayal. A trained therapist can help individuals understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, rebuild trust, and ultimately work toward healing and recovery.
What should I expect in a betrayal trauma counseling session?
During a session, you can expect to openly discuss your experiences in a confidential environment. The counselor will guide you through understanding your feelings, help identify potential patterns or triggers, and support you in creating a personalized recovery plan. Techniques may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or experiential approaches.
How long does betrayal trauma counseling take?
The duration of counseling varies depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of trauma, and personal goals. Some find relief in a few sessions, while others may need several months. The therapist will work with you to determine the best course of action.
Can betrayal trauma counseling help rebuild trust in a relationship?
Yes, counseling can be beneficial for rebuilding trust. Through therapy, individuals or couples can explore the root cause of betrayal, learn effective communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and gradually restore trust in the relationship.
Is counseling for betrayal trauma confidential?
Yes, counseling is confidential. Therapists are bound by ethical guidelines to protect client privacy, ensuring that what you share remains between you and the therapist, with certain legal exceptions related to safety or harm.
How do I find a qualified betrayal trauma counselor?
To find a qualified counselor, consider asking for referrals from healthcare professionals, searching online directories with reviews, or contacting local mental health clinics. It’s important to choose a therapist who is experienced in trauma and specializes in betrayal-related issues.
What if I am not ready to face the person who betrayed me?
Counseling focuses on your healing path and does not require you to confront the person who betrayed you unless you are ready and willing. The counselor will respect your pace and help you work through your feelings independently.
Are there support groups for betrayal trauma?
Yes, there are support groups available for those experiencing betrayal trauma. These groups offer a community of understanding individuals who share similar experiences. Your counselor might recommend local or online support groups tailored to your needs.
Can I attend counseling if the betrayal happened a long time ago?
Absolutely. Betrayal trauma counseling can be beneficial regardless of when the betrayal occurred. Long-standing feelings of hurt and mistrust can still affect your life, and it’s never too late to seek support and healing.
Is betrayal trauma the same as C-PTSD?
Betrayal trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) are related but distinct psychological concepts. Betrayal trauma typically arises when someone close to you, such as a partner or family member, violates your trust, leading to emotional distress and a disruption in your sense of safety. In contrast, C-PTSD is the result of prolonged exposure to trauma, often occurring in situations where escape is difficult, such as childhood abuse or captivity. While both conditions involve trauma, betrayal trauma specifically centers on breaches of trust, whereas C-PTSD encompasses a wider range of chronic traumatic experiences.
If you suspect you may be experiencing betrayal trauma or C-PTSD, consider reaching out to us here at the BTRC for guidance and support. Understanding your experiences is the first step towards healing.
Can you ever recover from betrayal trauma?
Recovering from betrayal trauma is a deeply personal and unique process, and healing is possible. This journey often involves acknowledging and processing the pain caused by the betrayal, which can be achieved through individual and group therapy sessions. A trained betrayal trauma therapist can provide a safe space to explore emotions, work through trust issues, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The healing process typically includes stages of understanding the most experienced betrayal trauma’s impact, rebuilding self-esteem, and gradually restoring trust in oneself and others.
At the BTRC we remind everyone that healing from betrayal blindness isn’t linear; requiring patience and self-compassion. Each individual’s path who is recovering from betrayal trauma will differ, and a betrayal trauma certified therapist will tailor a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and circumstances. With the right therapist, time, support, and dedication it is possible to regain a sense of security and emotional stability.
What is the best type of therapy for betrayal trauma?
Betrayal trauma can be a deeply challenging experience, often leaving individuals feeling lost and isolated. Fortunately, there are effective therapeutic modalities designed to address this specific type of trauma. Among the most recommended therapies are Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
At our practice, we specialize in these evidence-based methods, which are proven to help individuals process their trauma, reduce distress, and foster healing with betrayal trauma and recovery plan.
Our therapists are certified through The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) and The International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), ensuring they have the expertise to support betrayal trauma survivors. By focusing on emotional processing, our goal is to empower clients to regain control over their lives and build a future filled with resilience and hope.
Where can I find betrayal trauma therapy near me?
If you’re searching for betrayal trauma therapy near Bellevue, Washington, we offer specialized in-person sessions tailored to support your healing process. For those outside of Bellevue, we also provide virtual therapy services in Washington, Texas, and Colorado, allowing you to access professional help from the comfort of your home.
For individuals residing beyond these states, there are reputable directories available to help you find qualified therapists. The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) and the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) both offer comprehensive directories of certified professionals who specialize in betrayal trauma therapy.
Remember, reaching out for help is a brave step toward healing and recovery. Whether nearby or far away, there is a community of support ready to guide you on your path to wellness.
Get compassionate support to reclaim your life
At Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC), we understand the profound impact trauma and betrayal can have on your life. Our approach is holistic and trauma-informed, complemented by our expertise in betrayal trauma. We believe in working collaboratively to create individualized paths to healing. Whether you are seeking individual therapy, engaging in our Betrayal Trauma Group Therapy, participating in the Resilience Through Betrayal Women’s Intensive Program, or pursuing Couples Therapy, our certified professionals are here to support you every step of the way. We are committed to cultivating a safe space where you can regain your sense of self and resilience.
If you’re ready to take the next step please reach out to us at hello@thebtrc.com for more information or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to joining you on your healing journey.