Counseling for Trauma
Most people will experience trauma at some point in their lives. Trauma may result from a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent crime, exposure to war, betrayal or infidelity, or a natural disaster.
Many individuals are able to recover over time with the support of family, friends, and community. Others continue to experience lasting effects that interfere with daily life, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. These unresolved effects may include persistent fear, emotional pain, confusion, or symptoms of posttraumatic stress long after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, working with a trained trauma therapist is a critical part of the healing process. Trauma counseling provides structured support, clinical understanding, and evidence based tools to help restore stability, safety, and emotional regulation.
When Trauma Requires Professional Support
Trauma does not always resolve on its own. When the nervous system remains stuck in a state of threat, the body and mind continue to react as if danger is still present.
Unresolved trauma may affect:
• Emotional regulation and mood
• Sense of safety and trust• Physical health and immune functioning• Relationships and intimacy
• Concentration, memory, and sleep
Therapy focuses on helping the nervous system recalibrate, processing traumatic experiences at a pace that supports stability rather than reactivation.
Betrayal Trauma Is Different
The discovery of betrayal in an intimate relationship often creates a unique and severe form of trauma known as betrayal trauma. The initial reaction is an intense emotional shock commonly described by clients as disorienting, destabilizing, and overwhelming.
Many partners describe the experience as feeling like they are losing their grip on reality. The phrase “this is crazy making” is frequently heard in the aftermath of discovery. Naming this experience as betrayal trauma helps partners begin to understand that their reactions are not signs of weakness or instability, but normal responses to an extreme relational rupture.
The first discovery of betrayal is often referred to as D Day. Whether the betrayal involves compulsive internet behavior, pornography use, affairs, or other forms of infidelity, the emotional impact on the partner is often the same. The nervous system experiences the event as a profound threat to safety and attachment.
Common Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayed partners often experience symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress. These symptoms can be emotional, cognitive, and physical.
Common experiences include:
• Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and dissociation
• Hypervigilance and constant scanning for danger
• Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares
• Difficulty sleeping or chronic insomnia
• Feelings of shame, self blame, and confusion
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, appetite changes, hypertension, or autoimmune flare ups
Many partners report that discovering betrayal is the most shocking and destabilizing crisis they have ever experienced. Feeling disoriented, overwhelmed, or unable to make sense of what happened is a normal response to this level of relational trauma.
Trauma Symptoms and Diagnostic Categories
According to the DSM 5, trauma related symptoms often fall into four primary categories.
Avoidance Symptoms
• Avoiding places, people, situations, or sensory reminders
• Emotional numbing or withdrawal
• Persistent anxiety, guilt, or depressive symptoms
Re Experiencing Symptoms
• Intrusive memories or thoughts• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Emotional or physiological distress when reminded of the trauma
Hyperarousal Symptoms
• Irritability, anger, or heightened startle response
• Hypervigilance and difficulty relaxing• Reckless or self destructive behavior
• Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
• Loss of interest in previously meaningful activities
Difficulty remembering parts of the traumatic experience
• Changes in behavior, beliefs, or worldview following trauma
Evidence Based Trauma Treatment
Research consistently shows that psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for trauma. Trauma counseling focuses on both cognitive understanding and nervous system regulation.
Treatment approaches may include:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Experiential and relational therapies• Somatic based interventions
• Brainspotting, EMDR and other brain based trauma modalities
Therapy is paced carefully to avoid overwhelm and to support stabilization before deeper processing occurs.
About Allan J. Katz
Allan J. Katz is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with extensive experience working with trauma, betrayal trauma, and relational injury. His work integrates trauma informed care, attachment theory, and evidence based clinical interventions.
All services are provided in a confidential, respectful environment focused on safety, understanding, and recovery.
Additional Resources for Betrayal Trauma
For more in depth education and support:
• Visit the Blog for articles on betrayal trauma and recovery
• If you are a betrayed partner, the betrayal trauma workbook, Ambushed by Betrayal, is a supportive companion to therapy
• Learn more about relational healing through Couples Counseling
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of trauma or betrayal trauma, help is available. Early support can reduce long term impact and restore a sense of stability and control.
Call 901-248-6001 for a free consultation or reach out through Contact Us to request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trauma counseling?
Trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals process and recover from overwhelming experiences that disrupt emotional and physical safety.
How is betrayal trauma different from other trauma?
Betrayal trauma occurs within an attachment relationship, which intensifies symptoms related to trust, safety, and emotional regulation.
Do trauma symptoms go away on their own?
Some people recover naturally, but many experience persistent symptoms that benefit from professional treatment.
Is trauma therapy confidential?
Yes. All counseling services are confidential and follow professional ethical and legal standards.
Do you offer in person trauma counseling in Memphis?
Yes. In person sessions are available at the Memphis office, with scheduling discussed during consultation.
Call 901-248-6001 for a free consultation or reach out through Contact Us to request an appointment.