PARTNER TRAUMA

Sex addiction does not only negatively impact the addict, but loved ones, too. If you discover your loved one has a sex addiction, you may benefit from professional counselling to help you deal with the aftermath of discovery. Intimate partners, especially, often experience intense symptoms of trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after discovering the sexual behaviours of the addict.

Partners of sex addicts suffer three types of overwhelming injuries which together damage the intimate relationship and cause you to experience Complex Betrayal Trauma.

Attachment Injury occurs when the sexual behaviour of the addict violates the trust and vulnerability of your relationship. When the addict lies, manipulates, coerces, and intimidates you in an effort to try to deny or hide their secret behaviour, you experience emotional and psychological injury from the confusion. Sexual Injury impacts your sexuality as a result of the addict’s pursuit of sex with you, with someone else, or both.

Like most partners, you may experience highly emotional reactions upon discovery, including:

• Shock
• Feeling Scared
• Helpless
• Confused
• Depressed
• Grief & Loss
• Angry & Frustrated
• Tired of Faking It
• Isolated & Alone
• Rejected & Replaced

Many partners also struggle with feelings of shame or self-blame and feel too embarrassed to reach out for help.

Recovering from trauma involves stabilization and validation.

Individual and Group Counselling are two ways that one can heal from the relational trauma of being in relationship with a person with sex addiction.

You may also find yourself thinking one of these statements:

• “I have been traumatized by the repeated discovery of his deception and betrayal of me with these activities.”
• “We don’t have sex often, and it irritates me that he puts more time into the porn than trying to be intimate with me.”

You may insist your sex addicted partner seek professional help, while you take on the burden of caring for and protecting your family. Try not to isolate yourself from seeking professional help for your own healing. Sex addiction is very complex and leads to devastating consequences. If you lack an adequate trauma support system, you face the risk of developing or exasperating poor coping skills, such as overeating or excessive drinking. You may even find yourself confronting the aftermath of a revenge affair or another act of self-harm. Betrayal trauma and the aftermath it causes creates deep wounds in your relationship with your loved one, but it may also change how you see yourself. Exploring self-help resources is an excellent place to begin, but it is very difficult to achieve lasting healing and effective recovery from betrayal trauma on your own without a solid support system and good self-care.

Have you been betrayed by your partner?

Join the Stepping Stones Bi-Weekly Support Group

Biweekly Wednesdays | 60-90mins | Online | $150/month

Upcoming Group Dates: November 19th, 2025 at 6pm EST on Zoom (Enroll before Nov 19th to receive the zoom link)

This group is designed for individuals navigating the emotional aftermath of betrayal in a committed relationship. Whether the betrayal is recent or in the past, whether you’ve chosen to stay or separate, you are welcome.

You are NOT alone! What you have been feeling or experiencing is shared by many others. Our Betrayed Partners Support Group offers a safe, structured, and compassionate space where you can begin to process your experience and reconnect with your inner strength.

How the Group Works

• 60-90-minute sessions (depending on attendance), held every two weeks
• Open to new and returning members
• Can be attended on its own or as ongoing support during or after our 10-week Stepping Stone Course
• Facilitated by a trained professional specializing in betrayal trauma and relational healing
• Confidential, non-judgmental, and supportive atmosphere

The group is flexible and supportive. You can join as a standalone resource if you’re not ready for a full Stepping Stone Course or in tandem with the course for a deeper integration and community. 

You can continue attending after completing the Stepping Stone Course to maintain connection and momentum.

What you can expect

• Connection with others who understand your experience
• Guided discussions on topics like trust, boundaries, anger, grief, and rebuilding self-worth
• Optional sharing — no pressure to speak before you’re ready
• Tools and strategies for emotional regulation, grounding, and self-care
• Some level of psychoeducation about betrayal trauma and recovery

Questions? 

Contact us today, we're here to support you, wherever you are on your healing journey.