Finding Closure and Embracing Healing After Betrayal
The journey to finding closure after experiencing betrayal can be challenging, but it’s possible to find peace and healing. Whether you heal and move along or heal and rebuild with the person who hurt you, here are some suggestions to help you find closure and come to terms with what has happened:
Acknowledge and validate your emotions:
Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that arise from the betrayal, such as anger, hurt, sadness, or disappointment. It’s essential to give yourself permission to experience these emotions without judgment. Validate your feelings and remind yourself that they are a natural response to what you’ve been through.
Seek understanding and clarity:
It can be helpful to seek understanding by reflecting on the situation and gaining clarity about what has transpired. This might involve journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or seeking professional guidance. Explore your thoughts and emotions surrounding the betrayal, and try to make sense of the events as best you can.
Set boundaries and prioritize self-care:
Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial as you navigate the healing process. Take the time and space you need to prioritize your well-being. Engage in self-care activities that bring you comfort, joy, and a sense of peace. This may include practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or seeking support from loved ones.
Practice forgiveness (for yourself):
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing, but it doesn’t necessarily mean reconciling with the person who betrayed you. Instead, focus on forgiving yourself for any self-blame or negative feelings you may be carrying. Understand that forgiving yourself is a process, and it takes time and self-compassion. Allow yourself to release any guilt or shame you may be holding onto. Forgiving others can come later but for now, see if you were too hard on yourself, judging yourself, or speaking to yourself in a way that was cold or lacking in compassion.
Engage in healing practices:
Explore healing practices that resonate with you and support your journey towards closure. This might include somatic/body based practices that help release trauma from your body, working with a Certified PBT Coach or Practitioner, or engaging in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as meditation, yoga, or creative expression. These practices can provide a safe space for processing emotions and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.
Reframe your narrative:
Consider reframing your perspective on the betrayal. While you cannot change the past, you have the power to shape how you view the experience and its impact on your life moving forward. Focus on the lessons learned, the personal growth you’ve gained, and the resilience you’ve developed as a result of overcoming this challenge.
Surround yourself with a support network:
Seek the support of trusted friends, family, or a compassionate and inspiring group who can provide a listening ear and offer guidance. Having a supportive network of individuals who believe in your strength and healing can make a significant difference in finding closure and moving forward.
Embrace self-compassion and patience:
Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself during this process. Healing takes time, and closure may come in different stages. Embrace self-compassion and allow yourself to heal at your own pace. Recognize that finding closure is a personal journey, and it’s okay if it takes longer than expected.
While finding closure may seem challenging at times, please know that you have the strength within you to navigate this process. Trust in your resilience and the potential for growth and transformation that lies ahead.
Dr. Debi-A Trusted Resource in an Untrusting Niche
Dr. Debi Silber, Founder and CEO of The PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, holistic psychologist, a health, mindset and personal development expert who helps (along with her incredibly gifted Certified PBT-Post Betrayal Transformation Coaches and Practitioners) a predictable, proven multi-pronged approach to help people heal (physically, mentally and emotionally) from the trauma of betrayal.