Betrayal: A Proven Method for Couples Recovery
Betrayal Trauma Therapy | Sex Addiction Counseling
Sexual betrayal can devastate a relationship, leaving behind broken trust, overwhelming emotions, and deep confusion about the future. Rebuilding may seem impossible—but with the right therapeutic support and structure, healing is not only possible, it can lead to a stronger, more connected relationship.
At Awareness Collaborative PLLC, we follow a specialized model based on Help Them Heal by Carol Juergensen Sheets (Carol the Coach). This evidence-informed approach provides a roadmap for couples navigating recovery after sexual betrayal and is uniquely designed to foster safety, connection, and long-term growth.
A Structured Path Back to Connection
Healing after infidelity or sex addiction isn’t just about repairing what’s broken—it’s about building something new. The Help Them Heal model acknowledges the emotional trauma caused by betrayal and guides both partners through a structured, compassionate process that promotes individual healing and relational restoration.
Recovery begins when both individuals are committed to the process. While the work is not easy, couples who engage in this model often emerge with deeper understanding, stronger emotional intimacy, and a renewed sense of partnership.
The Four Cornerstones of Relational Recovery
This model focuses on four essential elements that lay the foundation for healing:
Empathy: Cultivating the ability to sit with one another’s pain without judgment or defensiveness.
Compassion: Offering emotional support and creating space for difficult emotions.
Communication: Building relational skills that foster connection instead of conflict.
Hard Work: Committing to the process even when it’s uncomfortable or slow-moving.
The Three Phases of Couples Healing
The journey of healing after betrayal unfolds in three distinct stages:
1. Safety
Rebuilding emotional and relational security begins here. Partners establish clear boundaries, embrace radical transparency, and commit to behaviors that restore trust.
2. Grief
This phase allows space for mourning what was lost—innocence, trust, and even the relationship as it once was. It’s a time to process hurt while staying emotionally present with one another.
3. Growth
The final stage focuses on renewal. Couples work to co-create a relationship based on truth, mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and shared values. This is where transformation begins.
Keeping the Conversation Going
One of the strengths of this model is its emphasis on helping couples maintain open communication—even in the midst of emotional pain. Learning to express feelings honestly, remain grounded during conflict, and respond with empathy are not just tools—they’re survival skills in the journey to relational repair.
These skills equip couples to navigate future challenges more effectively, creating a lasting emotional bond that is stronger than the rupture.
Expert Support from a Certified Specialist
At Awareness Collaborative PLLC, you’ll work with Dr. Jamie Gibbs, an ERCEM-trained Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). Jamie specializes in betrayal trauma recovery and has advanced training in guiding couples through this exact model. With a compassionate, structured approach, she helps couples reconnect and rebuild with clarity, confidence, and emotional safety.
Begin the Healing Process Today
Betrayal can feel like the end—but with the right guidance, it can also be the beginning of something more honest, connected, and resilient.
If you and your partner are navigating the aftermath of betrayal, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing—together.