Why do support groups help healing?
The experience of betrayal trauma shatters and isolates. No matter how your husband acts out, finding out about his acts of secret betrayal can tempt you to pull away from others in confusion and shame.
Support groups, safely facilitated, can increase and speed up your recovery. In support group, you are with people who get you and validate you. You don't have to explain every little thing in hope of being understood. Plus you get to bring your wins and learnings to the group to be celebrated and to help others. The power of the group is greater than the sum of its members. It's how we were designed to find ourselves - the presence of supportive and caring others.
In the workbook, From Betrayal Trauma to Healing and Joy, Marsha Means includes this diagram from Dr. Karl Lehman to show the needed elements for healing from trauma to take place. Steps 1, 2 and 3 all require safe connection with others. This is where support groups play a vital role in the healing process.
An Australia-based online support group!
I run groups for women seeking connection while working through the rubble of sexual betrayal. Come as you are - crying, angry, numb, in your pjs or your workout gear, with your tea or your soft blanket or sitting in your car. If you are looking for support and safe community while working towards clarity and healing, welcome is here for you.