Betrayal Trauma: How Long to Heal?

Betrayal trauma healing has no fixed timeline, and as an RN with over twenty years of nursing experience and Reiki Master expertise, this is one of the most common experiences people describe to me. Recovery often involves periods of acute distress and nervous system disruption, early stabilization, deeper processing of shame and self-trust, and gradual rebuilding — though people do not necessarily move through these in a fixed order or at the same pace. Some people notice meaningful improvement relatively quickly, while others need much longer to regain a sense of safety, self-trust, and stability. A slower recovery does not mean something is wrong.

About the Author

Dorian Lynn, RN is the founder of Mystic Medicine Boutique and a Registered Nurse with over twenty years of nursing experience, Reiki Master expertise, and the intuitive pattern recognition of an Intuitive Mystic Healer.

Source: Freyd, J. J. (1996). Betrayal Trauma: The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse. Harvard University Press. This foundational work introduced betrayal trauma theory and examined the psychological consequences of trauma occurring within relationships of dependence and trust.