Reclaiming Wholeness in the Wake of Betrayal
There are wounds so deep they seem to fracture time itself—splintering childhood from adulthood, memory from meaning, and trust from safety. Incest is one of those wounds. It is not just a violation of the body, but of the sacred trust that binds families. And yet, healing is possible. Not linear, not easy—but possible. 🧠The Psychology of Healing Survivors of incest often carry complex trauma, shaped by betrayal, secrecy, and shame. According to trauma expert Christine Courtois, healing requires a stage-oriented approach : Safety and Stabilization : Before revisiting trauma, survivors must build emotional regulation skills and a sense of safety in relationships. Processing the Trauma : This may involve talk therapy, EMDR, expressive arts, or somatic approaches to gently access and reframe traumatic memories. Reconnection and Integration : Survivors begin to reclaim their identity, build healthy relationships, and redefine their sense of self beyond the abuse. Jennifer Fr...