Institutional betrayal occurs when an institution fails to prevent or appropriately address harmful behaviors and events. Examples include being medically released from the military, mishandling reports of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment, as well as neglecting the mental health needs of service members. Institutional betrayal is often rooted in systemic issues within the military. Hierarchical structures, rigid command chains, and a culture that prioritizes physical capabilities and contributions over individual well-being can create problems for Veterans after release, especially in environments where people feel unsupported or even punished for speaking out.
The effects of institutional betrayal can be significant. When trust in an institution is broken, it can lead to severe emotional and psychological consequences. Feelings of isolation, abandonment, and helplessness can exacerbate conditions like PTSD and Depression. Additionally, experiencing Institutional Betrayal from one organization can negatively impact how a person interacts with other organizations by preventing them from accessing important resources that may help them improve their health.
We know that seeking support for Institutional Betrayal is often hard for clients, and rightfully so. Which is why we ensure that therapists at both our St. Albert and Sherwood Park locations who work with this issue have significant experience and understanding of it. Trust, validation, safety, and honesty are important to us and so we encourage collaboration with each of our clients so they feel comfortable bringing up any concerns and in control during sessions.
If you are interested in accessing support in-person or virtually, please contact:
St. Albert Clinic: 780-590-0800 and ask to book with Cassandra