In this talk, Dr. Gómez will provide a past to present to future odyssey rooted in Freyd’s research legacy of betrayal trauma. First, she will open with detailing the theoretical basis for Freyd’s betrayal trauma theory in the context of its development amidst that of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. Next, Dr. Gómez will describe her present theoretical and empirical research of cultural betrayal trauma theory (CBTT; Gómez & Gobin, 2024), which extends betrayal trauma theory into the sociocultural context of inequality. Specifically, the context of inequality makes within-group violence in marginalized populations—known as cultural betrayal trauma—uniquely harmful, negatively impacting mental health, like dissociation, and cultural wellness, such as internalized prejudice. In line with the societal shift of increased understanding of sexual abuse and the closure of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, Dr. Gómez will then detail how the betrayal literature has arisen to the level of systems change via institutional courage (Freyd & Smidt, 2019), with concrete strategies for creating organizations of justice that promote both trauma prevention and healing. Finally, she will close with the concept of dreamstorming: a framework for envisioning a world of pure peace and true equality.

If you are able to join us in person, there will be a reception with light appetizers following the presentation.

Please note that this talk will not be recorded.