Psychological Support for Institutional Betrayal
Institutional betrayal occurs when trusted organisations—such as churches, schools, or workplaces—fail to prevent or appropriately respond to misconduct or harm. This can deepen trauma, especially when individuals are silenced, dismissed, or retraumatised by the systems meant to protect them.
Kylie Walls, a registered psychologist at Curated Mind Psychology, provides compassionate support to those who have experienced harm within institutional settings. She works with clients to process the psychological impact of betrayal, rebuild trust, and regain a sense of agency, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs.
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period... was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
~ Martin Luther King Jnr.
Information Institutional Betrayal
What is Institutional Betrayal?
Institutional betrayal occurs when an institution, such as a workplace, church, or any organisation, fails to protect those who are vulnerable or mistreated within it. This betrayal can come in many forms: neglect, failure to act, cover-ups, systemic injustice, or the continuation of harmful practices, often at the expense of those who trust the institution.
My approach focuses on helping you make informed, thoughtful decisions that prioritise your emotional well-being and personal growth, while also considering the well-being of those you care for.
Workplace Bullying & Harassment
In a professional setting, institutional betrayal can occur when an employer ignores or downplays abusive behaviour, unethical practices, or unsafe work environments. This may include failing to address issues like workplace harassment, discrimination, or workplace bullying. Employers are also responsible for protecting their employees' mental health and physical health, yet many neglect to provide adequate support during moments of distress.
When a company overlooks employee wellbeing or does not take proper action in response to concerns, it undermines trust and leaves individuals vulnerable to emotional and physical harm. Moreover, institutional betrayal can take the form of a workplace culture that perpetuates secrecy, where employees feel unsafe reporting misconduct or speaking out about issues like workplace abuse or toxic leadership.
The Impact of Institutional Betrayal on Individuals
When individuals experience betrayal within institutions, they often feel deeply hurt, violated, and betrayed by something or someone they trusted. The very foundation of their belief system, whether it's work, faith, or a community, has been shaken. The emotional and psychological toll can be profound, leading to feelings of distrust, confusion, anger, and grief.
In cases where religious or spiritual betrayal occurs, the harm can be even more intense. Many people who have been hurt within religious institutions may feel that their faith has been weaponized against them, leading to spiritual trauma. This can make healing particularly challenging as it involves not just personal recovery, but a reimagining of one's relationship with faith, authority, and community.
Religious & Church Betrayal
Religious/Church Betrayal
When a religious institution, workplace, or any organisation fails to protect individuals from harm, abuse, or exploitation, it constitutes institutional betrayal. This betrayal may take many forms, including spiritual abuse, adult clergy sexual abuse, and the neglect or silencing of victim-survivors within religious or other institutional settings. The deep emotional and psychological scars left behind often affect one's sense of trust, safety, and belonging.
This type of institutional betrayal doesn't just shatter trust within the institution—it impacts the victim's broader view of faith, self-worth, and their relationship with others. Survivors often feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of how to move forward, particularly when their experiences are met with disbelief or dismissal by the very institutions and spiritual leaders that should offer support and protection.