marriage affair / infidelity recovery

What is infidelity counseling?

Infidelity counseling, or affair recovery counseling, is a safe space where couples can unpack what happened, why it happened, and how to move forward. It is not about pointing fingers or assigning blame but about understanding and healing. In professional counseling, you can talk about the tough stuff – like the betrayal, and learn how to rebuild trust and intimacy. It’s a chance to work through the pain together and come out stronger.
Navigating through the aftermath of an affair can be an incredibly challenging journey, but it is one that, with commitment and support, can lead to profound growth and the restoration of a stronger, more resilient relationship.

Whatever the reasons, infidelity is a complex issue and has a significant impact on spouses. But there is always a way to tackle this chaos and find healing.

Understanding the Impact

Infidelity can cause deep emotional wounds, shaking the very foundation of a marriage. Trust is shattered, emotions run high, and the path to healing may seem unclear. It’s crucial to recognize that recovering from infidelity is a process that requires time, patience, and open communication.
A man and woman sitting on a couch.

A Safe and Judgment-Free Zone

In my therapy sessions, I provide a safe and confidential space for couples to explore the complexities surrounding infidelity. Judgment is set aside and replaced by empathy and understanding as I work together to navigate the intricacies of your unique situation.

The Recovery Process

1. Acknowledgment and Open Communication:

  • The first step involves acknowledging the affair and fostering open, honest communication.
  • Both partners share their feelings, concerns, and perspectives in a controlled and supportive environment.

2. Rebuilding Trust:

  • Rebuilding trust is a gradual process. I work collaboratively to establish a roadmap for rebuilding trust and addressing underlying issues.
  • Trust-building exercises and tools are employed to facilitate this essential step.

3. Individual and Couple Counseling:

  • Individual counseling allows each partner to explore personal emotions and perspectives.
  • Couple counseling focuses on understanding the dynamics of the relationship, improving communication, and developing strategies for long-term success.

4. Forgiveness and Moving Forward:

  • Forgiveness does not erase the past, but it opens the door to a future unburdened by resentment.
  • Guiding couples through the process of forgiveness, helping them to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to begin the journey toward healing and rebuilding your relationship, I invite you to take the first step. Contact me to schedule a confidential consultation and explore how I can support you on the path to infidelity recovery.

Remember, the challenges you face today can become the foundation for a stronger, more resilient relationship tomorrow

CAN INFIDELITY THERAPY SAVE A RELATIONSHIP?

YES, Through the guidance of marriage and infidelity therapist, couples can find out and understand the root causes of infidelity and the factors that led to the breach of trust within the relationship.

  • Therapists utilize various techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals recognize and address negative thought patterns and behaviors that may have contributed to the affair.
  • Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is used by counselors to identify and address emotional needs within the relationship.
  • Communication exercises, role-playing scenarios, and conflict-resolution strategies are integrated into counseling sessions to improve the quality of communication between partners.

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists found that 90% of couples feel better emotionally after finishing therapy with a highly trained couples and marriage therapist.

WHEN DO YOU NEED INFIDELITY THERAPY?

Here are some situations in which you might consider infidelity therapy:
  • If you’re experiencing depression, acute stress, and intrusive thoughts similar to PTSD symptoms after an affair is revealed.
  • When the betrayal has left you feeling deeply shattered, especially if you were blindsided by the infidelity.
  • You need to understand why betrayal happened and encourage honesty in the relationship.
  • If you are avoiding thinking or talking about infidelity and experiencing feelings of losing control.
Infidelity cases can significantly affect families and children and disrupt the stability and harmony of the family. It’s crucial to consider seeking family counseling as part of your journey toward healing and rebuilding trust after experiencing infidelity.

WE OFFER IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COUNSELING.

20-min complimentary phone consultation

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frequently asked questions

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, troubled relationships, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marital issues, and the stresses of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem, or point you in the right direction. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put it into practice. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, goals, and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you needed. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. And that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

People have many different motivations for coming to Psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life development (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.)and having difficulty handling the stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide much-needed encouragement and knowledge with skills to get through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking Psychotherapy are ready to face the challenges and to make changes in their lives.

  • Each client has different issues and goals, hence therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy sessions. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or long-term to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is best to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
  • It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking Psychotherapy who are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their growth.

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be resolved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of the distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

I do not accept insurance assignments but will be glad to provide you with the correct paperwork for submission to file.
Please contact your insurance carrier for coverage information. Some helpful questions:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a Psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with a highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection Services and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
  • If a judge has ordered the release of the information.

frequently asked questions

Infidelity counseling, or affair recovery counseling, is a safe space where couples can unpack what happened, why it happened, and how to move forward. It is not about pointing fingers or assigning blame but about understanding and healing. In professional counseling, you can talk about the tough stuff – like the betrayal, and learn how to rebuild trust and intimacy. It’s a chance to work through the pain together and come out stronger.
Common signs of infidelity in a marriage include sudden changes in behavior, increased secrecy, lack of intimacy, unexplained expenses, emotional distance, and frequent absences.
It can aid in recovering from infidelity trauma by providing a safe space to process emotions, understand underlying causes, develop coping strategies, and make decisions about the relationship’s future.
Potential outcomes of therapy include improved communication and trust, greater understanding and empathy, renewed commitment, healing from betrayal, setting healthy boundaries, and, in some cases, an amicable separation process.
Rebuilding trust, improving communication, and addressing underlying issues are essential. Seeking professional help, such as individual or couples therapy, can provide guidance and support during the recovery process.
Forgiveness is a personal and often complex process. It may take time, and both partners need to be committed to rebuilding the relationship. Professional guidance can be valuable in navigating the emotional complexities of forgiveness.
Open communication, emotional intimacy, and a strong foundation of trust are key preventive measures. Regularly check in with each other, address issues promptly, and seek professional help if needed. Building a resilient and healthy relationship is the best prevention.
Yes, there are many resources, including books, online forums, and support groups, dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the challenges of infidelity. Professional therapists specializing in relationships can also offer valuable assistance.
Rebuilding trust involves transparency, consistency, and demonstrating commitment to change. Setting boundaries, actively listening to each other, and being patient are crucial elements in the process of rebuilding trust.
While infidelity is a painful experience, some couples use it as an opportunity for self-reflection and positive change. It can lead to a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and a renewed commitment to the relationship.
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