Infidelity counseling is a specialized therapeutic approach designed for couples grappling with the aftermath of one or more partner’s infidelity. It offers a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where both individuals can delve into the underlying reasons behind the breach of trust, openly express their feelings, and collaboratively strive to mend their relationship. The overarching objective of infidelity counseling is to either facilitate a path to reconciliation, should both partners desire it, or guide them through the process of separation or divorce with clarity and empathy.
Infidelity counseling combines various therapeutic techniques, such as individual and couples therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches for changing destructive thought patterns, communication skills training for conflict resolution, Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) to rebuild trust, narrative therapy to reframe relationship narratives, and mindfulness practices for managing intense emotions. These methods work together to foster self-awareness, emotional healing, and the reconstruction of trust, leading to a healthier, more resilient relationship.
The number of sessions needed for infidelity counseling can greatly vary based on the specific needs of the individuals or couples involved and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Thriveworks infidelity counseling in Pflugerville, TX typically includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months, with the exact number of sessions decided in consultation with the therapist while considering the progress made during therapy and the therapeutic goals.
Counseling for Infidelity — Therapists in Pflugerville, TX
Adultery. Infidelity. Cheating. An affair. People use many words to describe the same concept: someone in a committed relationship broke the expectations of that relationship. Because an affair is a betrayal of a relationship, it always affects other people. The couple’s friends, extended family, and (sometimes) community can all experience the pain of betrayal after infidelity.
In most cases, the children and the uninvolved spouse experience the most harm.
- The Uninvolved Spouse: Many spouses who are betrayed experience trauma as a result. They may even display post traumatic stress symptoms that are similar to combat veterans: increased anxiety, flashbacks, vivid dreams, physical pain, and more. When a spouse cheats, the uninvolved spouse may feel as if their whole life is now tainted with deception and lies.
- The Children: When a couple has children and one partner commits adultery, the children feel the effects of betrayal whether they are old enough to know about the affair or not. Children are very perceptive. They know when their safety is disrupted, and infidelity disrupts their world. Children often internalize the disruption and blame themselves, and their future relationships can be affected.
Every couple is unique, and it is hard to quantify such personal pain. But the aftermath of infidelity is severe. Betrayal within an intimate and personal relationship causes deep wounds, and therefore, infidelity recovery requires extensive treatment.
Recovering from Infidelity
There is no silver bullet or quick fix for recovering from infidelity. The spouse who had the affair may apologize, and that is a good step. However, it is only one step on a long journey. “I’m sorry,” does not magically restore what was lost in betrayal.
Whether a couple pursues separation or reconciliation, forgiveness may be possible. Trust may even be possible. But how? A skilled therapist can lead couples through the long journey of infidelity recovery.
Counseling may help couples find healing through
- Clarifying Relational Goals – Some couples know they want to reconcile. Others know they want to divorce. Many have no idea what they want. Others change their minds along the way. That is all normal and okay. A skilled therapist can help bring clarity to the chaos of an affair. Counselors may help the couple assess the health of their relationship and set reasonable and specific goals.
- Enhancing Communication – Understandably, communicating after an affair may look like hot anger or cold silence. However, neither of these are helpful for either spouse. Counseling can provide a safe space for the couple to rebuild healthy channels of communication.
- Rebuilding Trust – Even if a couple divorces, they may still need to be in each other’s lives to some degree, especially if children are involved. Therapists can guide a couple toward the right boundaries and forms of accountability that may, over time, rebuild the level of trust their relationship needs.
Infidelity Counseling through Thriveworks Pflugerville, TX
The counselors at Thriveworks Pflugerville, TX understand the chaos infidelity brings to a couple and their family. The aftermath of an affair can be utterly confusing, so scheduling an appointment for counseling should not be.
Here is what we have done to make the process of asking for help as easy as possible. Ready to get started? So are we. Call today or go online to get started.
