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 Baltimore, MD typically includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months, with the exact number of sessions decided in consultation with the therapist, considering the progress made during therapy and the therapeutic goals.
Infidelity can occur in any marriage at any time, and often people are surprised how often it does occur. Indeed, studies have shown that more than 50 million men in the United States cheat on their partners on a regular basis, and that over 70 percent of men say that if they were certain that they could get away with it, then they would cheat if they could. That number is only a little less for women. It’s no wonder, therefore, that counseling for adultery has become a much needed service, even in Baltimore.
Where Does Infidelity Come From?
Infidelity tends to come from a breakdown in communications between a couple. Reasons for this breakdown can include:
- Emotional dissatisfaction with your partner
- A feeling that your partner no longer understands you
- Boredom and a sense of the “grass being greener” elsewhere.
Oftentimes these feelings are triggered by events in a relationship, such as a child coming into the world and the parents neglecting each other, or even later in life once children have left the household, leaving the couple alone together for the first time in years. Whatever the reason, infidelity can destroy trust forever, break up marriages and family units, leading to depression and an overall world of hurt.
How Can Counseling Help?
Counseling for infidelity or adultery can help in a number of ways. Couples who have been affected by infidelity can work together with a counselor to:
- Determine root causes for the infidelity. What happened to make this come about?
- Help the faithful partner find a way through the feelings of betrayal, anger and grief that they’re going through
- Help the unfaithful partner to re-engage emotionally with their spouse
- See if trust can be built up again. See if there is still common ground between the couple
- Help both people to find acceptance in the other again, if possible.
If your partnership or marriage has been affected by adultery, it’s important to know that there is help out there if and when you need it. Professional counseling for infidelity can allow you to determine the best course of action for you, your spouse, and your relationship. Please feel free to contact Thriveworks Baltimore Counseling for more information.