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 Watertown, MA 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.
Adultery and infidelity are symptoms of existing problems within a marriage or a relationship. They are simply the results stemming from bigger issues, and not the actual problem by themselves. The vast majority of the time, a partner is unfaithful to his/her spouse when he/she feels so trapped or unhappy or neglected or unsatisfied in their relationship that they find themselves crossing the line and being unfaithful. For these couples—of whom there are many nowadays—counseling for infidelity is a good idea to pursue. If this is a problem in your relationship, consider reaching out to Thriveworks. Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA has infidelity counselors and therapists who can help you and your significant other.
How Can Infidelity Affect a Relationship?
To the person who has just found out that their spouse has been cheating on them, infidelity is like a kick to the gut. Indeed, some experts liken infidelity to something like physical abuse, and PTSD can be experienced. Other effects of infidelity are:
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem issues
- Anger
- Need for revenge
- Humiliation
- Guilt.
All of the above comes with infidelity plus perhaps the most heart-wrenching thing of all—that realization that you cannot ever trust the person that you love again. For many people, that realization alone is too much to bear.
Infidelity Counseling Services at Thriveworks in Watertown Counseling
The effects of infidelity are widespread and damaging, and professional help is often recommended. Counseling for adultery and infidelity can help negate the stormy waters of a broken relationship and put it back onto a healing course again, if both partners are committed to putting in the work to make that happen. A professional counselor at Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown will look at the following aspects:
- The relationship itself. What has been going wrong in the weeks/month/years prior to the act of infidelity?
- The infidelity itself. Part of the process is for the unfaithful party to tell the faithful one about the affair. The counselor will be there as an independent moderator during this process.
- The future. The counselor will bring the unfaithful party to a place of humility and remorse, and the faithful party to a place of forgiveness and acceptance.
Of course, on paper this all looks easy. It is not at all. But it is possible to come through adultery and come through so that the marriage will be stronger than before. It’s not easy but if both partners truly want it, it can happen. Please contact Thriveworks Counseling in Watertown, MA for more info if you’re interested in our assistance.
