Infidelity is one of the worst things that could happen to anyone in a relationship. The breach of trust can sometimes feel even worse than physical pain. The psychological impact is even worse. Studies show that both parties later experience less happiness in future relationships as they carry trust issues and emotional scars.
However, it doesn’t always have to end this way because therapy offers a beacon of hope. Research indicates that 60-80% of couples who engage in counseling after infidelity can repair their relationships, with increased satisfaction afterward.
Therapy provides a structured environment for open communication, facilitating healing and helping couples navigate the complex journey of rebuilding trust. Therefore, this content will divide the topic into two parts:
- Understanding the effects of infidelity
- How marriage therapy can help to restore that lost happiness.
Understanding the Effects of Infidelity on a Relationship
Infidelity, whether physical, emotional, or online, can deeply wound the trust within a relationship. The betrayed partner often endures significant emotional trauma, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or even symptoms now known as Post Infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD).
The effects of Post Infidelity Stress Disorder are so severe that it can disrupt the brain’s chemical pathways, akin to substance withdrawal, leading to long-term psychological effects. It’s worth noting that infidelity goes beyond mere intercourse outside the relationship. This unfaithfulness comes in different forms – Physical, Emotional, and Online.
Physical Infidelity
Physical infidelity is the most common type, as it involves sexual encounters outside the committed relationship. Essentially, one person leaves the comfort of their relationship and has intercourse or even a romantic session without their partner’s consent.
Emotional Infidelity
Emotional infidelity occurs when one partner forms a deep emotional connection with someone else, especially the opposite sex. This form of cheating can include spending more time together, sexting, and communicating distress than with their partner.
Online Infidelity
Last but not least, Online affairs, or cyber infidelity, which happens through digital communication and can include sexting or intimate conversations. Even if sexting isn’t involved, as long as the interactions are pleasantly emotional, it qualifies.
Irrespective of the type of affair, the impact can lead to chronic mistrust, affecting the current and future relationships. The betrayed partner may also struggle with self-esteem and find it challenging to trust again, carrying the scars of betrayal into new relationships.
Nevertheless, hope isn’t lost. Healing from such trauma requires time, support, and often professional help to navigate the complex emotions and rebuild trust.
Rebuilding Trust With Couples Therapy
Couples therapy plays a pivotal role in rebuilding trust after marriage infidelity by creating a safe space for open communication. This environment allows both partners to express their feelings without fear of judgment or
EFT focuses on emotional responses and attachment needs, helping couples develop a deeper emotional connection and rebuild trust. CBT, on the other hand, targets the cognitive aspects, assisting couples in identifying and altering destructive thoughts and behaviors that may have contributed to the breach of trust.
retaliation.
Therapists facilitate this process by encouraging honesty and vulnerability. This is essential for healing and
understanding. At the same time, the healing process is supported by various therapeutic tools and techniques.
Approaches in Marriage Therapy
Therapists at Aspire Counselling may use guided discussions to help couples explore the reasons behind the infidelity and its impact on their relationship. Techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often address negative patterns and foster positive change.
Additionally, therapists may introduce exercises to enhance empathy, promote accountability, and encourage transparency. These exercises are designed to rebuild trust incrementally, allowing couples to regain confidence in each other and their relationship.
Overall, couples therapy provides a structured framework that guides couples through the complex journey of healing after infidelity, equipping them with the necessary tools to rebuild a stronger, more resilient bond.
Embracing Healing and Forgiveness After Infidelity
The healing and forgiveness process requires patience, understanding, and commitment. It’s about acknowledging the pain yet moving beyond the hurt toward a place of empathy and compassion.
Forgiveness is not an endorsement of betrayal but a courageous step towards emotional freedom. It allows both partners to release the heavy burden of resentment and opens the door to a stronger, more honest relationship.
The process often begins with the willingness to communicate openly and to understand the underlying issues that led to the infidelity. In this phase, therapy can provide a neutral ground for both parties to express their emotions safely and constructively.
From our experience, as couples work through their feelings, discovering a deeper connection and a renewed sense of commitment is often possible.
We Are Here To Help
There’s no other way to put it; infidelity hurts and can lead to permanent trust issues and even PTSD. However, letting go may not always be the best solution, and therapy provides the techniques to uncover deep issues and repair the damage as much as possible.
If you’re in this situation and need an expert therapist to save your marriage or relationship, consider contacting Aspire Counselling in Alabama. With over a decade of experience in couples counseling, we understand your pain and can work to repair the damage as best as possible.
