Hope After Heartbreak
Infidelity
"It'll never happen to me."
There can be Hope After Heartbreak
The discovery of an affair can be a traumatic experience.
Feelings of panic, fear, rage, deep sorrow, and a tremendous amount of confusion are all quite normal in this situation. It can be hard to function as you try to stop the hemorrhaging in your relationship and in your heart.
It's important to have someone who can help you make sense of the situation and figure out where to begin. Usually family and friends are too close to the situation to offer good advice. A therapist, trained in couples counseling and experienced in helping people survive infidelity, can help you move forward thoughtfully and productively.
What We Think:
TRUTH:
"It'll never happen to me."
"I would never/my partner would never do that."
"If my partner ever cheated, I would leave in a heartbeat. Anyone who stays is a fool!"
"If my partner ever found out about my affair, they would leave me immediately. I would never be forgiven."
"Anyone who cheats is not worthy of forgiveness."
Infidelity (emotional or physical) often happens in even "good" relationships.
Leaving the relationship or marriage is not the only option after infidelity.
Many couples are able to overcome and rebuild a STRONGER relationship after a betrayal has been discovered.
Good people sometimes do horrible things.
Affairs happen for many reasons, and they usually happen when people least expect it.
The truth is that there is often hope for a relationship after infidelity.
Rebuilding a relationship after a betrayal takes two people willing to work very hard, to be vulnerable, and to take a chance on each other.
The Truth About Betrayal
How I Address Infidelity:
Most of my clients leave the initial session with hope that they didn't think was possible before coming to therapy.
Whether you are an individual or a couple seeking support after discovery, my first goal is to help you get your feet back under you. I will listen to your story without judgement and offer perspective on your situation. I share my knowledge of how/why affairs often occur, help you understand your confusing and painful emotions, and explain how recovery can take place.
Recovery from an affair is a process, whether you decide to stay together or dissolve the relationship. I'll guide you in how to manage the situation.
I'll be honest, not every relationship can survive the devastation of betrayal, but if you have even an inkling that your marriage might be worth saving, isn't it worth a try?