The sting of betrayal cuts deep. When infidelity shatters the foundation of a relationship, the emotional upheaval can feel all-consuming.
The path to healing may seem impossible, but you’re not alone.
Infidelity therapists are specialized professionals who can guide you through the aftermath and support you in rebuilding trust, mending your heart, and deciding the future of your relationship.
What is Infidelity?
Infidelity can strike any relationship. The American Psychological Association estimates that 20-40% of marriages experience at least one incident of infidelity.
Its devastation triggers intense feelings of shock, hurt, anger, and self-doubt.
An infidelity therapist provides a comfortable, non-judgmental space to navigate these complex emotions and create a path forward for both partners – whether that means reconciliation or moving on.
What is an Infidelity Therapist?
Infidelity therapists are not simply general marriage counselors, they possess specific training and expertise in handling the complexities of betrayal trauma.
They understand:
- Impact of Trauma: Infidelity can create trauma-like symptoms for the betrayed partner, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and difficulty focusing.
- Stages of Recovery: Recovering from infidelity is a process, not a single event. Therapists will guide you through stages of anger, grief, and ultimately, decision-making.
- Rebuilding Trust: Trust is shattered after an affair. Infidelity therapists facilitate open communication and help couples establish new, healthy boundaries.
Benefits of Working with an Infidelity Therapist
When it comes to dealing with the intense emotions that come with infidelity, a therapist can be a real lifesaver.
They’ll help you work through all those feelings of anger, shame, and grief that both partners are going through. It’s not easy, but having someone guide you through it can make all the difference.
One of the biggest things a therapist can help with is rebuilding trust. They create a safe space for you and your partner to have those tough, honest conversations that are so important for moving forward.
And then there’s the big question: should you stay together or go your separate ways? It’s a decision that no one else can make for you, but a therapist can help you explore your options without any judgment.
They’ll work with you to set healthy boundaries in your relationship, whether you choose to stay together or not.
Individual vs. Couples Therapy for Infidelity
Infidelity therapists offer both individual and couples counseling. Individual therapy focuses on processing personal emotions and deciding next steps.
Couples therapy is essential for those who want to rebuild their relationship and work through the trauma together.
Many therapists recommend a combination of both for a comprehensive approach.
Finding the Right Infidelity Therapist Near Me
Finding the right therapist is essential. Here are some resources and tips:
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Search for a therapist in this specialized directory.
- Psychology Today Therapist Directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/infidelity. Filter your search by location and “infidelity” as a specialty.
- Other Therapist Directories: Explore your insurance provider’s network or specialized directories.
- Local Searches: Use search terms like “infidelity therapist near me” for local results.
Finding Infidelity Therapist Online
Infidelity can tear at the very fabric of a relationship, leaving both partners reeling. A skilled infidelity therapist can provide invaluable support through this traumatic time.
BetterHelp offers convenient online access to licensed mental health professionals specializing in infidelity, allowing you to begin the healing process from anywhere.
Take a quiz to assess your unique situation to get matched to the ideal therapist nearest to you and your unique needs on BetterHelp.
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✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
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Questions to Ask When Choosing an Infidelity Therapist
When you’re looking for an infidelity therapist, there are a few key questions you should ask to make sure you find the right fit:
- What’s their experience dealing with infidelity specifically? It’s a unique situation, so it helps to have someone who really understands what you’re going through.
- What’s their approach to therapy and what kind of success have they had helping couples in similar situations?
- Do they offer individual sessions, couples sessions, or both? Sometimes it helps to have some one-on-one time to sort through your own feelings, but couples therapy is also crucial for rebuilding your relationship.
And of course, you can’t forget about the practical stuff like insurance coverage and pricing. Therapy can be expensive, so it’s good to know what your options are upfront.
Infidelity Therapy Online: A Convenient and Effective Option
Online therapy platforms offer flexibility and, for some, increased discreetness. Consider this option if:
- You have shyness concerns: Online sessions are more discreet than in-person therapy.
- Your schedule is demanding: Online counseling eliminates commute time.
- Limited local specialists: Online therapy expands your access to therapists with expertise in infidelity.
Reliable Online Therapy Platforms
- Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/
- BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/
- ReGain: https://www.regain.us/ – Specializes in relationship counseling. Currently 20% off.
Important Note: Always verify your therapist’s credentials and ensure they’re licensed in your state.
What to Expect from Infidelity Therapy
Length of Treatment: Infidelity recovery often requires longer-term counseling than traditional therapy.
Focus
Your sessions may address:
- Processing the trauma of betrayal
- Exploring underlying reasons for the infidelity
- Deciding whether to reconcile
- Rebuilding trust and communication (if reconciliation is the chosen path)
Setting Goals in Infidelity Therapy
Infidelity therapy is goal-oriented. Your therapist will work with you to establish clear objectives, such as:
- Processing and managing intense emotions
- Deciding the future of your relationship
- Rebuilding trust through specific actions and behaviors
- Developing healthier communication patterns
- Addressing any underlying individual or relationship issues
The wound is the place where the Light enters you.
Rumi
Signs You Might Need an Infidelity Therapist
Not all relationship difficulties require the specialized help of an infidelity therapist.
However, consider seeking this support if:
- You’re struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions after discovering an affair.
- Trust feels irrevocably broken.
- Constant fighting and arguing define your interactions with your partner.
- You can’t decide whether to stay or leave the relationship.
| Statistic | Source |
|---|---|
| 20-40% of marriages experience at least one incident of infidelity | American Psychological Association |
| 57% of couples who experience infidelity attempt reconciliation | National Institutes of Health |
| Couples who seek infidelity therapy have a 70-75% success rate in repairing the relationship | Research on EFT (https://iceeft.com/) |
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
Common Therapy Approaches for Infidelity
Infidelity therapists may utilize various techniques, including:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Focuses on emotional attachment and bonding to rebuild trust.
- Gottman Method: Emphasizes creating shared meaning and building a stronger foundation for the relationship.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps with trauma-related symptoms often experienced by the betrayed partner.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to relationship issues.
Importance of a Supportive Environment
Infidelity therapy can provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to process complex emotions.
It’s essential to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who creates an environment where both partners feel heard and validated.
This safe space is crucial for honest communication and healing.
| Therapy Approach | Focus |
|---|---|
| EFT | Emotional attachment and bonding to rebuild trust |
| Gottman Method | Creating shared meaning and building a stronger relationship foundation |
| EMDR | Trauma-related symptoms experienced by the betrayed partner |
| CBT | Thought patterns and behaviors contributing to relationship issues |
Conclusion
Infidelity can be one of the most devastating experiences in a relationship. But healing is possible.
Infidelity therapists possess the specialized skills to guide you through the pain of betrayal and help you rebuild your relationship or forge a new path.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Could the first step towards healing be reaching out to a therapist?
References
- Ghaffari, M., Khani, L. A., Rezaee, A., & Alikhanbagi, P. (2023). A causal model of cyber infidelity based on moral factors. Bioethics Journal. Access the paper here.
- Niknam, M. (2024). Structural modeling for determining marital infidelity based on self-compassion with the mediating role of emotional maturity. Journal of Psychological Science. Access the paper here.
- Belu, C. F., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2024). It’s Just a Little Crush: Attraction to an Alternative and Romantic Relationship Quality, Breakups, and Infidelity. The Journal of Sex Research. Access the paper here.
- Cooper, S. (2024). The Importance of Assessing Adult ADHD/ADD Diagnoses in Patients Presenting with Concomitant Sexual Disorders and Sexuality Related Challenges. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Access the paper here.
