Confession: Early in my career, I was pretty disinterested in working with clients struggling with infidelity. If you asked me why, I would probably tell you “I’m not sure I’d know how to help someone repair their relationship after they actively did something to hurt their relationship”. Years of personal and professional growth later…and now infidelity is one of my clinical specialties.
So, what changed? Well, I can honestly say that I have simply come to better understand infidelity. When I first started working in private practice, it seemed like almost every single referral that came through for me was someone (or someones!) dealing with this issue. Like most opportunities for growth, while it was a bit overwhelming at the time, I have now come to appreciate and cherish every single moment. Since then, I have come to know the following 3 Truths of Infidelity.
- Infidelity is a symptom of an underlying issue in the relationship. When a partner steps outside the boundaries of the relationship, it is most often a symptom of underlying emotional disconnection, sense of insecurity, or even an underlying mental health issue such as depression.
. - The offending party is not trying to hurt their partner. Rather, they are often subconsciously attempting to protect their partner and their relationship from the underlying issue.
. - Repairing your relationship is possible. In fact, many couples who commit to working through this create an even stronger connection and overall healthier relationship on the other side!
Please note that this content is for informational purposes, and not a substitute for treatment. If you are in need of mental health treatment, please seek out a provider in your area.