Infidelity
What is “Infidelity?”
Infidelity refers to a breach of trust in a romantic relationship, typically characterized by one partner engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone outside of the committed partnership. This can manifest in various forms, including emotional affairs, physical affairs, or online affairs.
Infidelity often leads to feelings of betrayal, hurt, and conflict within the relationship and can have significant emotional, relational, social, financial, and medical consequences for both partners involved.
What are the causes of infidelity?
Affairs can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the underlying motivators can provide insight into the complexities of infidelity.
We have put together a list of most common motivators of infidelity and/or multiple affairs. We encourage you to review it and give us a call for continued support. We can help you through this experience.
What does healing from this look like?
Healing after betrayal is a deeply personal journey, but there are several steps and strategies that can help individuals navigate this painful process, including: building insight into the causes of the affair; processing the trauma-related symptoms experienced by the betrayed spouse following discovery; establishing boundaries; setting up a therapeutic separation, etc.
Healing from betrayal is not linear, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Our services can help you reclaim your sense of self and rebuild your relationship.
What are the treatment modalities?
Healing from affairs can be a complex process, but there are a number of treatment approaches that can be helpful in guiding you through this challenging experience.
We have specialized training in The Gottman Method for couple’s therapy. Our therapeutic approach has also been greatly influenced by the work of Esther Perel - a prominent figure in the field of affair recovery.
Take the first step towards healing following infidelity.
Contact our office today to start therapy and rebuild your relationship.
15 Common Motivators For Infidelity
Emotional Disconnection: A lack of emotional intimacy or connection in the primary relationship may lead individuals to seek validation and support elsewhere.
Sexual Dissatisfaction: Unfulfilled sexual desires or differences in libido can drive someone to seek physical satisfaction outside their primary relationship.
Low Self-Esteem: Individuals may engage in affairs to boost their own opinion of themselves; seeking attention and validation from others to feel desirable.
Revenge or Retaliation: Some may cheat as a form of payback for perceived wrongs, using infidelity to hurt their partner emotionally.
Life Transitions: Major life changes (e.g., becoming parents, midlife crises) can prompt individuals to seek reaffirmation of their identity through external relationships.
Boredom: A sense of monotony in the relationship can drive individuals to seek excitement and stimulation elsewhere; offering a break from routine.
Opportunity: Situational factors, such as being in close proximity to someone attractive, can create an opportunity for infidelity.
Addiction: The need for constant stimulation can lead one to prioritize their addictive impulses and compulsive cravings over the well-being of their relationship.
Dissatisfaction with Commitment: A desire for independence or fear of commitment can lead individuals to pursue affairs, avoiding the deeper connection of monogamy.
Unmet Needs: Individuals may seek out affairs to fulfill specific unmet needs (emotional, sexual, financial) that are not being addressed in their primary relationship.
Resentment Leading to Entitlement: Resentment can breed feelings of entitlement when an individual believes they have been unfairly treated or neglected, leading them to justify an affair as a way to reclaim what they feel they deserve.
Lack of Boundaries: Poor personal boundaries can lead individuals to engage in flirtatious behavior that escalates into infidelity.
Social Influence: Peer pressure or cultural norms that condone or glamorize infidelity can encourage individuals to engage in affairs.
Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug use can impair judgment, leading to impulsive decisions that result in infidelity.
Escape from Reality: Affairs may serve as a way to escape and avoid stressors or unhappiness in one’s primary relationship or life in general.
The above motivators can often intertwine. Understanding the complexities behind these motivators is key, as is understanding the underlying issues in the relationship. Learning what the infidelity meant to the unfaithful and what it did to the betrayed partner is essential. Give us a call today.
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Your unique life circumstances have led you to this website. Your instincts are telling you it’s time to get help. Don’t hesitate any longer. Give yourself the gift of quality psychotherapy and begin your journey of recovery today.