Infidelity lays waste to relationships in countless ways. The injured party most often experiences trauma in unwanted memories, flashbacks, upsetting dreams, and severe emotional distress. The person who cheats may be coping with emotions of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. It can be incredibly difficult for therapists to guide couples through these intense emotions.

The process of moving couples from feelings of betrayal to feelings of forgiveness does not happen overnight, but reconciliation is possible with the right blueprint. Dr. Laura Louis presents that blueprint in this informative and engaging seminar. Learn how to draw the plans for healing, starting with a foundation of important guidelines for both partners. Add the necessary supports including cognitive behavioral therapy, to help the partners process their feelings and to buttress the relationship against triggers for infidelity.  Install atonement and accountability as security measures to protect against resentment and defensiveness.

Course Content 

UNIQUE THERAPY ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ISSUE OF INFIDELITY

• How therapists encounter infidelity
• Reasons therapists feel incompetent
• Potential deficits
• Case study

MENTAL HEALTH AND INFIDELITY

• Conceptualizing the infidelity as interpersonal trauma
• Emotions and behavioral consequences of the infidelity
• Infidelity and attachment
• Ethical issues
• Ideal therapist attributes

THE PLAN FOR REBUILDING TRUST AFTER INFIDELITY

• Laying the foundation
  • Establishing parameters during intake session
  • Recognizing internal and external triggers for infidelity
  • Guidelines for both partners
• Adding supports

• Addressing the dangers of technology
• Using cognitive behavioral therapy to explore the impact of the affair
  • Techniques for processing and expressing feelings
  • Explore past learned responses
  • Windows and walls
  • Case study

• Installing security measures

• Developing a plan of action and accountability
• Affair preventing plan
• The process of apology
• Forgiveness
  • Stages of forgiveness
  • Role of therapist in facilitating forgiveness
• Restoring intimacy
• Developing compassion
• Showing understanding
• Making restitution