CAN COUPLES COUNSELING HELP INFIDELITY?

Infidelity is likely the most challenging experience to ever occurr in a relationship. Even having the birth of a child seems to be less of a challenge for a couple. Some therapists will have a boundary in place where they do not see couples facing infidelity. However, in my practice I do see couples with infidelity. The important part is that the couple is in agreement with how they will manage this challenge.

As a couples counselor, if I have a couple that plans to repair their relationship, I would support this goal and help the couple to re-establish trust. This is only a possibility for couples who both are truthful, and willing to discuss how the infidelity has changed the relationship and how it will shape the relationship moving forward. Therapy would not be effective if it is solely used as a tool for hurting the other partner or for a focus on placing blame.

If a couple enters therapy and then determines that infidelity is an issue that can be managed, I would encourage each person to find their own individual therapist.