At Atlanta Sex Therapy, we understand that healing from infidelity is one of the most challenging experiences couples can face. An affair can deeply damage trust, intimacy, and connection, leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, and despair. However, we believe that with the right support, couples can not only recover but also grow stronger together.
Affair recovery isn’t just about mending a broken relationship; it's about transforming it. Our therapeutic approach helps individuals and couples rebuild trust, address underlying issues, and restore emotional and physical intimacy.
Understanding the Impact of Infidelity
Infidelity often shakes the very foundation of a relationship, leaving both partners struggling to navigate their emotions. Research indicates that affairs can lead to depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress symptoms, not just for the betrayed partner but for both individuals involved. According to a study published in Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, around 65% of couples who experience infidelity remain together after the affair is discovered, yet the path to healing can be long and arduous.
Affairs rarely happen in isolation; they are often symptomatic of deeper relational issues. Studies show that poor communication, emotional disconnection, and unmet needs frequently precede infidelity. In fact, research published in The Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that dissatisfaction in emotional intimacy was one of the top predictors of infidelity, with 90% of respondents citing emotional dissatisfaction as a significant factor.
Our Approach to Affair Recovery
At Atlanta Sex Therapy, we utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches that not only address the pain caused by infidelity but also help you understand why it happened and how to move forward. Our therapists focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for couples to process the affair and its impact. Here’s how we support you through this journey:
Creating Safety and Establishing Boundaries
The first step in affair recovery is creating an emotionally safe space where both partners can express their feelings without fear of judgment. This includes setting boundaries for discussions and identifying triggers to avoid re-traumatization.
According to The American Psychological Association, setting clear boundaries is crucial for couples working through infidelity, as it helps to rebuild trust slowly and safely.
Restoring Trust Through Transparency
Rebuilding trust after an affair requires consistent effort, transparency, and accountability. Our therapists guide couples in developing new patterns of honesty and openness, including regular check-ins and exploring vulnerabilities together.
A 2019 study published in The Family Journal emphasized the importance of transparency and ongoing communication in rebuilding trust post-affair, noting that couples who engaged in structured dialogue were significantly more likely to recover successfully.
Healing Emotional Wounds
One of the biggest hurdles in affair recovery is managing the emotional pain felt by the betrayed partner. We employ therapeutic techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help both partners work through their emotions, such as anger, shame, guilt, and resentment. EFT has been shown to be effective in helping couples reconnect emotionally after infidelity.
According to The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, couples who engage in EFT experience a 70-73% recovery rate in terms of satisfaction and emotional connection post-affair.
Exploring the Roots of the Affair
Understanding why the affair occurred is crucial for true healing. We help couples explore the deeper relational issues that may have contributed to infidelity, such as unmet needs, lack of communication, or unresolved past traumas.
Research from The Archives of Sexual Behavior suggests that addressing underlying relational dissatisfaction is key to preventing future affairs and promoting long-term relationship stability.
Rebuilding Physical Intimacy
Physical intimacy can feel daunting after infidelity, but it’s a vital part of the recovery process. Our certified sex therapists work with couples to restore their sexual connection in a way that feels safe and nurturing. This process may involve gradually reintroducing physical closeness, addressing fears or discomfort, and creating new, positive experiences of intimacy.
A study in The Journal of Sex Research found that couples who reintegrated physical intimacy at their own pace experienced greater relationship satisfaction and recovery.
Creating a New Vision for the Relationship
Affair recovery is not about returning to the relationship as it was before; it’s about building something stronger. We help couples redefine their relationship, establish new boundaries, and co-create a shared vision for the future. This might include developing better communication skills, setting clear expectations, and engaging in regular check-ins to prevent future issues.
A report from The Journal of Contemporary Family Therapy highlighted that couples who worked through infidelity and made efforts to co-create a new relationship had a higher chance of long-term success and satisfaction.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
At Atlanta Sex Therapy, we believe that infidelity does not have to mark the end of a relationship. Our team of licensed therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based support to help couples heal from the pain of betrayal. We create a space where you can process your emotions, rebuild trust, and reignite the intimacy that was lost.
Infidelity is undoubtedly painful, but with the right tools and guidance, couples can move forward with renewed hope, connection, and strength. If you’re ready to start your affair recovery journey, our team at Atlanta Sex Therapy is here to walk with you every step of the way.