I know how painful extramarital affairs are for the one who’s been betrayed. Finding out that your spouse has been with someone else is like getting punched repeatedly in the stomach until things have been resolved. With or without your mate’s repentance and cooperation, recovery is not an easy process.
I also know how painful the affair is for the one who strayed. Unless you can gain an understanding of how and why you’ve done the things you have, there is a pretty good chance you’ll continue to make the same mistakes.
However, I share the perspective of my friend Dave Carder (author of the workbook pictured). Although an affair is as destructive as a wildfire, it also clears out the dying undergrowth and debris, allowing for the new growth of a healthier, happier marriage.
The Recovery Process
If you would like to reconcile (or wonder if reconciliation is possible), I invite you to come in and talk about the help that’s available. In brief, our 12-week program is designed to:
- Stabilize the relationship in the aftermath of the disclosure of infidelity.
- Provide a structure for an emotionally volatile environment.
- Bring closure to your “old” marriage—the marriage prior to the affair.
- Establish skills necessary for a “new” marriage pattern to emerge.
- Answer the questions: How could you do this to me? Why did you do it?
Feel free to schedule a Confidential Appointment online right now to see how I might be able to help you get on track to recovery. I look forward to hearing from you! ~ Dr. Debi Smith, Licensed Psychologist
