Managing Conflict Caused by a Marital Affair
- Marital affairs, if divorce is avoided, can permanently damage a relationship.
- Sexual relationships outside of a committed relationship can have long term implications for both partners.
- An empirically tested model exists to assist clients in resolving multiple conflicts and issues generated by the affair.
- Effective treatment necessitates the participation of both.
- Individual assessment for depression, substance abuse, or other issues is necessary.
- If significant problematic internet abuse exists, whether sexually compulsive or not, individual intervention is required.
- Individual psychotherapy is sometimes needed to resolve individual issues prior to beginning joint therapy.
- Joint therapy for this issue is difficult, time consuming, and requires both parties to commit to a treatment period specified in the written treatment plan that all parties sign.
- While difficult, therapy for an affair, if successful, can improve and revitalize the relationship for the long term.