Affair/Infidelity Recovery

What is this thing called “Infidelity”?

Infidelity is a serious problem with serious consequences for couples and creates substantial obstacles for couples to overcome. What constitutes infidelity? Is it intercourse, a kiss, out to dinner and your significant other doesn’t know about it, or secretly talking on the phone?


What constitutes infidelity? -These are common, but what constitutes infidelity at the end of the day, what matters is how you define infidelity. If you believe that a breach of trust has happened -typically what you and your partner have agreed to overtly -or that you believed you have agreed to -covertly. But at the end of the day if you feel betrayed by your partner that has participated in what you believe is an inappropriate exchange then its something that needs to be processed between the two of you.

The common types of infidelity we see in the mental health field are:

  • Object Infidelity

  • Internet/social media Infidelity

  • Emotional Infidelity

  • Sexual Infidelity

  • Financial Infidelity


At The Center for Relational Health, we believe that infidelity not only causes hurt, but is also traumatic. Infidelity is a unique type of pain that carries unique emotional consequences -some compare it to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Furthermore, the trauma that results from discovering infidelity can also bring up unresolved issues from past trauma, mixing with your present situation, to make the PTSD even worse.

Can you heal from an affair/infidelity? Yes, but how? The couple has to agree to work on the healing process together. One can’t be unsure about this, both have to have made the decision to stay together, meaning ending the relationship isn’t an option at this point. Now, both of you have decided to do the work -no matter how painful this journey may be. In order to survive infidelity -healing takes time and communication in order to build a secure bond and rebuild a meaningful union.


*For definitions of the types of infidelity click on the “ the types of infidelity” button below