Affairs & Betrayals

There are many different thoughts about what constitutes an affair, but usually, the issue is not about the affair, rather the betrayal. Affairs put a severe strain on a relationship as a bond of trust has been broken, often triggering a string of emotions for the one betrayed. Betrayal, financial secrets, and threats to leave, gambling or even drug/alcohol abuse can greatly affect the health, wellbeing and overall quality of life for everyone involved. Although some people choose to end their relationship following the discovery of an affair or betrayal, others will want to work things through. Even though a betrayal may deeply shake the foundations of a relationship, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that relationships can become stronger; especially if there is an attempt to rebuild trust and communication, and deal with the relationship problems that may have led to the betrayal.

How can Clear Counselling help?

Relationship counselling provides a framework in which individuals can work through hurt and trust issues. Couples can seek to understand each other and become much stronger as a result, as therapy can provide a space for vulnerabilities to come out and be managed in a helpful way. Counselling can address many aspects of an affair or betrayal, and the impact it can have on a relationship and the individuals involved. It is an important means of helping people to accept and understand a betrayal, whilst guiding them through a process of healing and growth that involves strengthening bonds, rebuilding misplaced trust and learning to communicate better. In essence, counselling offers a chance to be more realistic, reach a deeper understanding and contain the distress along the way. There are many different thoughts about what constitutes an affair. Usually, the issue is not the affair but rather the betrayal. There is always a reason for an affair; often influenced by symptoms of longer-term unsolved problems. Affairs put a severe strain on a relationship as a bond of trust has been broken and can trigger a web of emotions for the one betrayed. Betrayal, financial secrets, and threats to leave, gambling or even drug/alcohol abuse – can greatly affect the health, wellbeing and overall quality of life for everyone involved. Although some people choose to end their relationship following the discovery of an affair or betrayal, others will want to work things through as in a ‘flight or fight’ response. A betrayal may deeply shake the foundations of a relationship, but it has to be said that there is plenty of evidence to suggest relationships can become stronger; especially if there is an attempt to rebuild trust and communication, and deal with the relationship problems that may have led to the betrayal.