How can we, as therapists, comprehend the nature and meaning of an affair – could these be a result of not navigating developmental stages successfully? And, as painful as these are, might they have the potential of resetting the relationship? And most importantly how can we help our clients in navigating such severe relational upheavals?  

At this practical and interactive webinar, relevant to psychotherapists, psychologists and counsellors, Kathleen Mates-Youngman, author of the bestseller Couples Therapy Workbook: 30 Guided Conversations to Re-Connect Couples – draws on her clinical experience to explain:

• Defining infidelity: we look at infidelity as a psychological construct, global statistics and the classification of affairs
• The three stages of healing: Kathleen explains the therapeutic process as composed of three stages:
  • Crisis stage: the stage which covers identity confusion, a barrage of questions and a cascade of emotions. In aiding clients through this tumultuous journey, psychotherapists first need to establish a safe space for processing emotions. We discuss how this stage necessitates therapist guidance to navigate the whirlwind of questions and feelings
  • Insight stage: this stage covers the impact of the affair, individual traits, familial influences, relationship history and emotional injuries. We discuss how unearthing these layers assists in comprehending the roots of the betrayal, aiding in our clients’ emotional healing
  • Decision and Vision stage: The decision and vision stage is pivotal, focusing on non-negotiables, accountability, transparency, and the gradual rebuilding of trust. We discuss how therapists can facilitate discussions around remorse, addressing doubts and fears, fostering accountability, and outlining steps toward trust restoration
• Intimacy after infidelity: As therapists, we are also tasked with addressing post-affair intimacy dynamics. We will evaluate how we can delve into vulnerability, redefining desirability, and challenging assumptions to reconstruct intimacy in the relationship
• Preventing infidelity: We will discuss how therapists can guide clients in fostering trust, promoting transparency, and establishing clear communication. Emphasizing relationships as a choice, we can assist in creating healthier relationship dynamics and fostering a robust foundation for sexual intimacy

Overall, the webinar offers an insightful therapeutic framework for therapists. From defining infidelity to unraveling its stages and rebuilding intimacy, Kathleen’s clinical expertise aids therapists in guiding clients through this profoundly challenging terrain, fostering healing and growth within couple relationships.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the three stages of healing:
  • Crisis stage: the stage which covers identity confusion, a barrage of questions and a cascade of emotions. We look at the role of therapist guidance at this stage
  • Insight stage: this stage covers the impact of the affair, individual traits, familial influences, relationship history and emotional injuries
  • Decision and Vision stage: this stage moves on to non-negotiables, the roles of remorse, accountability, transparency; the confrontation of doubts and fears and the rebuilding of trust
• Discuss infidelity as a psychological construct, global statistics and the classification of affairs
• Intimacy after infidelity: discuss the dynamics of vulnerability, desirability and problematic assumptions

© nscience 2021 / 22