Infidelity and Boundaries

How common is infidelity, what are it’s causes, and how is it treated?

Infidelity is actually quite common. Studies suggest that about 20-25% of all married couples will experience some form of infidelity at some point in the marriage.

The causes of infidelity vary from couple to couple, but some of the most common reasons include feeling neglected or unappreciated in the marriage, feeling disconnected from one’s partner, unresolved issues from the past, or a feeling of being “stuck” in the marriage. Other contributing factors might include a lack of communication, or a feeling of boredom or complacency in the relationship.

Treatment for infidelity depends on the severity of the situation and the couple’s individual needs. Couples counseling is often the most common form of treatment, as it allows the couple to work through their issues, discuss the underlying causes of the infidelity, and work on rebuilding and strengthening their relationship. Other forms of treatment might include individual therapy for one or both partners, or family therapy if children are involved.

What are the most successful modalities for treating infidelity?

The most successful modalities for treating infidelity involve a combination of approaches. This could involve couples counseling, individual therapy, and family therapy.

In couples counseling, the couple is able to work together on communication, trust, and intimacy. This can help to create a safe, understanding environment where both partners can share their feelings and experiences.

Individual therapy can help each partner to process their emotions and understand their role in the dynamic of the relationship.

Family therapy can be beneficial if there are children or other family members involved, as they can help to provide an understanding and supportive environment for the couple to work through their issues.

Other modalities that can be used to treat infidelity include cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches can help to identify patterns of behavior and thought that contribute to the infidelity, and then help the couple to constructively address these issues.