REBUILDING TRUST AFTER A BETRAYAL IS POSSIBLE! READ ON TO GET TIPS FOR COPING & HEALING
Coping and rebuilding trust after a spouse or partner cheats can be one of the most challenging experiences in a relationship or marriage. However, with patience, communication, and professional guidance, healing is possible.
Part of what you can expect after infidelity is that the person who strayed needs to figure out why they made the choices they did and if they want to stay, how they can rebuild your trust.
But for you, the one who has had your trust betrayed; your world may feel strange and broken. You may even be numb with shock.
Here are some key steps to help navigate this difficult journey:
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions
When infidelity happens, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions—anger, sadness, betrayal, or confusion. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Remember, healing takes time, and you don’t have to rush through your feelings.
2. Open Honest Communication
Rebuilding trust requires open dialogue. Both partners should be willing to communicate openly about the reasons behind the betrayal and how it affected the relationship. This can be uncomfortable, but addressing the root of the issue is vital for moving forward. Even if you are the one who has been betrayed, it’s important to look at the parts you may have played in the estrangement of your relationship.
To Note: It’s important to be mindful that owning your part doesn’t mean that your partner has or had the right to go outside of your relationship without telling you that they are unhappy and giving you an opportunity to work on things.
3. Seek Professional Help – Talk to a Licensed California Marriage Therapist or Couples Counselor
It’s not easy to navigate the waters of your own life after this kind of event. That is why I suggest that you find a professional marriage therapist to work with. As Infidelity can create deep wounds that may be difficult to heal without guidance, professional counseling can play a crucial role in your healing process. A licensed marriage counselor, like Ilissa Banhazl, MFT, based in Glendora, California, can help couples navigate the difficult path toward healing. Until then, an insightful book to read, Learning to Trust After Betrayal: How Could You Do This to Me?, written by Jane Greer, focuses on the emotional journey of rebuilding trust after experiencing betrayal and can help you cope with your feelings and thoughts as you work your way forward.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
Re-establishing boundaries helps rebuild the foundation of trust. Both partners need to clearly define what is acceptable moving forward, including transparency about communication, behaviors, and expectations within the relationship.
5. Be Patient with the Healing Process
Recovering from infidelity is not an overnight process. It’s important to take time to rebuild the emotional connection. Trust is earned back through consistent, reliable and intentional actions over time.
CALIFORNIA VIRTUAL COUPLES & MARRIAGE COUNSELING FOR COUPLES DEALING WITH BROKEN TRUST
Infidelity doesn’t have to signal the end of a relationship or marriage. With expert guidance and a commitment to healing, many couples can emerge stronger.
Licensed therapist Ilissa Banhazl provides support for couples struggling to cope with the aftermath of infidelity, helping them process their feelings and regain clarity.
Reach out to Ilissa Banhazl for virtual counseling sessions available throughout California and begin the journey toward rebuilding trust.
As a licensed marriage and family counselor based in Glendora, California, Ilissa works with many couples that are able to have long-lasting healthy relationships even after an affair. It’s very possible to find your way back to one another. You just have to be willing to do the work.
Do you need to talk with Ilissa right now? Call today to get your free 15 minute phone consultation! Convenient virtual telehealth sessions available for all California couples.
