What is Infidelity?
While marriages can face several types of hardships over the years of commitment, infidelity can make for a devastating ordeal that undermines the foundation of marriage itself. However, while infidelity is broadly known as “cheating,” it isn't a single, clearly defined situation. And what is considered infidelity varies from couple to couple.
For example, is an emotional connection without physical intimacy considered infidelity? What about online relationships and connections? Each couple needs to define what constitutes infidelity in the context of their marriage. A counselor specializing in infidelity counseling in Chicago can work with you and your partner to erase these sorts of ambiguities to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Why Does Infidelity Happen?
If you've found out that your partner has connected with another person, it can be a heartbreaking realization. However, it's important to avoid blaming the betrayal on one single factor. Oftentimes, there are several factors that have contributed to infidelity, including:
- Loss of affection
- Lack of fondness and caring for each other
- Miscommunications
- Physical and mental health disorders
- Financial strains
- Unaddressed marital problems
- Lifestyle changes
- Stressful periods
- Personal dissatisfaction and low self-esteem
- And more
While long, this list is not exhaustive of the reasons that can cause a partner to commit infidelity.
How to Move Forward and Mend Your Union
After infidelity has been exposed, it is normal to go through a period of grief. In this emotionally dense time, it is worthwhile to evaluate your emotions to determine your next steps. It can feel challenging to know what is the right thing to do in such a situation. Here are a few ways you can begin to forward:
- Seek support - Reach out to trusted friends or loved ones who can support, encourage and help you while you heal. Avoid telling your feelings to those who may be judgmental or critical.
- Take your time - Even though you may want to figure out your marriage, it is worthwhile to take some time to recover from the initial pain. Before choosing to continue or end your marriage, work on serving your individual needs first.
Get Professional Help with an Infidelity Counselor
Friends and family can offer helpful insights, but they can be clouded by bias. Your marriage can rebuild its trust by seeking help from a licensed therapist who is specifically trained in marital therapy and experienced in dealing with infidelity. Marriage counseling can help you:
- Put the affair into perspective
- Identify issues that might have contributed to the affair
- Learn how to rebuild and strengthen your relationship
- And avoid divorce, if that's a mutual goal
If you are both committed to healing your relationship despite the pain, the reward can be a new type of marriage that will continue to grow and likely exceed your previous expectations. When both spouses are committed to real healing, most marriages survive, and many marriages become stronger with deeper levels of intimacy.
Fix Your Marriage with Couples Counseling in Chicago
Infidelity is not an obstacle you need to overcome on your own. Find the objective listener and guide that your marriage needs at Wellington Counseling Group.
We are a top provider of couples counseling in Chicago and we can help you get back to the root of your relationship and resolve lingering problems. Our licensed counselors can help you find peace in your relationship and confidence moving forward together.
Contact Wellington Counseling Group today to learn more about infidelity counseling in Chicago.