Betrayal Feels Like the Ground Has Given Way

Betrayal from infidelity can feel like the world you knew has shattered. If you’re here, you may be carrying hurt, confusion, and the question: Can we ever get past this?

While affairs can deeply wound a relationship, healing is possible — and many couples emerge stronger, more connected, and more honest than before. This is where infidelity counseling in Chicago can become a lifeline.

What Infidelity Counseling in Chicago Offers

Infidelity counseling isn’t about quick fixes or pushing forgiveness before you’re ready. Instead, it’s about:

• Creating a safe space for both partners

• Speaking openly and truly hearing one another

• Addressing the root causes of disconnection

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a proven approach for affair recovery — to guide couples through healing in three stages.

Stage 1 – Stabilizing

We work to calm the emotional chaos, establish safety, and set healthy boundaries.  By the time a couple gets in front of a couples therapist, they are likely to be stuck in a bad cycle they can’t seem to get out of. There is likely a lot of blaming and criticising, followed by a defensive stance.  We can work through the hurt underneath the blaming and criticism as well as the defensive stance, help both partners go beyond their protective stances to get to a space of emotional exploration.

Stage 2 – Exploring

We identify deeper patterns and unmet needs that led to the disconnection.  We will dig into a better understanding of what may have led to the affair and how to use that understanding toward building a different relationship.

Stage 3 – Rebuilding

We focus on consistent actions and emotional reconnection to rebuild trust.  This is where you can experience engaging in a new relationship, one that may feel more deeply connected than before the discovery of the affair.

Signs You’re Making Progress

• Conversations feel calmer and less defensive

• It starts to feel safer to trust again

• Emotional intimacy feels possible again

If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, explore my Couples Counseling services to see how we can start your recovery journey.