Maplewood Counseling

Healing After Betrayal: Infidelity Counseling in New Jersey

 

Infidelity Therapists Debra Feinberg LCSW, Robert Jenkins LCSW, Daphne Berkovits LMFT

Infidelity Counseling NJ Maplewood Counseling

The discovery of an affair can feel like your world has shattered. The pain of betrayal, whether from a physical or emotional affair, leaves behind a storm of shock, anger, and confusion. You might be wondering if your relationship can ever recover, or if the hurt will ever go away. These feelings are valid, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.

At Maplewood Counseling, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space to help you and your partner process this trauma. Our specialized infidelity counseling is designed to guide you through the intense emotions, rebuild trust, and find a clear path forward—whether that means healing together or separating with respect.

Take the First Step to Heal. Contact Us Today.

Understanding Your Experience with Infidelity

Finding out about an affair is a traumatic event. The person who was betrayed often experiences symptoms similar to PTSD, including obsessive thoughts, flashbacks, and a constant state of high alert (hypervigilance). The person who had the affair may be struggling with immense guilt, shame, and fear of permanent punishment.

You might be asking yourselves:

  • Can we ever get past this?
  • Should we stay together or separate?
  • How do we even begin to talk about this?
  • Why did this happen to us?

These are difficult questions without easy answers. Our expert therapists are trained to help you have these crucial conversations in a structured, compassionate way. We understand the pain and complexity of infidelity and are here to help you transform this crisis into an opportunity for understanding and growth.

Our Approach to Infidelity Counseling

Healing from an affair is a delicate process that takes time and commitment. Our approach is not about placing blame but about creating understanding and a path toward resolution. We guide couples through a proven framework designed to restore safety, process the pain, and rebuild a stronger foundation.

1. Creating Safety and Managing the Crisis

The immediate aftermath of discovering an affair is a crisis. Our first priority is to de-escalate the intense emotions and establish a sense of safety for both partners. This involves setting clear boundaries, such as agreeing to no further contact with the affair partner, to create an environment where healing can begin. We help you manage the initial shock and emotional turmoil so you can think more clearly about the future.

2. Understanding the “Why”

Once the initial crisis is managed, we help you explore the story of the affair in a way that promotes healing, not further trauma. We move beyond the painful details of “what, where, and when” to understand the underlying reasons the affair happened. Was it due to a disconnect in the relationship, unmet needs, personal struggles, or something else? Understanding the vulnerabilities that led to the affair is crucial for preventing it from happening again.

3. Rebuilding and Moving Forward

This final stage focuses on repair, forgiveness, and deciding on the future of your relationship. For couples who choose to stay together, we focus on rebuilding trust, deepening emotional intimacy, and learning new, healthier ways to communicate. If you decide to separate, we provide support to help you part ways respectfully and constructively. Many couples find that with dedicated work, their relationship can become stronger and more authentic than before.

Ready to Rebuild Trust? Schedule a Consultation.

Types of Infairs We Address

Infidelity can take many forms, and each presents unique challenges. Our therapists are experienced in helping couples navigate all types of betrayal.

  • Physical Affairs: From a one-night stand to a long-term physical relationship, we help you address the breach of physical trust.
  • Emotional Affairs: These affairs involve developing a deep, intimate, and often secret connection with someone outside the relationship. They can be just as damaging as physical infidelity.
  • Cyber & Internet Affairs: Technology and social media have made it easier to form secret connections. We help you navigate the complexities of online cheating and rebuild transparency.
  • Exit Affairs: Sometimes, an affair happens as an unconscious or conscious way to end a relationship that has long been struggling. We help you find clarity and closure.

If you’re struggling with the aftermath of infidelity, compassionate help is available. Reach out to Maplewood Counseling today to begin the healing process and reclaim hope for your relationship.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Infidelity Counseling

 

Q: What if my partner doesn’t want to come to counseling?
This is a common concern. We often suggest starting with a single session. Our therapists are skilled at creating a safe environment where even the most hesitant partner feels heard and respected. Sometimes, just starting the conversation with a neutral third party can make a significant difference. Discernment Counseling may also be an option to help you both decide on a path forward.

Q: Can our relationship really survive an affair?
Yes, many relationships can and do survive infidelity. It requires commitment, honesty, and hard work from both partners. Counseling provides the tools and guidance to navigate this difficult journey. Many couples report that their relationship becomes stronger, more honest, and more intimate after successfully working through the healing process.

Q: How do we rebuild trust after it’s been completely broken?
Rebuilding trust is a gradual process that involves consistent, transparent actions over time. It’s not about blind faith, but about earning trust back through honesty, empathy, and accountability. Our therapists will guide you through specific exercises and communication strategies designed to restore faith and security in your partnership.

Q: What if we decide to separate? Can you still help us?
Absolutely. If you decide that ending the relationship is the best path forward, our role shifts to helping you separate in a healthy and respectful way. We can help you navigate co-parenting, manage difficult emotions, and find closure so that you can both move on with your lives constructively.

Q: Is infidelity counseling confidential?
Yes, everything discussed in your sessions is completely confidential. We provide a private, secure space for you to discuss sensitive issues without fear of judgment or exposure.

Ready to take the next step toward healing?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, we invite you to reach out. Our experienced team is here to support you with empathy, confidentiality, and expertise every step of the way.

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