During the Atonement phase of healing from an affair, what does the therapist explain to the hurt partner?

In the Atonement phase of healing from an affair, it is essential for the therapist to address the emotional impact of infidelity on the betrayed partner, which often includes feelings of trauma and symptoms that may be akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The therapist helps the hurt partner understand that their reactions and feelings are valid responses to the betrayal, and may include emotional distress, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance, similar to PTSD.

The focus on the partner's PTSD is significant because it validates their experience and emphasizes the importance of processing these emotions in a safe and supportive environment. By acknowledging the potential trauma consequences, the therapist helps the betrayed partner recognize that they are not alone in their feelings and that these reactions are common among those who have experienced betrayal, facilitating healing and emotional recovery.

Other choices involve important aspects of the affair and its aftermath. However, the focus on PTSD specifically both highlights the immediate emotional pain and trauma endured by the hurt partner and sets a framework for working through these feelings in therapy. This understanding is crucial as it allows space for the partner to begin healing and addresses their psychological state directly during such a vulnerable time.