When addressing affairs in couples therapy, where should the focus begin?

Beginning to address affairs in couples therapy involves understanding what caused the affair to happen in the relationship. This focus is crucial because uncovering underlying issues that contributed to the affair provides a foundation for healing. It allows both partners to explore and articulate their feelings, needs, and unmet expectations, which may have led to one partner seeking emotional or physical intimacy outside the relationship.

By delving into the root causes, therapists can help couples identify patterns of behavior and communication issues that contributed to the affair. This understanding paves the way for constructive dialogue and may assist partners in recognizing their vulnerabilities and tackling significant relationship struggles.

Initiating therapy this way also underscores the importance of addressing emotional wounds and dysfunctional dynamics rather than merely attempting to restore trust without context. Trust can be rebuilt effectively only with a clear understanding of what contributed to the breach.