Infidelity Counseling in Round Rock, TX—Counselors and Therapists

Infidelity wreaks tremendous damage on a relationship. It can be difficult to navigate the path to reconciliation after a partner cheats on you. That is why you might need to contact a counselor at Thriveworks Round Rock. Our trained clinicians will help you cope with issues of infidelity and assist you in taking healthy steps towards your ultimate relationship goals. Let’s examine what we mean when we discuss infidelity and explore its devastating consequences.

What Is Infidelity?

Although many people think of infidelity as having sexual intercourse with someone outside the relationship, there are many forms of infidelity. It is important to note that what one person considers being unfaithful is not always shared by their partner. People in committed relationships need to make clear to their partner what they consider infidelity. Only when you have a mutual understanding of the definition of unfaithfulness can you move forward with a romantic relationship in a healthy manner.

1. Physical

Yes, this is the most recognized form of infidelity but even physical adultery can have different levels of severity. For some people, kissing may be allowed but anything more than that is taboo. Overall, physical intimacy may be seen by some as a deal breaker while others are more concerned by emotional forms of cheating.

2. Emotional

Emotional infidelity is seen by some as more damaging than physical contact. While there is no sex involved, a person is forming an intimate emotional connection with another person. Often that connection is stronger than the relationship with one’s partner. A couple may still have an active sex life but suffer due to one’s emotional ties to another person. Of course, an emotional affair can easily turn into sexual infidelity.

3. Online

Online interaction has exploded in the past 10 years. Video chat, instant messaging, and texting have become primary forms of communication. Being unfaithful online may be both sexual and non-sexual. You can have a purely emotional affair online but you can also engage in sexual acts through video chat and sexting. This leads to some interesting infidelity questions. Are you cheating if you never actually touch the other person? What about if you only exchange sexual feelings through text? These are questions that need to be clarified for anyone in a romantic relationship in the 21st century.

4. Pornography

The technological advances that have led to the internet have also brought a proliferation in online pornography. A person can use pornography to replace It can get the point where your partner would rather spend their time watching porn than spending time with their significant other. Pornography addiction is becoming recognized as a serious problem that can lead to multiple psychological and relationship problems.

5. Object

Have you ever heard of someone who is married to their work? Or, they seem to always want to play golf more than they want to be with their family? These are examples of object infidelity. There is a fixation with another activity that significantly hurts their romantic relationship. Even though it is not obvious, like a sexual affair, it can be very damaging. Let’s face it, it is difficult to have a meaningful relationship with someone who appears to have an obsession with something else.

The Effects of Infidelity

Infidelity usually has serious consequences including psychological, physical, and relationship issues.

1. Self-Image/Self-Blame

A partner who is cheated on frequently blames themselves and begin to question their self-worth. They may believe their partner was unfaithful due to something lacking in themselves. They ask themselves, “Am I good enough?”

2. Anxiety and Depression (and PTSD)

An unfaithful partner is sure to bring up feelings of sadness, insecurity, and worry about the future. Infidelity rocks the foundation of your relationship and it is difficult to cope with such a traumatic situation. Speaking of trauma, for some people infidelity is so severe that it causes symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3. Loss

Although a couple dealing with infidelity may stay together, their relationship is most likely never going to be quite the same. It is not unusual for people to feel a sense of loss over the way things used to be.

4. The Cheating Partner

Although it may be difficult to feel empathy for someone who is unfaithful they will likely feel some negative psychological effects. They can suffer from anxiety, depression, and guilt. In addition, they may have some issues which contributed to them having the affair in the first place.

5. High-Risk Behavior

People that are the victims of infidelity often exhibit an increase in risky behavior, especially if they blame themselves for what happened. They are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, drug use, and disordered eating after they find out their partner was unfaithful.

6. Future Relationship Issues

Sometimes a romantic relationship ends as a result of infidelity. Although people may want to move forward with a new relationship, it can be problematic to commit to someone else. It is difficult to have trust in a romantic relationship when you have been betrayed. It is also hard to engage in sexual activity with someone new if your ex-partner had a sexual affair. You may doubt your sexual prowess or wonder if your new romantic interest is thinking about somebody else. Further, you may generally question whether you are worthy of someone else’s love.

Schedule an Infidelity Counseling Appointment at Thriveworks Round Rock

At Thriveworks Round Rock we want to help you cope with delicate relationship issues. We will find you a licensed counselor who is committed to working with you on coping effectively with infidelity. If you are having difficulties with your relationship, please call us at 512-212-7045 or schedule an appointment online.