Infidelity in relationships (cheating)

What is Infidelity In a Relationship

Infidelity in a relationship can take many forms, but it’s generally regarded as the act of being unfaithful in a romantic partnership. It’s often called ‘cheating’ or ‘being unfaithful’ and involves a breach of trust between you and your partner. 

Usually, it’s associated with one of you having sexual or emotional involvement with someone outside the relationship. But it's not always so clear-cut. Sometimes infidelity in a relationship can include more subtle behaviours. These can include having intimate conversations with others or deliberately hiding certain connections.

Every relationship is different, so we don’t want to define infidelity in one set way. What one couple classifies as infidelity, another couple might not. The most important thing is the agreements and boundaries in your relationship. We’re here to help you understand how you and your partner might feel differently about what has happened. By recognising any differences, we can support you in working through the emotions that come up when trust is broken.

Causes of Infidelity in Relationships 

Why do people cheat in relationships? There’s no clear answer to the question. It’s impossible to narrow down the exact causes as it’s a complex issue, with many potential reasons for why it happens. 

We know how important it is to approach this topic with sensitivity and without placing blame on any one thing, person, or event. There can be so much value in working to understand the various factors that might have contributed to cheating in a relationship. While we can’t single out a definitive explanation for cheating, you might find some of these common causes of infidelity in relationships helpful as you navigate this difficult time.

• Emotional dissatisfaction. We can't always be there completely for our partners. Sometimes, one partner may feel emotionally neglected or unfulfilled. In reaction to this, they may seek support or validation from someone else.
• Lack of intimacy. The physical and emotional distance between you and your partner isn't always a sign of a rift. But, it can sometimes lead one or both of you to try and seek connection outside of your relationship.
• Boredom or excitement-seeking. Relationships go through many different phases. If you or your partner feel stuck in a rut, it can lead to cheating due to feelings of boredom, stagnation, or a desire for novelty or adventure.
• Unresolved personal issues. Everyone comes into relationships with their own inner worlds, struggles and insecurities. These past traumas can influence your or your partner's actions and lead to infidelity.
• Opportunity. In some instances, infidelity happens simply because the opportunity is there. There may not have even been a pre-existing intention or desire to cheat.
• Jealousy. In some cases, strong feelings of suspicion and jealousy about a partner can be a sign of one's own unfulfilled desires or fantasies.
• Revenge or retaliation. When one of you feels mistreated in the relationship, it can lead to infidelity as a reaction to the perceived wrongdoing.
• Addiction or compulsive behaviours. Issues such as substance abuse, sex addiction, or other compulsive behaviours can sometimes play a role in why people cheat.

We know that uncovering the personal reasons for infidelity within your relationship can feel extremely vulnerable and exposing. Being honest and open about relationship troubles is a brave step forward. It can provide valuable insights into the broader dynamics of how you relate as a couple. While it might not erase the hurt infidelity causes, it's a step towards healing and addressing underlying issues at play.

How to Overcome Infidelity in a Relationship

Sometimes, it can feel like you won’t ever be able to repair the rift that infidelity has caused. And, we know that it’s no easy feat. But it is possible with time, commitment and the right support. Although this isn’t a definite list by any means, here are a few strategies that might help you both as you work through this challenging time:

• Acknowledge the hurt. We all need to feel seen and heard. In relationships, we have to be willing to recognise the pain both parties are feeling. Validating each other's emotions is a vital step in healing and repair.
• Take responsibility. For the partner who cheated, it’s essential to take full responsibility for the decisions and actions leading to infidelity. Taking responsibility isn’t pointing fingers or trying to make anyone feel ashamed. It’s a way of acknowledging the feelings and decisions that have led to the current relationship dynamic.
• Communicate openly. To rebuild trust in your relationship, you will need to have honest and open conversations about feelings, expectations and deeper concerns you might be experiencing. It's vital that you both feel safe expressing your emotions without fear of judgment.
• Consider therapy. Reaching out for help to navigate the aftermath of infidelity is incredibly brave. Professional guidance can offer new perspectives and gentle guidance towards effective coping strategies. You might want to try couples therapy, or if you need your own space to work things through, there’s individual therapy for infidelity too. Deciding which avenue to explore depends on your own needs and circumstances. 
• Rebuild trust. There aren’t any concrete rules on how long it takes to rebuild trust. It’s different for everyone. But, it will likely take some time and involve setting new boundaries. You'll need to be transparent about your emotions, bringing empathy and patience to the healing process.

We understand that not every relationship will survive infidelity. But, we also know that many couples do find ways to repair the rupture in their relationship. Healing certainly doesn’t happen with just one honest conversation or therapy session. It takes effort, forgiveness and understanding. Even though right now it might feel like an insurmountable mountain, there is always hope.

Private Therapy for Infidelity in London and UK

We know that talking about the inner workings of your relationship can feel hard. But, seeking help is a crucial step towards healing. At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we offer evidence-based and holistic approaches to treatment. And we have a wealth of experience dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of infidelity. Our highly qualified and compassionate experts have helped individuals and couples work through these painful issues.

We will work with you to ensure that you receive care tailored to your unique circumstances and relationship dynamics. We understand that everyone experiences infidelity differently. We aim to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can begin to unpack what you’re going through. 

To find out more about how we might be able to help you, you can book a consultation call. We’ll be there to listen and guide you through the approaches and personalised pathways we offer at the London Psychiatry Clinic.

What is the Best Therapy For Infidelity?

There isn’t one type of therapy that’s automatically considered the best when dealing with infidelity. It really depends on your personal needs and what works for your unique experiences. You might find couples therapy extremely helpful. And we also recognise that you might want to see someone individually to work through your emotions in a more private manner.

Before you make a decision about the approach you want to take, it might feel helpful to speak to someone about the different options available to you. You can give our medical secretaries a call to chat through the different types of therapies for dealing with infidelity in a relationship. We are here to help you deal with the emotional fallout from infidelity in a way that feels right for you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Infidelity

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for infidelity has a focus on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours. It looks at ways those thoughts and behaviours may contribute to infidelity or the pain that follows. It can help both individuals and couples reframe how they view the relationship. CBT outlines ways to manage emotional responses, and find healthier ways to cope with conflict or dissatisfaction. It's a structured and evidence-based approach that has benefits for you as an individual and for you both as a couple.

Individual Therapy For Infidelity

At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we understand that the emotional toll of infidelity may be best addressed in individual therapy. Being one-on-one with a therapist will give you the opportunity to explore your emotions and uncover underlying issues. This therapy can work well for both the person who has cheated, or the person who was cheated on. It can be a valuable time spent reflecting, growing as a person and developing strategies of moving forward. 

Therapy For Being Cheated On

Being cheated on can feel like your whole world suddenly sinks under you. If you are going through the complex emotions following infidelity, it’s important to seek support to process your experiences. Therapy for being cheated on can help you work through the feelings of betrayal, anger and sadness. These feelings are normal and often go hand in hand with finding out your partner has been unfaithful. You’ll be able to explore your emotions in a safe space and decide what steps you want to take. Whether that’s working to repair your relationship or focusing on self-healing.

Therapy For Couples Dealing With Infidelity

Couples therapy can be a powerful tool if you are seeking to rebuild your relationship after infidelity. While it’s not always comfortable, working through the pain together can help restore trust and improve communication. With professional and empathetic guidance you can develop specific strategies to deal with difficult issues that often arise from cheating. The aim with couples therapy is to help you find ways to repair and strengthen your bond as a team together.

Online Therapy For Infidelity

We know that having a busy life means it isn’t always easy to come to therapy appointments in person. That’s why we offer online therapy for relationship issues as a more flexible option. Online therapy gives you the convenience of receiving professional support from the comfort of your home.

Find the best kind of treatment for infidelity issues

Struggling with infidelity in your relationship can feel extremely isolating. Coupled with feelings of shame, inadequacy and sadness, it’s not always easy to reach out for help. Here at the London Psychiatry Clinic, we offer highly personalised, compassionate and non-judgemental advice to help you process this painful experience. 

Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples therapy, or online therapy for infidelity, our experienced team is right here to help you. Reach out today to begin your journey toward healing and recovery. We know it’s daunting, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

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