Healing After Infidelity

Group Type: Support Group

Goals of the Group:

• Provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals who have committed infidelity to reflect on their actions
• Help participants understand their motivations behind infidelity
• Assist in gaining clarity on current relationships and personal needs
• Work through complex emotions related to infidelity
• Develop a path forward, whether rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, or redefining relationship dynamics

Who Is The Group For?

• Individuals who have committed infidelity and seek a confidential space to explore their actions

Glimpse of the Session:

Session 1: Introduction, Goals, and Understanding Personal Needs

• Goals: Establish group trust, define personal goals, and begin exploring the motivations and needs that led to infidelity
• Activities & Therapeutic Exercise:
  • Group introductions and sharing of personal objectives for the group
  • Therapist-led psychoeducation on common motivations behind infidelity (e.g., unmet needs, desire for connection or excitement)
  • Guided reflection: Identify and write down personal needs or desires that may have influenced infidelity
  • Homework: Journal about how well these needs are currently met in their relationship and what they envision for the future

Session 2: Evaluating Relationship Dynamics and Paths Forward

• Goals: Help participants assess the state of their current relationships and clarify any uncertainties about moving forward
• Activities & Therapeutic Exercise:
  • Discussion on the potential impact of infidelity on relationship dynamics (trust, communication, expectations)
  • Group reflection on feelings of uncertainty or ambivalence about continuing or redefining the relationship
  • Mapping exercise: Participants create a simple relationship map highlighting strengths, tensions, and areas needing clarity
  • Homework: Reflect on what a healthier version of their relationship might look like and journal about any desired changes

Session 3: Processing Emotions and Defining Boundaries

• Goals: Allow space for processing varied emotions and introduce concepts of boundary-setting for healthier relationships
• Activities & Therapeutic Exercise:
  • Therapist-led exploration of emotions surrounding infidelity, including feelings of loss, detachment, or contentment
  • Group discussion (optional sharing) of personal emotions related to their actions and relationships
  • Reflection exercise on boundaries: Identify one or two boundaries that would support emotional clarity or trust, either in the current relationship or in future ones
  • Homework: Write a short commitment letter to themselves about one boundary or trust-building action they will focus on moving forward

Session 4: Closure, Reflections, and Intentions for the Future

• Goals: Offer closure, encourage reflections on insights gained, and help participants set intentions for moving forward
• Activities & Therapeutic Exercise:
  • Reflective group discussion: Key takeaways from the group experience and intentions for their relationships or personal growth
  • Visualization exercise: Imagining a positive, healthy relationship future (whether continuing the current relationship or seeking new dynamics)
  • Homework: Final journal entry summarizing insights, personal growth, and any actions they plan to take to support healthier relationships