How to Recover When Your Partner Cheats in a Relationship
If your partner has cheated on you, it can be incredibly painful. You probably have lost all the trust you had and you are most likely feeling lost. In this blog, we will explain what cheating is, how it impacts you, and how you can begin the process of healing and rebuilding, either within the relationship or by moving on. If you're looking for professional support, services like those offered by The Therapeutic Way can guide you through this difficult time.
What Defines Cheating in a Relationship?
Cheating in a relationship typically means that one partner is romantically (emotionally) or physically involved with someone outside the relationship. It could range from emotional cheating (like developing a deep connection with someone else) to physical infidelity (having a sexual relationship with another person).
Both types of cheating break the trust that is critical in maintaining a healthy, respectful relationship. Cheating can also mean different things for different people.
Some people may see emotional affairs or talking to someone else as cheating and others may see the action as cheating. You have to figure our for yourself, what do you define as cheating.
Why did my partner cheat on me?
If someone has been unfaithful to you, it is not about you and it is not your fault (even if they may say “you made me do it” or “if only you…”).
Most people do not enter relationships to cheat. While some people cheat when they become intoxicated or when they are not in their right sense, cheating usually take place when one person feel lonely or devalued in the relationship. It’s not a one time occurrence, but it’s usually a built up of feeling dismissed and unappreciated in a relationship.
What happens then, we start comparing our partner to others. Most people who cheat would say other people made me feel more special than my own partner. When the person starts having these thoughts constantly, they begin to view their partner in a negative light and start seeing other people has better.
Is that an excuse for cheating? No.
Because if your partner was feeling dismissed or lonely or unappreciated, that is when they should have been communicating to you. The act of cheating was a choice they made.
Can I recover from being cheated on? Yes, You Can!
7 Step To Start Recovering from Infidelity
Allow Yourself to Feel
It’s important to let yourself experience the wide range of emotions that come with infidelity. Whether you feel angry, heartbroken, or confused, acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward healing. Talking to a trusted friend, do journalling, or seeking counselling services, such as those at The Therapeutic Way, can help you process these emotions.Remember, It’s Not Your Fault
Many people blame themselves when a partner cheats, wondering if they did something wrong. However, cheating is a choice made by your partner, and it is not a reflection of your value. Therapy can help you rebuild your self-esteem and remind you that you deserve love and respect.Consider Whether to Stay or Leave the Relationship
After the initial shock, you must decide if you want to stay in the relationship or move on. But before deciding, both of you have to be honest and hear each other out. This is a personal decision and should not be rushed. If you do decide to work things out, it’s essential that both partners are committed to rebuilding trust. Professional couples counselling can be a great resource for this. However, if leaving feels like the best option for your emotional well-being, that’s a valid choice too.TIP: Your partner (who cheated) has to also be willing to listen to you and talk about it without getting angry or defensive. It is a red flag if they start saying “get over it already” or “why do you keep bringing up the past”.
Open the Lines of Communication
If you choose to stay in the relationship, open and honest communication is vital. Sit down with your partner and talk about what happened, how it has affected you, and what needs to change moving forward. Addressing these issues with the guidance of a licensed therapist can help you better navigate these difficult conversations.TIP: Your partner (the one who cheated) has to be able to answer your questions openly and honestly. Even if the answer will hurt you. They have to see that withholding information from you, will not make you trust them.
Seek Professional Counselling
Infidelity can create emotional scars that are hard to heal on your own. Seeing a therapist can help you process your emotions and guide you through your healing journey. At The Therapeutic Way, we specialize in relationship counselling that helps couples or individuals heal from betrayal and move forward in a healthy way.Set Clear Boundaries
Trust has been broken, so if you decide to stay in the relationship, it’s important to set new boundaries to prevent future cheating. You and your partner should agree on what behaviours are acceptable and how to rebuild trust moving forward. These can include sharing phone passwords, the person who cheated being transparent about their whereabouts, etc.Prioritize Self-Care
Healing from cheating takes time. During this period, focus on your own well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, spend time with supportive friends and family, and practice self-love. This will help you regain your confidence and strength, regardless of whether you choose to stay in the relationship or not. Be okay with asking support from friends and family members. You may feel like keeping this to yourself, but you should not be dealing with this on your own.
Final Thoughts on Healing from Cheating
Infidelity can deeply wound your emotional well-being. The pain, anger, confusion, and sadness that come from discovering your partner has cheated can be overwhelming. It can affect your self-esteem and make you doubt your worth. Trust is shattered, and recovering from this betrayal requires time and effort, often with professional help like couples therapy.
Recovering from infidelity is never easy, but it is possible. Whether you decide to rebuild the relationship or move on, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t hesitate to seek professional counselling when you need it. The Therapeutic Way offers guidance and support to help you heal and reclaim your emotional health.
Remember, cheating is not a reflection of your worth, and with time and effort, you can rebuild your life.
Shikha is a therapist/owner of The Therapeutic Way, Counselling and Psychotherapy Services. Her and her team are relationship and relational trauma therapists who works with individuals, couples, and families who have been on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse, gone through trauma, experiencing relationship issues, and experienced attachment wounds as a child or adult. Her team uses a trauma-informed and holistic approaches to help their clients.
Thinking of therapy? Schedule your free 20 mins consultation call to see how we can help.
For more information reach us at info@thetherapeuticway.ca or call/text (289) 635-4660.
Therapy services: Online Anywhere in Ontario; Hamilton, ON; Burlington, ON, Oakville, ON; Mississauga, ON; Milton, ON.
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Online therapy is as effective as in person therapy. What is most important with any format of therapy is the strong therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. Online therapy is a good option when coming in-person is not feasible, when you have dependents at home, and it is also more convenient.
At The Therapeutic Way, we offer online therapy and therapy by phone from the convenience of your home. Click here to learn more about our online therapy.
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Not necessarily. Online therapy and in-person therapy are usually the same cost as their effectiveness are the same. Online therapy can also be most cost effective for the client as transportation is not involved. Now, there are therapy apps or programs that area available to clients that are cheaper than traditional therapy. However, the effectiveness of those programs are questionable, and they are most likely not covered by insurance.
At The Therapeutic Way, we offer online therapy with a registered psychotherapist that is covered by most insurance providers and helps you save the cost of transportation.
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There are many different types of therapist that you can choose from. Before reaching out to a therapist, it’s important to know what issue you would like to work on. A tip is to seek out a therapist who specializes the issue and problem you are facing with. For example, if you would like to work on trauma, a therapist who focuses on eating disorders may not be the best fit.
It is also important to decide what type of therapist you are looking for, such as gender, experience, their approaches to therapy, etc. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider which type of therapist they cover. A lot of therapists offer free consultation calls for you to decide they are a right fit.
At The Therapeutic Way, we specializes in relationship issues, relational trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, and attachment wounds. We work with adults, couples, and families over the age of 16.
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The type of therapy that is best for you, depends on you as a person and the reason you are seeking therapy. There are different types of therapy, such as somatic-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed therapies, holistic therapy, existential therapy, and more. The type of therapy that is right for you will depend what you are looking for. While you may have an input in this, majority of the time the therapist will know what is best suited for you and will let you know.
At The Therapeutic Way, we work with clients using an integrative approach to therapy, meaning using different modalities to suit your needs. We use a trauma-informed, holistic, and relational approach to working with you. Click here to learn more.
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The term psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably with some slight differences. Psychotherapy refers to the treatment based for psychological disorders and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Counselling refers to wellness support and providing insights and clarity which leads to growth or personal betterment. At The Therapeutic Way, we provide both psychotherapy and counselling.
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The difference between psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist, depends on education and scope of practice.
Psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist can provide therapy called talk therapy.
A psychotherapist can provide therapy under the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario, a psychologist can provide therapy under the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a psychiatrist can provide therapy under College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Difference:
Psychotherapist Education: Master’s Degree or higher
Psychologist Education: PhD or PsyD.
Psychiatrist: MD
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Psychotherapist: Can’t diagnose
Psychologist: Can do assessment and diagnose
Psychiatrist: Can do assessment, diagnose, and prescribe medication
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Psychotherapist Training: Counselling and focus on therapy techniques
Psychologist: Focus on clinical research and assessment
Psychiatrist: Use medical treatment such as prescribing medications for mental health conditions
Before seeking help, it’s important to know what you need and are seeking. A consultation call can help you decide.
At The Therapeutic Way, we are registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.