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Optimal Strategies in Couple Therapy: Treating Couples Dealing with the Trauma of Infidelity

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Abstract

Infidelity is one of the most difficult problems to address in couple therapy, most likely because it involves a traumatic relationship event that alters the ways in which couples process information about each other and established behavioral patterns. This article presents a three-stage treatment designed to address the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae of affairs that integrates cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented strategies with the literatures on traumatic response and forgiveness. Critical and unique features of this treatment are discussed and a case study is presented to illustrate the treatment methods.

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Correspondence to Kristina Coop Gordon.

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Gordon, K.C., Baucom, D.H. & Snyder, D.K. Optimal Strategies in Couple Therapy: Treating Couples Dealing with the Trauma of Infidelity. J Contemp Psychother 38, 151–160 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-008-9085-1

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