6 ways to rebuild intimacy after cheating, according to the therapists

Repairing your link after betrayal may seem difficult, but it is possible with these expert advice.


Confidence is crucial To develop intimacy in a relationship - what raises the question, is it never possible to rebuild this intimacy after cheating? According to experts, it is. However, restoration of intimacy after infidelity may require a lot of time, patience and mutual compassion.

Natalie Rosado , an approved mental health advisor and founder / owner of Tampa Counseling Place , notes that intimacy requires a certain level of vulnerability - and often, this can take some time before the partner who has been deceived can lower their guard.

"After a case, the betrayed partner can feel physically pushed, anxious or disconnected from the unfaithful partner," she explains. "There may be fears about sexually transmitted infections, concerns about being compared to the business partner, and a global feeling of discomfort and insecurity during physical interactions. The distrust resulting from the Cheating can cause continuous suspicions and jealousy. "

"The reconstruction of intimacy after cheating is possible, but it requires a lot of time, efforts and engagement of the two partners," she continues. "Without these efforts, damage to emotional and physical intimacy can be durable and difficult to overcome."

Fortunately, there is hope to repair the damage that has been caused.

"I saw many couples getting out of a business crisis with a more authentic and resilient relationship than the one they had before," shares Stéphanie Manes , LCSW, an approved social worker and couple therapist .

Below, experts share some proven tips to slowly restore privacy in your relationship.

In relation: 8 red flags that come out the cheating, the therapists warn .

1
Design a "healing plan".

couple sitting on the floor talking
Seventy-four / Shutterstock

A great first step in your trip to rebuild intimacy is to create a "healing plan". Rosado recommends in collaboration specific and usable measures that the two partners will take to rebuild the relationship.

For example, you and your partner can agree to spend 15 minutes each evening discuss your feelings, read relationship books together or attend the couples workshops to strengthen your link. Or, you can agree to have a weekly meeting party or to participate in individual therapy and / or couples.

"This plan should include short and long -term goals and be revised regularly to assess progress and make adjustments if necessary," said Rosado Better life .

2
Be nostalgic.

couple looking through photo album over coffee
Dropout

After a major betrayal that leads to a corner between you and your partner, it is easy to lose sight of what has gathered you. That is why Tammy Nelson , Phd, a Sexual and relational therapist and the host of the podcast The problem with sex , advises to have a conversation on what initially attracted you to each other.

Find a time when you can both be relaxed and present, eliminate distractions and ask open questions like: "What is the first thing you have noticed at home?" "What do you remember best of the day we met for the first time?" Or "When and how did you know that I was" the one "?"

This type of discussion can help you restart on the reasons why you love yourself, reviving positive feelings of affection and appreciation.

In relation: 7 things that divorced people want to have done differently in their marriage .

3
Replace yourself in physical touch.

Couple Cuddling on the Couch
Cameron Prins / Shutterstock

"Physical intimacy can be difficult to rebuild after cheating," notes Rosado.

This is why experts agree that it is important to restore a feeling of emotional security before returning to having sex. It can take a long time, but in the meantime, there are ways to gradually reintroduce physical touch.

"Start with a non -sexual physical touch to restore comfort and connection," advises Rosado. "Simple acts like holding hands, hug or hug can help revive physical proximity without the pressure of sexual intimacy."

For example, Rosado says you could start by holding your hand while watching a film together or giving yourself soft massages before bedtime.

"Little by little, as comfort and trust increase, you can evolve towards more intimate physical expressions," she said.

4
Prioritize emotional validation.

female couple talking on the bed at home
istock

It is important to validate the emotions of each other during any stage of a relationship. But it is particularly critical after cheating in order to start building a base for emotional intimacy, says approved clinical psychologist Jephtha Tausig .

Emotional validation involves verbally recognizing how the other person feels, who can help your partner feel seen, heard and take care.

For example, if you express to your partner that his betrayal has wreaked havoc on your self -esteem, he can validate your emotions saying: "It is logical that you feel in this way - it seems really difficult" or "thank you for Sharing this, I understand perfectly.

"The betrayal partner must be ready to admire all the feelings of their partner, and not once," adds Manes. "Most of the unfaithful partners with whom I work complain at some point to take the same thing again and again; they want to move faster. I tell them that if they deny the feelings of their partner, leave them alone for Treating them, or rushing to get rid of them, feelings will probably get worse. "

In relation: 7 signs of body language which means that your partner cheats, according to the therapists .

5
Engage in setting objectives.

couple looking at a laptop while sitting at their kitchen counter
Dropout

"The reconstruction of intimacy implies impatiently waiting for a common future," explains Rosado. "The setting of joint objectives can help both partners to feel aligned and invested in the relationship."

These objectives can be linked to personal growth, spirituality, finances, hobbies or other values. For example, Rosado suggests set an objective to save holidays together or improve your health through joint training: "working on these objectives strengthens the sense of partnership and the shared goal."

6
Consider working with a couples therapist.

mature couple at couples therapy
istock

If you find it difficult to rebuild intimacy in your relationship, a couple therapist can help. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

According to Rosado, an approved mental health supplier, in particular the one who specializes in work with couples, can:

  • Provide a neutral and secure space to express your feelings, your concerns and your fears without worrying about judgment or climbing.
  • Help to identify and solve the underlying problems that may have contributed to infidelity, such as unsatisfied needs, communication failures or personal insecurity.
  • Teaching new skills in communication and conflict resolution.
  • Guide you through the process of reconstruction of confidence while establishing realistic expectations and milestones for progress.
  • Support betrayal by working towards the forgiveness process.

"Therapists can guide conversations to ensure that they are productive and respectful," she explains. "Both partners can work on individual issues that could have contributed to the case.

"Finally, therapy offers regular opportunities to the couple to check their progress, discuss challenges and celebrate successes," she adds. "Having a continuous therapeutic relationship ensures that the couple has continued to support and advice while navigating in the complex process of reconstruction of their relationship."


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