Healing from Betrayal, Infidelity, and Problematic Sexual Behaviors

This compassionate and practical guide is designed to help individuals and those in relationships navigate the aftermath of problematic behavioral patterns, infidelity, and betrayal. This book guides readers through the process of rebuilding emotional safety, creating deep, meaningful connections with themselves and others and a healthy connection to sexuality. Based in Attachment Theory, this book offers a structured three-phase recovery model that guides readers through Early Recovery (Repair), Middle Recovery (Reconnect), and Late Recovery (Restore). Chapters explore trauma and escape cycles, identifying relational dysfunction, emotional needs, breaking unhealthy behavioral patterns, restoring sexual connection, and staying grounded in the work of processing and healing. A chapter on parenting after betrayal is also included, which offers strategies for talking to your children and changing intergenerational patterns. This book puts evidence-based theory into practice through interactive tools including worksheets, diagrams, and exercises, helping readers hone boundary-setting skills, create individual and relationship check-ins, and more. Dr. Knowlton's sex-positive, inclusive, and non-shaming approach ensures concepts are accessible to all identities, sexualities, cultures, and relationship dynamics. This comprehensive guide is essential to individuals and relationships struggling with infidelity and problematic behavioral patterns, as well as therapists looking to provide meaningful support to their clients.

Laney Knowlton, PhD, LMFT-S, CST, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, CCPS, CCRDS-S, CCBRT, RAE, specializes in PSB, infidelity, and betrayal. She has a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy and a PhD in clinical sexology.

Preface: What is the Connected Recovery® Model? Introduction: Healing from Betrayal, Infidelity, and Problematic Sexual Behaviours: A Guide to Individual and Relational Recovery Phase 1: Repair - Creating Emotional Safety through Truth 1. Education: Trauma and Escape Cycles 2. Honestly: Disclosure / Amends and Defining Self 3. Boundaries: Accountability 4. Communication: Containment 5. Connection: Foundational Connection Phase 2: Reconnect - Deepening Empathy and Connection 6. Education: Emotions and Needs 7. Honesty: Attachment and Family of Origin 8. Boundaries: Relational Patterns and Boundaries 9. Communication: Purposeful Sharing 10. Connection: Developing and Expressing Empathy Phase 3: Restore - Healing Sexuality 11. Education: Defining Healthy Sexuality 12. Honesty: Indentifying and Processing Sexual Trauma 13. Boundaries: Replace, Reclaim & Redefine 14. Communication: Self-Exploration 15. Connection: Sexual Connection Special Topic 16. Parenting Following Betrayal and Breaking Generational Patterns