Infidelity (Cheating)

 
 

What is infidelity?

Infidelity—also called cheating—involves a breach of trust in a romantic relationship, often through emotional or sexual involvement with someone outside the agreed boundaries. It can cause intense emotional distress for all involved.

“I felt like my whole world had collapsed. The betrayal stayed with me—I couldn’t think straight, trust anyone, or sleep.”

Different experiences of infidelity in adults

Infidelity can be traumatic—whether you’ve been betrayed, disclosed an affair, or are struggling with guilt after cheating. For those betrayed, it often leads to shock, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, anger, or feelings of worthlessness. Many question their identity, the relationship’s history, or their judgement. Some experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress.

Those who have cheated may also feel shame, confusion, or regret, especially if the behaviour was out of character or impulsive. In long-term relationships, the aftermath of an affair can trigger intense crisis or growth. Without support, people may become stuck in cycles of blame, denial, or self-punishment. Therapy can help individuals and couples make sense of what’s happened and decide how to move forward.

“Supporting people through the aftermath of infidelity involves deep listening and non-judgemental empathy. There is often pain on all sides—and also space for healing.”

Symptoms following infidelity

  • Shock, disbelief, or emotional numbness
  • Intrusive thoughts or mental images
  • Anxiety, panic, or anger outbursts
  • Difficulty sleeping, eating, or functioning
  • Loss of trust or emotional safety
  • Guilt, shame, or self-blame (in either partner)
  • Obsessive questioning or seeking “the whole story”
  • Emotional withdrawal or avoidance
  • Fear of abandonment or loss
  • Relationship uncertainty or identity confusion
Our approach
 

Our approach to supporting infidelity

At Bloomfield Health, we provide calm, structured, and non-judgemental support to individuals and couples impacted by infidelity. Our clinicians begin with a sensitive assessment of emotional needs, trauma responses, and relationship history. We can offer individual therapy to process betrayal or guilt if requested, and couple therapy to rebuild trust or explore the future of the relationship. We help you understand what happened—not to assign blame, but to make sense of painful events and find a way forward, with or without reconciliation.

 

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Therapy (either individual or couple) can provide a safe space to process betrayal, understand emotional dynamics, and explore healing or separation.

Absolutely. We work with both partners in a non-judgemental way, supporting self-reflection, accountability, and emotional repair.

That’s a very personal and complex decision. Therapy can help you explore this honestly and with emotional clarity, to find a way forward.

This is common. We offer trauma-informed therapy to manage intrusive thoughts/memories and rebuild emotional stability.

Often, yes. Affairs may relate to unmet emotional needs, avoidance, or identity struggles. Therapy helps uncover these safely

You can still benefit from individual support, even if your partner isn’t ready to engage.

With time and support, many people rebuild trust—either in their relationship or in themselves or in future partners.

Yes. We provide structured, emotionally safe couple sessions to work through betrayal, communication, and relationship repair.

© 2025 Bloomfield health
Bloomfield Health Limited is a company registered in England (13208428)
Bloomfield Health and the flower device are registered trademarks.