Infidelity in Marriage: Signs, Struggles, and the Road to Healing Together
- Alicia Bernarducci LCSW
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read

Surveys show more than 20 percent of couples face infidelity at some point in their relationship. This issue often shakes the very foundation of trust, leaving partners confused, angry, or heartbroken. Infidelity in marriage can look different for every couple. Some may face emotional betrayal, while others may struggle with physical unfaithfulness.
The pain caused by betrayal is real, but many couples wonder if healing is possible. For some, seeking help through therapy becomes the first step toward repairing what feels broken.
Recognizing the Signs of Infidelity
Infidelity rarely comes without warning signs. Partners may notice sudden changes in behavior, unexplained absences, or emotional distance. For example, a spouse who once shared everything may start guarding their phone or becoming defensive about simple questions.
Other signs include lack of intimacy, reduced communication, or a partner who seems distracted during family time. These changes may not always point to betrayal, but they are red flags that couples should not ignore. Addressing them early may prevent further damage.
The Struggles Couples Face After Betrayal
The aftermath of infidelity in marriage often feels overwhelming. Trust, which may have taken years to build, can be shattered in a single moment. Partners may feel torn between anger and hope, making it hard to decide what comes next.
Some couples struggle with constant arguments, while others withdraw from each other altogether. Questions like “Why did this happen?” or “Can we fix this?” often dominate conversations. Without guidance, these struggles may push couples closer to separation or divorce.
Why Divorce Prevention Counseling Matters
Healing from betrayal is not just about moving past the pain. It is about rebuilding trust, re-establishing communication, and creating a stronger foundation. This is where divorce prevention counseling in NJ plays a vital role.
Counselors trained in this area provide tools for couples to express their emotions in a safe setting. They guide partners toward understanding the root causes of betrayal and help them explore healthy ways to reconnect. In many cases, counseling gives couples the structure they need to move from anger to rebuilding.
How Expert Guidance Supports Recovery
At Bergen County Marriage Counseling, Alicia Bernarducci specializes in guiding couples through these difficult challenges. Her approach helps partners move beyond blame and into constructive dialogue. Couples often find that professional support allows them to see issues from a new perspective.
Therapy sessions may include exercises to rebuild communication, address unmet needs, and develop strategies to prevent future issues. For couples who want to save their marriage, this professional guidance can be a turning point.
Faith and Forgiveness in Healing
For many, healing also includes an element of faith or forgiveness. Some couples find strength in their values and use them as a guide for rebuilding trust. Others may focus on forgiveness as a way to move forward, even if it feels difficult at first.
Counseling provides space to explore these deeply personal aspects. Whether rooted in faith or personal growth, forgiveness can play a key role in helping couples rebuild intimacy and connection after betrayal.
The Road Ahead for Couples
Recovering from infidelity in marriage is not easy, but it is possible. Counseling allows couples to face their pain, address the reasons behind it, and create a plan for healing together. Each step forward becomes an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
In the end, healing requires both partners to be willing participants. Through open communication, guidance from therapy, and a renewed sense of commitment, couples can find hope even after betrayal.
If you and your partner are facing this challenge, reaching out for divorce prevention counseling in NJ may be the step that leads to lasting change. Bergen County Marriage Counseling, under the guidance of Alicia Bernarducci, is here to help couples navigate this difficult road and find their way back to trust.