Understanding the Impact of Infidelity in Marriage
- Alicia Bernarducci LCSW
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6

Infidelity in marriage shakes the foundation of trust. One person feels hurt, angry, or humiliated. The other may feel guilty, defensive, or shut down. Both often experience confusion, grief, and deep sadness.
This emotional disruption doesn’t go away on its own. If ignored, it leads to long-term resentment or disconnection. But with guidance, couples can start to talk, reflect, and rebuild.
Rebuilding begins when both people agree they want to repair the relationship—not just stay in it. That shared goal is the first step.
Open Communication: A Hard but Necessary Start
Open, honest communication after infidelity in marriage is painful. The betrayed partner has questions. The other may struggle to respond without triggering more hurt. This stage can feel like walking on broken glass.
In expert couples therapy, Alicia Bernarducci helps guide this communication in a safe, structured way. Alicia Bernarducci teaches couples how to ask questions without attacking, and how to respond without shutting down.
It’s not about rehashing every detail. It’s about creating understanding and emotional clarity, one conversation at a time.
Rebuilding Trust with Consistency
Trust doesn’t come back overnight. It’s rebuilt through small, daily actions. Showing up on time, being honest about feelings, and following through on promises all matter.
Alicia Bernarducci trained in expert couples therapy offers exercises that help restore that trust. For example, checking in daily about emotions, planning together, or sharing goals can rebuild a sense of partnership.
Consistency builds confidence. It shows both people that change is possible and trust can grow again.
Choosing the Right Support Makes a Difference
Facing infidelity in marriage alone can feel overwhelming. Emotional stress may lead to more miscommunication, arguments, or even a second breakdown.
That’s where best online marriage counseling NJ can be helpful. Online sessions allow couples to speak with licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes. This setting can reduce anxiety and make regular sessions easier to attend.
Online therapy is also flexible, especially for couples with children, busy work schedules, or transportation limitations. What matters most is consistency, not the setting.
How Expert Couples Therapy Supports Long-Term Healing
Expert couples therapy doesn’t just address the affair—it looks at what was happening before it. Alicia Bernarducci helps couples explore emotional needs, past hurts, and how conflict was handled before the trust was broken.
Therapy often focuses on rebuilding emotional intimacy. That includes physical affection, respectful conversations, and shared activities that strengthen the connection.
A structured therapy approach also gives couples tools they can use outside of sessions, which is key for lasting change.
Forgiveness: Not Forgetting, But Moving Forward
Forgiveness isn’t about excusing what happened. It’s about letting go of constant resentment so healing can begin. That can take time—and that’s okay.
In counseling, couples often learn that forgiveness starts with understanding. When the partner who broke the trust can fully hear the pain they caused, and take responsibility, healing begins.
For the betrayed partner, seeing real change is more powerful than hearing empty apologies.
Support in Bergen County: Your Next Step
If you’re in Bergen County and trying to heal from infidelity in marriage, know that support is available. Bergen County Marriage Counseling offers options for both expert couples therapy and the best online marriage counseling in NJ has to offer.
Alicia Bernarducci is trained to handle difficult conversations, rebuild emotional safety, and help both partners feel seen and heard. You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance, healing becomes a real possibility.
To explore counseling options or book a session, visit Bergen County Marriage Counseling. Taking one step toward therapy could be the turning point your relationship needs.



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