How could you do this to me?
Why wasn’t I enough for you?
How long were you hiding the truth?
How will I ever feel safe again?
Uncovering a partner’s sex addiction can be devastating for the relationship. It is essential that you and your partner receive support in your recovery. Unfortunately, therapy focused solely on treating sex addiction does not treat the betrayed partner’s trauma with the sensitivity and attention it requires. This can slow or even halt the healing process. At worst, the betrayed partner may never regain their sense of trust or confidence in themselves or their partner.
When you’re facing insurmountable relationship conflicts, contacting a professional counselor is one of the most effective ways to resolve your problems. However, not all therapists are created equal. If you are navigating the complex issue of partner betrayal trauma, you will need the expertise of a CPTT therapist.
What is a CPTT Therapist?
A Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) is a licensed and experienced professional who has undergone additional training in treating betrayal trauma.
CPTT-trained therapists work with couples managing sex addiction, affairs and other forms of partner betrayal.
CPTT therapists draw from evidence-based approaches from couples counseling and complex trauma treatment. This unique blend of knowledge and training enables a CPTT specialist to create effective treatment plans for individuals facing sex addiction and their partners.
CPTT professionals practice the latest in trauma treatment and engage in ongoing professional development. The CPTT credential must be renewed every two years.
Who Does a CPTT Therapist Help?
CPTT therapists support both partners in the healing and reconciliation process. While CPTT therapists often work with clients dealing with sex addiction, the main focus of their practice is the partner experiencing betrayal.
After a sex addiction is discovered, the partner living with the addiction needs support and understanding. However, the aftermath of betrayal trauma can cause serious emotional distress in the other partner.
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms are common. If you are currently experiencing psychological and emotional effects from partner betrayal, specialized treatment from a CPTT-trained therapist can give you the space and validation you need to move forward.
What Can I Expect from a CPTT Therapist?
A CPTT Therapist Will Help You Process Your Emotions
Sex addiction is a complicated condition, as it can trigger feelings of shame, anger, and helplessness in both partners. If you are the betrayed partner, you may feel pressured to push your valid emotions down for the sake of your partner’s recovery.
CPTT therapists understand this urge but also know the long-term harm that poor coping strategies can cause. A CPTT therapist will encourage you to express your emotions and practice self-compassion as you process your difficult experience.
A CPTT Therapist Can Improve Your Relationship
In the wake of a betrayal, regaining trust in your partner may seem impossible. Yet, therapists with a CPTT credential have observed countless couples in situations similar to yours rebuild their relationship and come out on the other side stronger.
If you and your partner are willing to fight for your relationship, a CPTT therapist will be there to guide you every step of the way.
CPTT therapists will put together a specialized plan based on your goals as a couple and separate individuals. Some areas where a CPTT-trained professional can help include:
● Improved communication skills
● Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation
● Healthier coping strategies
● Disrupting destructive behavior patterns
● Effective conflict resolution skills
Why is CPTT Training Important?
Standard couples therapy does not always address the complicated underlying dynamics of sex addiction and betrayal trauma. Therapists may not have enough training to recognize the signs of sex addiction.
In other cases, the therapist may inadvertently treat the issue as a relationship problem rather than a personal problem that impacts the relationship. This can exacerbate the pain felt by the betrayed partner and delay the healing process considerably.
Further, some couples therapy approaches are rooted in ideologies that can make it difficult for either partner to express their true thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. CPTT therapists are knowledgeable in a broad spectrum of relationship types and sexual orientations.
When working with a CPTT specialist, the goal is never a cookie cutter solution. Instead, the therapist works with your specific and unique dynamics to obtain the most desirable outcome for your relationship.
Lani Singer, our in-house CPTT therapist, is passionate about supporting you through your healing and recovery process. Having Lani working alongside therapist Peter Stathakos ensures that the betrayed partner gets the support they need as their partner faces their addiction. Schedule a free consultation call today and let’s move towards a brighter future together.