When an extramarital affair is discovered, a crisis ensues. Now the question is – can this relationship continue? Depending on how this crisis is dealt with by both partners, the relationship does have a chance to continue. In some cases, this relationship crisis serves as a watershed event that opens the door to self-examination and honest communication that may put the relationship on stronger ground.

In my opinion, it is extremely difficult for couples to get through this without professional help. There are too many places for each partner to get stuck. The betrayed partner asks many questions, often the same question over and over—why? The partner who has the affair, recommits to the primary relationship but grieves the loss of the affair partner—why? These are just two examples of topics that need to be handled with care.