Studies conclude that extramarital affairs are considered by counselors to be the third most difficult marital problem to treat and the second most damaging problem to couples. Often times the damage goes unresolved and leads to the dissolution of the relationship. The authors reviewed the current literature regarding the consequences extramarital affairs have on a couple’s relationship and the impact affairs have on treatment. Additionally, the authors discuss the counselor’s role in facilitating treatment specifying the clinical and ethical implications involved when disclosing an extramarital affair.
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