ABSTRACT
The objective of this activity is to help a couple move past an impasse in therapy that frequently occurs after the disclosure of an extramarital affair. Couples who are appropriate for this intervention have entered into therapy to resolve issues that have given rise to the affair. Typically, the couple is early in their treatment and has reached an impasse on issues involving trust and truthfulness. This ritual is the first of five rituals that are referenced to move the couple to a final stage of rebuilding the relationship (Winek & Craven, 2003). The stages are described as
1. knowing the details, 2. releasing the anger, 3. committing to the relationship, 4. reestablishing trust, and 5. rebuilding the relationship.
