On this Seeking Integrity webinar, therapist Debbie McRae discusses therapeutic separation as an effective intervention for couples struggling with the impact of betrayal and addiction. She highlights the structure of therapeutic separation as a compassionate approach to help both individuals regain safety, clarity and hope in the relationship. She and Tami then answer participant questions about therapeutic separation, when it's the right next move, and what to do when it didn't resolve your relationship issues.

TAKEAWAYS:

[:55] The possibilities with therapeutic or healing separation.

[2:07] Common scenarios in couples dealing with betrayal.

[3:00] Is therapeutic separation right for my relationship?

[6:04] The purpose and plan of therapeutic separation.

[10:34] Realistic separation timelines and action plans.

[17:47] Addressing common therapeutic separation fears.

[24:57] Managing the message to others.

[29:45] What to do when you're stuck.

[32:11] The importance of regular therapist check ins.

[36:32] How does therapeutic separation end?

[40:16] What is the difference between sobriety and recovery?

[47:54] My partner is gaslighting me. Would in-home separation help?

[52:19] How do I know if my partner is really doing the work?

[57:08] Therapeutic separation didn't work. How do I move forward?

RESOURCES:

Seekingintegrity.com

Email Tami: Tami@Seekingintegrity.com

Sexandrelationshiphealing.com

Intherooms.com

Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss

Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, by Robert Weiss

Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, by Robert Weiss

Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men, by Robert Weiss

Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

QUOTES

• "Therapeutic separation aims at creating stability, safety, and gives each individual time to gain insights."

• "As you define clear goals and understand the purpose of therapeutic separation, it becomes a roadmap for healing."

• "In therapeutic separation, both partners are fully committed to doing their recovery work."

• "All of this is scary, but the scariest thing is staying stuck."