Crazy-making. Confusing. Traumatizing. Infuriating. Every emotion in between . . . Affairs are never just about sex. But because sexual betrayals strike deep emotional chords, some of our natural responses create barriers to resolution. Affairs helps members of the affair triangle understand and address the issues that led to the affair and to move beyond those barriers-freeing them to address old issues and learn new relationship skills.
Drawing on more than twenty-five years of experience as a therapist, Emily M. Brown's practical and nonjudgmental handbook describes the different types of affairs and provides step-by-step guidance for identifying and resolving the real problems underlying each type of affair. Affairs presents a positive approach to resolving the pain, anger, and bewilderment that accompany an extramarital affair, so that couples can rebuild their marriage on firmer ground or end it with dignity. Affairs offers guidance on
- Identifying the affair type
- Deciding how to address the hidden affair
- Getting beyond obsessing about the affair
- Communicating honestly with your partner
- Assessing violence potential and taking preventive steps when needed
- Rebuilding trust
- Talking with children, family, and friends
- Finding helpful resources
- Reaching forgiveness
Affairs will help each member of the affair triangle talk about what has happened, work through the pain, resist impulsive actions, and-most important-move toward healing and forgiveness. Friends and relatives will gain understanding and insight, learning how to give the support needed as their loved ones explore the issues that need to be resolved. Affairs is a sensitive guide filled with the crucial information that each member of the affair triangle needs to resolve old problems and make intimacy a real possibility in the future.
A Wonderfully Supportive Guide from an Internationally Recognized Authority on Affairs
"Emily Brown has written a must-read book for anyone going through the searing pain of infidelity. First she deciphers the five types of affairs, then she gives clear step-by-step procedures to help both partners deal with it and even grow from it. It's a real achievement."
--Marguerite Kelly, syndicated columnist, The Family Almanac and author, Marguerite Kelly's Family Almanac
"Finally, a book on affairs that pulls no punches!. . . . It's the book I'll put at the top of my list to recommend to both professionals and to husbands, wives, and lovers. Highly recommended."
--Isolina Ricci, author, Mom's House, Dad's House: The Complete Guide for Parents Who Are Separated, Divorced, or Remarried
"Brown, a very well known expert in helping couples and professionals understand and handle affairs, provides important insight and tools for couples who want to overcome the betrayals associated with affairs and to 'fight for their marriage.'"
--Howard Markman, coauthor, Fighting for Your Marriage
"Emily Brown could be a lifesaver to anyone who's been touched by the trauma of an affair. She is an expert with new insights who writes beautifully."
--Jana Bommersbach, columnist, Phoenix Magazine and commentator, Good Morning Arizona
"Clearly written, without psychological jargon or obscure concepts, it will help couples to develop the unique solutions they need for their problems."
--Telmo M. Baptista, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Lisbon, Portugal and president, Portuguese Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
