Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal (Couples)
A couples worksheet for affair recovery with sections for the hurt partner's impact and needs, the involved partner's responsibility and actions, shared understanding and hope.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Couples therapy · Affair recovery
- Approach / concern
- Couples & Relationships
- Technique
- Couples therapy · Affair recovery
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Advanced plan
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal (Couples)?
Affair recovery interventions help couples process the impact of betrayal, understand contributing factors and decide how to move forward. Rebuilding trust requires accountability and consistent action.
Why it works
An integrative intervention addressing impact, meaning and moving on showed promise for couples recovering from affairs (Gordon et al., 2004). Glass (2003) describes rebuilding trust through transparency and honesty.
When to use it
- After disclosure of an affair
- Other major breaches of trust
- Couples therapy
- Discernment about the relationship
How to use it in session
- Complete sections separately.
- Share in session.
- Validate impact before exploring context.
- Agree on trust-building actions.
- Track progress.
Clinician tips
- Screen for safety and coercion.
- Avoid blaming the hurt partner for contributing factors.
- Expect setbacks and triggers.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Can a relationship recover from infidelity?
Many couples do recover, especially with accountability, time and support.
How long does rebuilding trust take?
It varies; often many months to years, with gradual improvement.
References
Gordon, K. C., Baucom, D. H., & Snyder, D. K. (2004). An integrative intervention for promoting recovery from extramarital affairs. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30(2), 213-231.
Glass, S. P. (2003). Not “just friends”: Rebuilding trust and recovering your sanity after infidelity. Free Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
