One of the most common questions I get from betrayed partners: "Todd, do I need to separate from my partner to get clarity? Do I need to separate to have self-dignity?" And I completely understand why people ask this.

When you discover infidelity, your nervous system goes into shock. You can't think straight. You're so agitated by your partner's presence that all you want to do is cry or hit or scream. And here's what I know for sure: you cannot go back to business as usual like nothing happened. That would be betraying yourself.

In this episode, I talk about the different types of separation that can help you heal - physical, emotional, and sexual - and why most couples I work with don't physically separate but still need space in some form.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why going back to "business as usual" is actually betraying yourself 

• How infidelity shocks your nervous system and why you need to calm down first •

 The difference between physical, emotional, and sexual separation 

• Why most couples don't physically separate but still heal successfully 

• How to set clear rules if you do decide to separate temporarily 

• The hyper-attachment and hypersexual response that some people have after betrayal 

• Why you might need to stop having sex while you heal 

• How to be your own person instead of acting out of fear of losing them 

• What healthy separation looks like versus just avoiding your feelings

I share stories from my practice about people who needed different types of space - some went to stay with supportive family, others created emotional boundaries while staying in the same house. The goal is always self-regulation so you can get clarity about what's right for you.

And here's something important: if your partner can't handle you taking space to heal - if they threaten to go back to the affair partner because you're not making things nice for them - bye-bye to that person. A truly remorseful partner will support your need to regulate your nervous system.

My "Healing Infidelity From the Inside Out" approach isn't about quick fixes. It's about growing through the crisis so you have more options, more maturity, and become healthier individuals.

💜 Healing From The Inside Out:  https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity-inside-program
💜 Infidelity First Aid Kit: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/infi

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.

Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclass

Todd Creager, LCSW, LMFT

Todd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach. He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach. (714) 848-2288.

You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at: https://toddcreager.com

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity
• Secrets to a Sexy Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets
• 7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYM
...