Rick Reynolds is one of America’s foremost authorities helping individuals and couples struggling with affairs and compulsive sexual behaviors, with over 30 years of experience and insight. He holds a master’s degree in Social Work and is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Rick’s company, Affair Recovery, offers anonymous online group support worldwide for those impacted by infidelity. Rick has authored numerous guides, curricula, and papers detailing reasons why people cheat, how couples can overcome the pain, heartache, and distrust, as well as ways to move forward, both individually and as a couple.

Rick talks about the complexities of affairs within a Christian context. He shares his personal experience with infidelity [04:32]. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and seeking guidance from God [05:46]. Rick highlights the concept of “trickle truth” as particularly damaging [15:59]. He stresses the need for full disclosure to the betrayed spouse. They explore different types of affairs [12:04]. Rick also offers advice for church leaders on how to support couples dealing with infidelity [12:53].

Rick explains that the betrayed spouse needs help with trauma and understanding [14:53]. He introduces the concept of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) [21:32]. This condition can significantly hinder the healing process. Rick shares effective treatment methods for trauma [25:29]. He also emphasizes the importance of community and support systems in recovery [33:34]. They discuss the timeline for healing from infidelity [37:14]. Rick also addresses the challenges of navigating relationships with affair partners [40:01].

Rick shares his perspective on involving children in the disclosure process [43:13]. He advocates for prioritizing individual healing before focusing on saving the marriage [45:42]. They explore the reasons why people have affairs [53:39]. Rick also touches on the differences between men and women in affairs [58:21]. He underscores the importance of a strong recovery program for the wayward spouse [01:01:06].

Podcast Chapters

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

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