By Nancy Greenlee, MAPC, LCPC

“I am hurt, and I’m devastated. Being married to my husband is like doing yoga on one leg,” a recent workshop participant said. “I’m trying to hold things together, but I keep crashing down.”

She made an excellent analogy of what sexual betrayal, relapse, and lack of recovery can be like for the partner of a sex addict. She holds the pose (the relationship) as best as possible in her codependent state. Still, in yoga, two functioning legs, i.e., two healthy partners, are needed to balance, steady, and solidify the pose.

A partner who has an active sex addiction cannot be that supportive leg. And the codependent could use some recovery muscle as well. In fact, at times, it may seem as if neither partner has a leg to stand on!

Our workshop, Healing Intimate Treason for Partners of Sex Addicts, doesn’t teach yoga at all. However, through several therapeutic modalities, we strive to meet balanced objectives, such as providing steady support and encouragement for releasing grief, shame, and fear.

We also allow partners to connect the dots between childhood experiences and possible reactions to betrayal trauma. In addition, we guide activities that invite the participants to see their relationship in a new light.

At the end of the week, participants usually feel much different about themselves and their partners. With a newfound awareness of healthier boundaries and a sense of direction for the next phase of their recovery, our participants often report feeling emotionally stronger, clearer about their intentions, and prepared to continue their recovery with a new, healthy game plan.

Healing Intimate Treason workshop isn’t yoga, but attending the workshop can provide similar benefits: balance, renewal, and affirmative self-awareness.

Contact The Meadows for more information about the workshop. Our friendly workshop specialists are happy to answer any questions you may have.