Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency
When betrayal due to sexual addiction comes to light, couples are often left struggling with confusion, pain, and uncertainty about how to move forward. A structured formal disclosure process provides a safe and supportive way to reveal the truth, helping both partners begin the journey toward healing and trust restoration.
What is Formal Disclosure?
Formal disclosure is a therapeutic process designed to help individuals struggling with sexual addiction share the full truth of their behaviors with their partner in a structured, compassionate, and non-traumatizing way.
Unlike staggered disclosures—where bits and pieces of truth are revealed over time, deepening the pain—formal disclosure allows for a single, comprehensive disclosure that prioritizes emotional safety and transparency.
The Potential Benefits of Formal Disclosure
- Provides Clarity and Truth—Betrayed partners often experience deep distress due to unanswered questions. A full, structured disclosure gives them the clarity they need to make informed decisions about their healing and the relationship.
- Prevents Further Trauma —When the truth is revealed gradually and inconsistently, it can cause prolonged distress. Formal disclosure helps avoid the damage of staggered disclosures.
- Establishes a Foundation for Rebuilding Trust — While disclosure alone does not restore trust, it is a crucial step toward honesty, accountability, and relational healing.
- Encourages Personal and Relational Healing— Both partners benefit from processing the past in a way that leads to greater emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
Who is Formal Disclosure For?
- For the addicted partner: Disclosure allows for full accountability and sets the stage for a genuine commitment to change.
- For the betrayed partner: It provides the validation, clarity, and truth necessary to begin the healing process.
- For couples seeking relational healing: Disclosure can be a foundational step toward rebuilding intimacy and trust in a way that is safe and supported.
How I Can Help in the Formal Disclosure Process
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) trained in formal disclosure, I guide individuals and couples through this process in a way that prioritizes safety, honesty, and healing.
My approach to formal disclosure includes:
Individualized Preparation
Each partner must work with their own therapist to prepare for disclosure. This ensures that the process is handled with care and that both individuals receive the support they need.
Guidance for the Addicted Partner
I help the disclosing partner craft a clear, non-defensive, and thorough disclosure statement that avoids unnecessary harm while offering complete honesty.
Support for the Betrayed Partner
I ensure that the betrayed partner is emotionally prepared for disclosure and that their needs and boundaries are respected.
Facilitated Disclosure Session
The formal disclosure session is conducted in a safe, structured setting, where the disclosing partner reads their statement, and the betrayed partner is given space to ask pre-approved questions.
Post-Disclosure Healing Work
Disclosure is only the beginning. I provide guidance on next steps, including emotional processing, trauma healing, and relational repair.
Getting Started
If you and your partner are considering formal disclosure, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Whether you are in the early stages of preparing for disclosure or ready to move forward, I can help guide you through this important step with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to your healing journey.
Contact me today to learn more about how the formal disclosure process can help you move forward with truth, clarity, and hope.
