Things to You Should Never Say to the Partners of Sex Addicts

When news of former Congressman Anthony Weiner’s latest indiscretions broke, some of the public’s speculation immediately turned to his wife, Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin who was reportedly separating from him.

If it’s difficult for some people to understand why Weiner would continue to send semi-nude photos to women on social media after having been caught before, it’s perhaps even more difficult for them to understand why Abedin continued her relationship with him after his first offense.

Vicki Tidwell Palmer, LCSW, has written a great article for the Huffington Post that points out how humiliating and gut-wrenching certain questions and comments can be for the sexually compulsive person’s partner. She offers a list of five well-intentioned but wrong-headed comments people often make to the betrayed partner and explains why you should never make them.

Number one on her list: “You should have left him a long time ago.”

Read the rest of the list on HuffingtonPost.com.

Help for Betrayed Spouses and Partners

The Healing Intimate Treason workshop at the Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows gives partners of sex addicts a voice as they travel on their own journey in recovery. The workshop was developed in collaboration with Meadows Senior Fellow Claudia Black, Ph.D. and author of Deceived: Facing Sexual Betrayal, Lies, and Secrets and Intimate Treason.

During the 5-day workshop, people affected by their partners’ sexual compulsions begin the process of healing from the pain and humiliation of betrayal. Workshop participants learn how to move through their grief and sense of loss, break free from their attachment to fantasy, and enhance their emotional self-regulation.

The Rio Retreat Center also offers the Couples Bootcamp workshop for those who are interested in repairing their relationships or learning how to split up amicably.