Discovering betrayal in a relationship — especially involving sexual addiction or infidelity — can be devastating. A Formal Therapeutic Disclosure (FTD) provides a structured, therapist-guided process that helps couples move away from confusion, shame and mistrust and toward truth, healing, and the possibility of repair.

What is a Formal Therapeutic Disclosure?

A Formal Therapeutic Disclosure is a planned and supported process in which the partner who has acted out or engaged in secret behaviors shares a complete and honest account of those behaviors with their betrayed partner. This process takes place in a safe, therapeutic setting and is facilitated by trained clinicians who support both partners before, during, and after the disclosure.

The goal of a disclosure is not to retraumatize, but rather to create a foundation of truth, empathy, and safety that allows the couple to begin rebuilding trust.

A complete disclosure process typically includes three key components:

• Formal Therapeutic Disclosure – a structured sharing of the full truth by the partner who acted out.

• Emotional Impact Letter – written by the betrayed partner to express the emotional effects of the betrayal.

• Restitution Letter – written by the betraying partner to acknowledge the harm done and outline steps toward repair.

These components are shared in three separate sessions, allowing each part to receive the full attention and care it deserves.