Mar 05 2025 35 mins 4
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Macomber to explore the emotional and psychological impact of parental infidelity on adult children. Melissa shares her personal story of discovering her mother's affair at 13 and the ensuing family dynamics. Now, as a therapist, she highlights the lack of resources for adult children dealing with such betrayal and emphasizes the importance of addressing trust issues and healing – no matter how long it has been since the parental infidelity took place.
We discuss the broader implications of infidelity on family relationships and the unique challenges faced by children at all stages of growing up. Melissa offers valuable insights and resources for those navigating this difficult journey.
To learn more about Melissa and her research, visit MelissaMacomber.com.
Topics Covered in this Episode:
- Emotional and psychological impact of parental infidelity on adult children
- Personal experiences of discovering a parent's affair
- Family dynamics and their evolution post-infidelity
- Lack of resources and support for adult children dealing with parental betrayal
- Patterns of infidelity in adult relationships stemming from childhood experiences
- The importance of addressing feelings of betrayal and trust issues
- The role of boundaries in the healing process for adult children
- Distinction between forgiveness and rebuilding trust
- Challenges faced by adult children in navigating their parents' conflicts
- The significance of sharing personal stories and seeking therapy for healing
More Resources:
- Help for Adult Children (of any age)
- Help for Therapists
- Ten Research-Based Facts about Parent-Infidelity
Related Podcasts:
- Why Do We Cheat?
- Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Podcast Bundle)
- Rebuilding Your Marriage After Betrayal (Podcast Bundle)
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