189. Healing from Infidelity: A Conversation with Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem
Release Date: 05/06/2025
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info_outlineIn this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem—founder of The Infidelity Counseling Center and creator of Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART™)—to explore why infidelity happens, how it impacts both partners, and practical steps couples can take to heal and prevent future betrayal.
Through candid anecdotes and evidence-based insights, Dr. Alsaleem walks listeners through the emotional aftermath of an affair, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and structured therapy. He delves into the nuances of rebuilding trust, setting healthy boundaries, and cultivating resilience in relationships, sharing success stories and cautionary examples from his SART™ practice. With discussion on navigating shame, managing forgiveness, and redefining intimacy, this episode offers both individuals and couples a compassionate roadmap for recovery.
Whether you’re healing from past wounds or seeking to fortify your partnership against future challenges, you’ll gain actionable advice, expert guidance, and renewed hope for a stronger, more authentic connection.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
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Dr. Alsaleem developed SART™ after noticing traditional therapy lacked a tailored approach to infidelity recovery.
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Infidelity is defined as a breach of an exclusivity contract—outsourcing emotional or physical needs without partner consent.
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Affairs stem from three main roots: relationship deficits, individual mental health or trauma, and environmental factors (culture, occupation, technology).
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Healing doesn’t always mean staying together; it can involve repairing the relationship or supporting individual trauma recovery.
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Prevent infidelity by building relationship maturity: screen compatibility, foster open communication, and master conflict-resolution skills.
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Common myths—like “once a cheater, always a cheater”—oversimplify a complex issue; informed choices and structured therapy can lead to lasting healing.
GUEST LINKS:
- Dr. Talal. H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT - https://www.talalalsaleem.com
- Instagram (@dr.talal.h.alsaleem)
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/infidelityrecoveryexpert
- https://www.survivinginfidelitycounseling.com/about-dr-talal
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Introduction & overview of today’s conversation on infidelity recovery
- 02:00 – Chuck welcomes Dr. Alsaleem and sets the stage for healing from affairs
- 04:00 – Dr. Alsaleem shares his clinical journey and creation of SART™
- 08:00 – Gaps in standard therapy and redefining infidelity as a contract breach
- 12:00 – Three categories of infidelity causes: relational, individual, environmental
- 16:00 – Emotional impact on betrayed partners & common psychological reactions
- 20:00 – Strategies to prevent affairs: relationship maturity, communication, compatibility
- 24:00 – Debunking myths about cheating and reframing healing outcomes
- 28:00 – Recovery rates with SART™ and definitions of “success” in infidelity therapy
- 32:00 – Overview of Dr. Alsaleem’s books and additional resources
- 36:00 – Final thoughts, encouragement to listeners, and invitation to share this episode