Extramarital sexuality: Implications for marital therapists

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Abstract
Although large numbers of clients approach marital therapists with concerns about extramarital behavior (ES), little has been written specifically about the implications of ES for practitioners. This paper uses a script theory framework to suggest why there are important attitude-behavior discrepancies concerning ES and how these differences may affect therapy. The authors also examine research findings concerning ES which do not support some widely held beliefs. This discussion includes a list of seven factors which therapists may utilize to differentiate diverse ES experiences and help couples clarify their values and intentions. Several case examples illustrate this process. Attention is also paid to the therapist's own values about ES and how they may affect therapy. ES emerges as a very complex phenomenon which requires a high degree of knowledge, sensitivity, and recognition of individual differences on the part of therapists.