After Infidelity, Can Love & Relationships Survive?

Can a relationship survive infidelity? It is possible, but recovery isn't as simple as forgiving a cheating partner, staying together, or deciding to walk away. In this episode, host Gabe Howard talks with licensed professional counselor Dr. Monique Thompson, author of The Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples, about what really happens to a relationship — and to a person's sense of self — after an affair. The conversation also examines what the partner who cheated can do to rebuild trust, why apologies and grand gestures aren't enough, how “living amends” can demonstrate meaningful change, and why past behavior doesn't necessarily guarantee future behavior. Listeners Will Learn: Why couples shouldn't rush to stay or leave Why betrayal can change how you remember the relationship What the partner who cheated can do to rebuild trust What forgiveness actually means after an affair How long infidelity recovery can take Whether you're trying to recover from infidelity, considering whether to stay, or struggling to understand what happened to your relationship, this conversation offers a compassionate look at healing after betrayal. Listen Now! Our guest, Dr. Monique Thompson, is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR-trained therapist, and trauma-informed life coach with over 20 years of experience in private practice. She specializes in betrayal trauma, infidelity recovery, depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD. Her work integrates neuroscience, body-based trauma approaches, attachment theory, and parts-based work to help clients restore internal stability, self-trust, and clarity after emotionally destabilizing experiences. Dr. Thompson is known for translating complex psychological science into practical, humane insights that resonate with both clinical and general audiences. She is the author of a bestselling workbook on infidelity recovery, The Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples and is frequently featured as a mental health expert on podcasts, radio, and community education platforms. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.