Therapeutic Disclosures
Sometimes, before we can move forward,
we need to come clean with the past. This means employing rigorous honesty, giving voice to the impact upon a betrayed partner, and starting to begin the path to restitution. This is where a therapeutic disclosure can help.
Once an addict is in stable recovery, (at least 6 months of sobriety/abstinence from problematic behaviors,**regularly attending meetings, and actively working an accountability program with a sponsor/mentor) it can be helpful to enter into a therapeutic disclosure.
A therapeutic disclosure is a highly structured process whereby the addict shares a formal, detailed narrative of their problematic behaviors with the impacted partner. Within this process, the partner has a chance to supply specific questions to get specific needs met. The partner, upon hearing the narrative, then shares an impact statement. The addict then has an opportunity to develop plans for restitution-- mapping out the steps to be taken to make amends and begin to restore the relationship-- rebuilding the trust that has been broken.
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This process takes place within a therapeutic setting with all attempts made to avoid re-injuring or adding further hurt to the betrayed partner. Support in processing any new disclosures is offered in real-time.
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This can be done over 2-3 days or, depending upon individual needs of the couple, over several weeks.
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If needed, we partner with a polygrapher who is highly experienced in this field. (Contact information shared upon request.)
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At Authentic Hope, we follow the best practices recommended by Caudill & Drake
** Therapeutic best practices recommend that a period of abstinence and recovery has been practiced before entering into the disclosure process. Both partners need to be able to function within a window of tolerance and honesty that can withstand these difficult conversations. This process is not recommended for couples within the first 6 months after initial discovery.