Episode 17: The Therapeutic Disclosure Process: A Path to Healing and Trust

Hosted by John Sternfels, The Therapeutic Disclosure Process: A Path to Healing and Trust is a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of therapeutic disclosure after relational betrayal. As a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and the owner of NorthPoint Professional Counseling Inc., John brings his expertise in marriage restoration, sexual addiction recovery, and partner betrayal trauma to help listeners understand the role of disclosure in the healing journey.

Why is Therapeutic Disclosure Important?

When relational betrayal occurs—whether through infidelity, pornography use, or other forms of secrecy—the foundation of trust is shattered. The betrayed partner is often left feeling confused, unsafe, and emotionally devastated. In these moments, many unfaithful partners believe that withholding details or minimizing the truth will protect their spouse from further pain. However, partial truths and continued deception only deepen the wounds and make healing impossible.

A structured, professionally guided disclosure is a crucial step toward true reconciliation and emotional restoration. Here’s why:

✔️ Rebuilding Trust: Full transparency is essential for rebuilding trust. Betrayed partners need to know that their spouse is no longer hiding anything from them.

✔️ Restoring Safety: Healing cannot begin in an environment of secrecy and dishonesty. Disclosure helps create a foundation of truth and emotional safety.

✔️ Validating the Betrayed Partner’s Reality: Many betrayed partners struggle with gaslighting, self-doubt, and an inability to piece together what really happened. Disclosure helps validate their experiences and emotions.

✔️ Preventing Future Triggers: Without a full understanding of the betrayal, a partner is left guessing, which can lead to unexpected triggers and ongoing distress. Knowing the whole truth allows for a more predictable healing process.

✔️ Allowing for True Forgiveness and Healing: Forgiveness cannot be forced or rushed. However, it becomes possible when the betrayer takes full accountability, shows genuine remorse, and commits to honesty moving forward.

Who is This Podcast For?

✔️ Betrayed partners seeking truth, validation, and healing
✔️ Individuals who have betrayed their spouse and want to rebuild trust
✔️ Couples looking for guidance in navigating full disclosure
✔️ Therapists and professionals wanting deeper insights into the process

This episode of The Therapeutic Disclosure Process provides insightful guidance, practical steps, and encouragement to help individuals and couples move forward with clarity and confidence.

Tune in and take the next step toward healing and trust.

John Sternfels, LPC, NCC, CSAT, CMAT, CCPS, C-SASI
Owner/Clinical Director of NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Counselor and Author

Books Available:

• A Partner's Guide To Truth & Healing
• Behind The Smile: Healing From Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal
• DOWNLOAD for Parents: Sex, Social Media, and Secrets
• SEX: Secular, Relativistic-Cultural or Biblical? Sex Across Perspectives