Infidelity and Revenge Fantasies: An Integrative Couple Therapy Approach

Infidelity is a common and complex issue in couple therapy. As a result, much has been written about the prevalence and effects of infidelity, precipitating factors, and the reparation process. The revenge fantasy, however, a common byproduct of infidelity, has only received cursory attention in the clinical literature. This is both surprising and disconcerting when considering the potential consequences associated with vengeful responses. In an attempt to form a base for informed practice, this article draws upon information from the extant literature and clinical experience, and suggests treatment strategies for revenge fantasies using an integrative couple therapy framework