Dr. Sue Johnson on Affair-Proofing Relationships: The Importance of Building Strong Bonds

Dr. Sue Johnson is a renowned relationship and marriage therapist and author who has spent decades researching and studying the dynamics of romantic relationships. In her book “Love Sense,” Dr. Johnson discusses the concept of “affair proofing” relationships, and whether it is possible to prevent infidelity.

Many people believe that there are specific behaviours or actions that can be taken to “affair proof” a relationship. However, Dr. Johnson argues that this approach is misguided. In the video discussing the topic of whether or not you can “affair proof” your relationship, Dr Sue Johnson explains that while there is no guarantee that your partner will never be involved in an affair. However, there are things you can do to protect your relationship. In her view, relationships are not something that can be protected by a checklist of actions. Instead, she believes that relationships are dynamic and complex, and require ongoing effort and attention from both partners.

Building a Strong and Healthy Marriage

One of the key concepts that Dr. Johnson emphasises in the video is the importance of emotional connection in relationships. The key is to take care of your relationship by building open and responsive communication, and a safe loving bond. When you have a strong foundation of communication and feel secure in your relationship, you are less likely to be tempted to turn to others outside of your relationship.

According to her research, couples who are emotionally attuned to each other are less likely to experience infidelity. This is because emotional connection provides a sense of security and intimacy that can help couples weather the ups and downs of life together. Therefore, communication can put your relationship on a strong, secure base and help prevent relationship problems or marriage trouble that may lead to infidelity.

Dr. Johnson encourages couples to be open and honest with each other, even when it is difficult. By sharing their thoughts and feelings, partners can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires and build a stronger emotional bond. This open and responsive communication can also help couples resolve relationship problems before they escalate into something bigger.

Another important factor in preventing infidelity, according to Dr. Johnson, is the ability to manage conflict effectively. In her view, all couples experience conflict, but it is how they handle it that determines the health of their marriage. By learning to communicate respectfully and resolve disagreements in a constructive way, partners can strengthen their relationship and reduce the risk of marriage trouble or infidelity.

So, while there is no guaranteed way to “affair proof” a relationship, Dr. Sue Johnson’s research suggests that by prioritising emotional connection, communication and conflict resolution, couples can build a strong and healthy relationship that can withstand the challenges of life together. Seeking the support of a trained and experienced couples therapist can be transformative for couples experiencing relationship problems or marriage trouble.

Private Marriage Counselling in Cape Town Southern Suburbs

If you and your partner are experiencing marriage trouble or relationship problems, seeking the help of a professional relationship therapist can be beneficial. By facilitating more effective communication and conflict-resolution and exploring underlying conscious and unconscious issues, relationship counselling can help couples build a stronger emotional connection and prevent the breakdown of their relationship.

If you are looking for a relationship psychologist in Cape Town Southern Suburbs, consider booking a private marriage counselling session with Angela Fox. Angela is an experienced relationship therapist who draws on various approaches to couple therapy, including Emotionally Focussed Therapy, to help couples overcome their marriage problems and challenges and build a healthy, fulfilling relationship.

Contact Cape Town Psychologist, Angela Fox, today to take the first step towards a happier, more connected healthy marriage with the help of a trusted marriage therapist.

Reference: Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships by Dr. Sue Johnson. (2013). Little, Brown and Company.