Why People Cheat — and How Analytical Hypnotherapy Can Help Them Change

Two Types of Adulterers

Adultery is one of the most painful breaches of trust in a relationship, yet not all affairs stem from the same motivations. Broadly speaking, there are two types of adulterers — the one-off adulterer and the serial adulterer. While both cause deep emotional wounds, understanding their underlying psychology can help couples and individuals heal and rebuild.

The One-Off Adulterer

The one-off adulterer is someone who strays only once, often under extraordinary circumstances. They may meet someone who feels “meant to be” — a connection so strong it feels fated. The situation can unfold like an accident: a rare moment when circumstances align in the worst possible way.

For these individuals, the affair usually reflects issues within their marriage more than a desire for another person. It often occurs during a period of emotional distance, personal crisis, or unmet needs.

Afterward, the one-off adulterer is typically overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and remorse. Many feel profound gratitude toward their spouse for staying and seek therapy to cope with their emotions.

At Setanta Hypnotherapy Clinic, we have found that these individuals are often deeply honourable people who momentarily lost their way. Through Analytical Hypnotherapy, they uncover subconscious patterns that led to the affair, recognise their role in the marital dynamic, and learn healthier ways to restore intimacy and trust.

When both partners engage in therapy, couples often emerge with a stronger, more authentic bond and a renewed appreciation for one another.

The Serial Adulterer

The serial adulterer, on the other hand, repeatedly engages in affairs regardless of who they marry. These individuals often convince themselves that their infidelity is unrelated to their marriage. In reality, they may be driven by subconscious compulsions or emotional needs formed early in life.

For serial adulterers, the excitement of an affair provides an addictive adrenaline rush — a temporary escape from emotional discomfort or dissatisfaction. Their marriages often serve as an anchor of stability, balancing the chaos of their double lives.

Because serial adulterers may view their behaviour as normal or even necessary, they rarely seek help voluntarily. Many only come to therapy after being discovered, often to appease an angry spouse rather than to change.

In therapy, our goal is to help them understand the subconscious forces behind their actions and recognise the emotional harm caused to their partners. Those who genuinely engage in the process can uncover deep-seated causes — often rooted in childhood experiences — and begin to feel true remorse. With insight and effort, some go on to build lasting, honest relationships.

Healing for Both Partners

At Setanta Hypnotherapy Clinic in Peel, we offer hope and healing for individuals and couples affected by infidelity. Using Analytical Hypnotherapy, we help both the adulterer and the betrayed spouse explore and resolve the subconscious issues that contributed to the affair.

Clinical Hypnotherapist Mary has extensive 20+ years experience helping couples through the aftermath of betrayal — whether it involves a one-off lapse or a long-term pattern of deceit.

She also works with individuals who have been deeply hurt by a partner’s serial infidelity and are struggling to move forward after the relationship has ended.

If you would like to learn more about how Mary can help, please use our CONTACT Website Page to arrange a free initial consultation.