In-Person Training
(Knoxville)

This training is presented in partnership with Relationship Builders.

3 CE Hours

Helping Couples Get Past the Affair

Kristi Gordon, PhD, LP
Suzanne Robinson, LCSW

This workshop will help the counselor identify strategies to use when couples are dealing with the initial impact of an affair. It will identify strategies to help couples explore the context and causes of an affair. It will identify strategies to help couples move on from an affair and define the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

Objectives:

• Describe why an affair can be considered a relational trauma.
• Describe how the Violated Assumptions Model applies to relational betrayals.
• Define the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

About the Speaker(s)

 Kristi Gordon, PhD, LP

Kristina Coop Gordon, PhD, is Associate Dean of Community Engagement in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services and the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee. Prior to that, she was a College of Arts and Sciences Excellence Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee before taking on this role. She is a Fellow and Past President for APA’s Society for Couple and Family Psychology and also received the Distinguished Service award from that organization as well. She also serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Family Psychology, Family Process, and Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, as well as on the Executive Board of the Family Process Institute. Her book, Getting Past the Affair, was cited by the New York Times as one of the seven most influential books on relationships. Her research regarding infidelity and couple therapy has been cited in national media outlets such as the New York Times, USA Today, Psychology Today, iVillage, and the Ladies Home Journal, and in regional and local TV and news media. In addition to her research, teaching, and service activities, she also maintains a private practice in Knoxville, TN. However, her most important roles are wife to her husband of 27 years, and mom to two wonderful daughters and two very fuzzy dogs.

Suzanne Robinson, LCSW

Specialties include (but not limited to): sex therapy with a focus in affair recovery/sexual betrayal, formal disclosure process, sexual addiction, intimacy issues and Christian counseling.

Supporting people through their individual and relational journeys is at the heart of what I am called to do. Unfortunately, we have all suffered at some point in life and some of us have faced insurmountable challenges. Often the individuals and couples I work with have experienced a sexual betrayal of some sort in their relationship. I believe this type of trauma requires a specific treatment response so I provide a structured process in the midst of the chaos betrayal can bring. I offer a formal disclosure process and guide couples or individuals through a healing journey. With compassion and grace, I will walk alongside you in the pursuit of betterment. Seeking out support is an encouraging and brave step to take in your journey and I am so glad you are looking at our website.

To help me in my work I pull from my past experiences and other roles in my life as well as from my educational background. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee. I then completed my masters from Salisbury University and was able to do my clinical work in Germany with service members through my work with a behavioral health clinic and the Red Cross. After moving back to the U.S. I returned to graduate school at Richmont Graduate University to be a Certified Sex Therapist. I also have training in Biblical counseling. I have worked in many settings when we moved back to the U.S. and was blessed to have settled in at Healing Hearts in 2021.

Although my work is a large part of my life, the most important part is my family which consists of my husband and three children. I am from this area but due to my husband being active-duty military for almost 12 years we have moved around to other places. Traveling and exploring new areas is now one of our favorite past times. We are actively involved in our local church and enjoy being a part of the Knoxville community.

TLPCA Contact

If you any questions, please contact Anthony Fuller.