Emotional Affairs (4 CE)
Credits: 4 CE Credit Hours
Course Developed By: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW
Course Description: An emotional affair begins with a garden-variety friendship that develops almost imperceptibly until it eventually exceeds in importance the relationship with a one’s spouse or partner. This course presents the issues related to two contexts in which emotional affairs begin: the workplace and cyberspace. It also presents other general signs that an emotional affair has already begun and the psychological factors that contribute to these kinds of relationships. Treatment methods each of the participants in the affair are discussed, including the affair partner, who may be dumped for example, when the partner decides to disclose the affair and work on the primary relationship.
Course Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Course Developed By: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW
Bio: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW; Social Work Consultant, reviewed and determined the course meets requirements for continuing education in the field of social work. This course is appropriate for masters and clinical level social workers. Jennifer graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in school-based psychotherapy with children and adolescents, as well as licensing exam coaching and preparation.
Content By: Patricia Patton-Lehn, Ph.D., Gerry Grossman, M.A., LMFT
Course Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
Course Description: An emotional affair begins with a garden-variety friendship that develops almost imperceptibly until it eventually exceeds in importance the relationship with a one’s spouse or partner. This course presents the issues related to two contexts in which emotional affairs begin: the workplace and cyberspace. It also presents other general signs that an emotional affair has already begun and the psychological factors that contribute to these kinds of relationships. Treatment methods each of the participants in the affair are discussed, including the affair partner, who may be dumped for example, when the partner decides to disclose the affair and work on the primary relationship.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess for emotional affairs in relationships and distinguish them from healthy, platonic friendships.
- Explain possible intrapersonal and interpersonal causes for emotional affairs.
- Demonstrate knowledge about treatment issues and interventions for repairing a relationship after an emotional affair.
- Identify ways to prevent emotional affairs in committed relationships.
Course Format:
Course materials can be downloaded or read online. To receive a certificate of completion, you must complete a multiple-choice post-test with a score of 75% or better and complete a course evaluation.
Approvals: