Hidden Scars Course Objectives

Course Syllabus

Resurrecting Cupid Episode Two–Hidden Scars 1 CE Developed by Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT

Description of Presentation

This episode examines the case of Jimmy and Ashley, a couple married for 12 years who faced repeated virtual affairs. The discussion explores how family-of-origin trauma, age disparity, and imbalanced power dynamics shaped their relationship. Jimmy’s struggles with substance abuse and unresolved grief further destabilized the couple, while Ashley sought attention and validation through online affairs. Clinicians will learn how relationship immaturity, trauma, and maladaptive coping mechanisms contribute to repeated betrayals. This case highlights the importance of addressing unresolved trauma, unhealthy relational models, and substance use when treating couples navigating infidelity.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe how past trauma and family-of-origin dynamics affect adult relationship functioning.
2. Participants will be able to explain the concept of relationship maturity and its role in affair vulnerability.
3. Participants will be able to identify the clinical challenges of working with couples experiencing repeated virtual infidelity..
4. Participants will be able to analyze how substance abuse and power imbalances can exacerbate relational instability.

Level of Learning

Introductory: New to topic

Instructor–Talal H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT

Talal H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist (#49918) recognized as a leading expert in the field of infidelity counseling. He is the author of Infidelity: The Best Worst Thing that Could Happen to Your Marriage and Unfaithful & Unrepentant: Affairs Beyond the Hope of Repair, and the founder of the Infidelity Counseling Center. His research interests and clinical work are focused on identifying the causes of infidelity and providing the best treatment for recovery from its impact. He developed Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART)™ ™, a method of infidelity counseling that has helped hundreds of couples navigate the challenges of the healing journey from affairs. Dr. Alsaleem is an international lecturer and speaker. His engaging talks have helped many counselors broaden their understanding of infidelity and gain the necessary clinical tools to help their clients recover from affairs.

Additional Information

Format and Length

Recorded audio format (non-interactive)  1:11:01 Hours.

Topic Area

Clinical Practice

Completion Requirements

To obtain your CE Certificate, you must complete all course segments, satisfaction survey, and pass with a score of 70% or higher on the course completion quiz.

Who Should Attend

Marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, educational psychologists, and professional clinical counselors. Licensing status or degree completion is not required.

Enrollment Period

Open ended.

Publication and Review Dates

12/06/2025

Conflict of Interest Statement

There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course. This course was developed and funded solely by Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT.