Often times we think about how the spouse or betrayed partner will respond to an affair, but there isn’t much discussion about how children are affected by infidelity. I imagine that the impact an affair has on a child depends on the child’s age and how it is that they discover the cheating.

On this episode I talk with “Erica” (not her real name) about how her parent’s affair that she discovered more than two decades ago still traumatizes her today. Now a mom in mid-life, Erica’s feelings of anger, resentment, hurt and shame remain palpable, as we discuss how her relationship with her mother was irreparably damaged, and how Erica believes the affair brought shame upon herself and her family.

Erica’s testimony is raw, vulnerable and heart wrenching. I have never cried when interviewing one of my guests. This episode was the first time.