Couples Techniques for Digital Infidelity: Tools for Handling Disconnection, Jealousy, Pornography and More

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Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships

All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.

Speaker

Anna Svetchnikov, LMFT Related seminars and products

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Anna Svetchnikov, LMFT, is a nationally recognized expert in marriage and family therapy with over 12 years of experience in the field. As an influential expert in contemporary couples counseling, she has presented extensively, both nationally and internationally, on innovative approaches and frameworks on handling relationship challenges. Anna has made significant contributions to public understanding of mental health and relationship dynamics through appearances on well-known media outlets such as PBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC. Her insights and expertise have helped shed light on the often-complex issues couples face, particularly in the digital age. A prolific author, Anna has published several therapeutic books, providing invaluable resources for both fellow professionals and those seeking to understand and improve their own relationships. In addition to her thriving therapy practice, Anna serves as the CEO of Longwood Care, a mental health organization committed to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families. She is also the founder of the 501©(3) non-profit mental health foundation “I Care, We All Care” dedicated to promoting awareness and community support. Through these leadership roles, she has expanded her impact beyond individual and couples therapy, promoting mental health awareness and providing vital resources to communities. Anna is a contributing writer for Psychology Today with professional certifications in TF-CBT/DBT and is pursuing her PhD in clinical sexology from MSTI.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Anna Svetchnikov has employment relationships with Longwood Care, Inc. and I CARE WE ALL CARE Foundation. She receives royalties as a published author. Anna Svetchnikov receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Anna Svetchnikov is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors.

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Objectives

1. Identify how technology and social media impact couple communication patterns, intimacy levels, and trust.  
2. Develop skills through interactive discussions to address the impacts of digital media on couple therapy sessions.  
3. Utilize DBT strategies to alleviate symptoms of relationship discord caused by “technoference” and other digital disruptions.  
4. Choose solution-focused interventions to enhance emotional connection and overcome technology-induced relationship friction.  
5. Determine MBCT techniques to navigate complex technology-related challenges in couples counseling.  
6. Identify how couples can set healthy boundaries around technology to improve their relationship.

Outline

Digital Relationship Foundations

• Evolution of relationship dynamics
• Neurobiology of digital interactions
• Positive aspects of technology
• Disconnection, fragmentation, and “technoference”
• Key relationships issues stemming from digital behaviors

Navigate Challenges

• Digital behaviors and self-perception
• Cultural, gender, and generational influences
• Challenges of emotional regulation
• Social envy and comparison traps
• Micro-cheating, phubbing, and relationship quality
• Repercussions: resentment, shame, and self-esteem
• Overuse and addiction
• Ethical and privacy considerations

Communication, Intimacy, and Trust

• Technology’s influence on communication dynamics
• Complexities and enhancement of dialogue
• Break negative communication cycles
• Technology and emotional intelligence
• Rebuild intimacy and trust
• Practical applications and homework assignments for couples

Behavior Change, Coping, and Preventive Strategies

• Psychology behind behavior changes
• Adaptive vs. maladaptive behaviors
• Coping skills toolbox for digital stressors
• Set healthy boundaries, break unhealthy habits
• Digital detox and mindful technology use
• Self-monitoring and goal setting

Clinical Interventions and Strategies

• Reframe Digital Perceptions
  • Alter negative views and challenging beliefs about digital interactions
  • CBT: Identify and challenge negative thoughts
  • NLP: For reshaping perceptions and attitudes
• Emotional Response Management
  • Control emotions
  • DBT: Regulate intense emotions and develop coping skills
  • MBSR: Be more aware and in control of emotional responses
• Dialogue Improvement Techniques
  • Enhancing communication
  • Solution-Focused Therapy: Find solutions in the present time and explore hope
  • Interpersonal Therapy: Improve communication patterns and interpersonal relationships
  • Emotionally intelligent communication and conflict resolution
• Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
  • MBCT: Combines CBT with mindfulness strategies
  • ACT: Acceptance of thoughts, feelings and committed action toward values
• Digital Stress, Healing and Resilience
  • Overcome stress and strengthen resilience
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Addresses and processes trauma from negative digital experiences
  • Resilience Training: Develop resilience against the stressors of digital life
• Goal-Oriented Digital Behavior
  • Healthier tech habits for relationships
  • MI: Motivation and commitment to specific goals
  • CBT: Set realistic goals and develop strategies to achieve them

Horizons and Boundaries in Relationship Therapy

• Future trends and emerging technologies (VR and AI)
• Limitations of the research and potential risks

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychotherapists
• Psychologists
• Addiction Counselors
• Therapists
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Case Managers
• Nurses
• Physicians
• Other Mental Health Professionals