A CASE STUDY OF PREVENTION OF DIVORCE ARISING FROM INFIDELITY IN MARRIAGE THROUGH COUNSELLING (47 YEAR OLD WOMAN)

Abstract

Infidelity remains a leading cause of divorce, and many marriages that began with strong affection have ended in separation. This case study presents the counselling experience of a 47-year-old woman, Inidikimama, referred by a friend. Her marital issues, which culminated in her decision to divorce, were traced to her husband's behavior—persistent absence, emotional neglect, extramarital affairs, verbal abuse, and sexual rejection. A weekly counselling schedule was agreed upon to explore the root causes, lifestyle factors, and implications of the patient’s decision on her personal life, marriage, and children. In five sessions, the counsellor applied techniques such as empathy, active listening, restatement, and clarification. Upon medical referral, it was discovered that the client had an undiagnosed infection from a family planning procedure that had caused an offensive odor—a complaint her husband had made. After treatment, communication and intimacy in her marriage improved significantly. Follow-up after 2 months revealed sustained positive outcomes, with the client reporting renewed happiness and marital satisfaction. Counselling was formally concluded, and future support made available. It is recommended that spouses take each other’s complaints seriously and prioritize mutual care. Spousal satisfaction should be seen as shared responsibility and passionate commitment