my WW is a sex addict.
Mine too. Let me add some detail around that...
- Her issues are really deep rooted, which means more than just understanding that they are "daddy issues". She is going to have to really dissect everything about this, which is going to take A LOT of time and effort.
- Once she has started to get a good grasp on where her issues came from, she's going to have a choice -- blame others (e.g. her dad) or take responsibility for how she has acted.
- Sifting through her false assumptions, coping mechanisms, habits, etc. is the next phase. This is a TON of work not only in understanding what they are, but in the practical exercise of trying to implement new, healthy actions.
- She is an ADDICT. That means that the best case scenario is that she finds a way to stay sober. She is never totally out of the woods and it will depend upon a lifetime of vigilance.
This is why the odds of a SA changing are very, very low. It isn't impossible, but one needs to have come to a point of being totally broken AND be willing to see their brokenness for what it is AND have the drive/persistence to do the work AND to be willing to make it a lifelong exercise.
Other than the odds, the thing you need to know is that this isn't something that is within your control. Addiction is a very tough thing to beat and while some call it a "sickness", it isn't something that is simply cured through the right doctors/medicine/treatment as it requires the addict to be fully and actively involved in the healing. You can't love her back or nurse her through her healing. Be very careful about the desire to "allow her to get help" as this can be all too close to believing that you need to do X, Y or Z for her. She has to do it.
She's totally remorseful for what she did. She knows she screwed up, and she admits she has issues and is working to address those.
Gently -- it is too early for you to know this and, more than likely, it isn't true. There is a difference between regret (being sorry for oneself) and remorse (being sorry for others). At this point, the only thing you are seeing, based on what you've detailed, is regret. She tried lying her way out of the situation until you pulled out evidence. Then she cried and promised to address the issue. Now she is doing everything possible to avoid being exposed and divorced. And that includes...
Her therapist told her to stop with that until I get an IC of my own, to help me process it. Probably good advice. She did agree to sit down and write it all out, as soon as her therapist gives her the OK to do it.
Assuming the CSAT actually said these things (questionable at best given that your WW is your source of information), you need to realize that her CSAT works for your WW and, therefore, her aim is to look out for her interests. The CSAT doesn't know you and, frankly, doesn't have a stake in what is best for you. The CSAT doesn't get to make the call about what you need or what is best for you.
Regardless of whether the CSAT said any of that (I doubt it), your WW is indicating that it is better for her to continue her old habits of lying by omission/hiding things from you. In addition, your WW is avoiding responsibility. It is now the CSAT that is the calling the shots and it is because you need "processing time". This all just sounds too much like your WW trying manipulate you into not leaving her.
My $0.02 -- she writes out a timeline, tells you EVERYTHING (the level of detail can be driven by you) and then you schedule a follow-up polygraph to validate that she isn't withholding more info.
Triggers...Now I can't even walk into MY house without being triggered.
There are a couple levels to this. The first is exactly what you are experiencing -- the initial trauma of the reality you've been placed into. It is awful. Do whatever you need to address them -- remodeling, getting rid of objects/furniture to even planning to sell the house. The second is when that trauma lingers and just won't let go. It's too early to be able to say, but if that ends up being the case, it is PTSD and EMDR treatment can be helpful.
I'm at the end of my rope. She knows it.
I have two points for you here...
1. You should be. Don't accept games, trickle truth, etc. SA's are, by definition, serial cheaters and part of that package includes highly developed manipulative capabilities. You need to be very careful to avoid getting sucked back in to a situation where she is able to continue hiding her addiction and taking advantage of you.
2. Use the leverage you have right now. You need to protect yourself. You have a fully paid-off house, I'll assume you've stocked up for a good retirement and are, overall, in a decent financial position. You've just discovered that only 3 years ago you married a highly manipulative person who hasn't thought twice about emotionally and psychologically abusing you. Why would you trust that she wouldn't take advantage of you financially? You should look into your options to shield yourself and, by extension, your own children's potential future inheritance.
I have arranged for my own IC. I hope I can get through this with my sanity intact.
Between being here and having a solid IC, you are off to a good start. That won't change that this all hurts like hell, but it does set you up to make it through intact.
Sending you strength.
[This message edited by Crushed7 at 10:53 AM, April 9th (Tuesday)]