Debrief

Consider how the therapist handled the tension between validating Helen’s caution and encouraging movement towards greater vulnerability. Discuss whether the therapist treated monitoring as simply problematic or first understood the protective function that it serves.

Consider also whether forgiveness and trust remained distinct. Helen could forgive Mark and still decide that the evidence is insufficient to trust him with the relationship again. Equally, she could decide to stay while continuing to work towards forgiveness over time. Neither process needs to occur in a single moment.

Finally, consider the false-positive and false-negative framework. Did it help the couple recognise that both trusting and not trusting involve risk? The most useful conversation is unlikely to end with Helen deciding that she must trust Mark. It should leave her better able to make an informed decision about which risks she is prepared to tolerate in pursuit of the kind of relationship she wants.