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

CPD

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.

Handouts

Speaker

Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT Related seminars and products

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Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT, CST is a licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical sexologist, and author of Couples Therapy in the Digital Age (PESI, 2026) and The Formula of Desire (New Harbinger, 2026). She is the founder of Longwood Care, where she works with individuals and couples on communication, intimacy, and trust in the digital era. Dr. Elton writes the “Life, Love, etc.” blog for Psychology Today and has appeared on PBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC, offering expert commentary on relationships and mental health. She speaks at conferences and universities worldwide on relationship science and practical tools for connection, blending research and real-world strategies to help couples navigate modern challenges and sustain desire over time.

 

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

 

 

Additional Info

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

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 counselling.  
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 behaviours

Navigate Challenges

• Digital behaviours 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

Behaviour Change, Coping, and Preventive Strategies

• Psychology behind behaviour changes
• Adaptive vs. maladaptive behaviours
• 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 Behaviour
  • 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

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