Full disclosure can be a turning point in rebuilding trust. Therapeutic disclosure testing uses a lie detector test to help couples move past secrets toward genuine recovery.
Therapeutic Disclosure Testing (TDT) integrates professional polygraph examination into structured couples therapy to verify the honesty of a partner's disclosure after infidelity. This comprehensive guide covers the full process from preparation through post-test therapy, what to expect, how it differs from forensic polygraph testing, and the clinical evidence supporting its use in relationship recovery.
TL;DR — The Short Version
- Therapeutic Disclosure Testing (TDT) is a voluntary polygraph examination integrated into couples therapy to verify the truthfulness of one partner's disclosure of infidelity or secretive behaviors.
- Unlike forensic or criminal polygraph testing, TDT focuses entirely on rebuilding trust and facilitating honest communication between partners.
- A licensed therapist works with both partners throughout the entire process, from disclosure preparation to post-test therapy sessions.
- The four-phase structure includes disclosure preparation, document review with the examiner, the polygraph examination itself, and post-test therapeutic processing.
- Research shows 96% of betraying partners and 93% of betrayed partners felt the disclosure process was in their best interest.
- Professional qualifications matter — both the therapist and polygraph examiner should have specific training and experience in therapeutic disclosure protocols.
Who This Guide Is For
- Couples dealing with the aftermath of infidelity who want a structured path to rebuilding trust
- Partners who have been betrayed and need verified honesty before they can consider reconciliation
- Individuals who have been unfaithful and want to demonstrate their commitment to transparency
- Therapists and counselors considering adding polygraph-assisted disclosure to their practice
- Polygraph examiners seeking to understand the clinical framework of therapeutic disclosure testing
- Anyone researching whether a lie detector test could help resolve trust issues in a relationship
What Is Therapeutic Disclosure Testing?
Definition and Purpose
Therapeutic Disclosure Testing (TDT) is a specialized application of polygraph examination conducted within the framework of couples therapy, primarily to address trust violations arising from infidelity, compulsive sexual behavior, or other forms of relational betrayal. Unlike polygraph tests administered in legal, law enforcement, or pre-employment screening contexts, TDT is not designed to punish, incriminate, or generate evidence for legal proceedings. Its purpose is fundamentally therapeutic: to verify the honesty of one partner's disclosure and, in doing so, create a foundation upon which genuine trust can be rebuilt [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness.
A therapeutic disclosure is a unique type of intervention that creates a supportive space for couples to share and learn about a full accounting of sexual behavior outside of the relationship while in the presence of qualified mental health practitioners [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period. Full Therapeutic Disclosure is a structured process of honesty and transparency between a person struggling with a secret or addiction and their spouse [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period. With the help of therapy, this process encourages full exposure of any sexual or financial secrets that may have caused harm to their spouse or family.
The polygraph serves as an external measure, allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in the knowledge that they have the full truth [6]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours. This tool also helps the betraying partner align with honesty, taking responsibility for their past actions and recognizing the impact of their choices. For couples navigating the devastating aftermath of infidelity, understanding how to tell your partner you want a lie detector test is often the critical first step.
How TDT Differs from Other Polygraph Tests
The distinction between therapeutic disclosure testing and other polygraph applications is significant. In forensic or criminal contexts, the polygraph is used to gather evidence or assess credibility in an adversarial setting. In TDT, the polygraph is used collaboratively within a therapeutic framework where both partners are working toward the same goal: establishing a foundation of verified truth.
Therapeutic disclosure polygraphs use a statement verification approach [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. The examinee prepares a written disclosure document, and the polygraph is then used to verify the overall content of that disclosure by asking questions such as "Did you lie about anything in the Disclosure you provided?" [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. Questions about individual issues within the statement are not asked, as these would be redundant. This method is fundamentally different from single-issue forensic testing, where specific questions about specific events are posed.
Since this is a multiple-issue test by definition, test results will not be as reliable as with a single-issue exam, but it is often the only way to resolve multiple issues simultaneously [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. For a detailed look at the specific questions typically asked, see our guide on infidelity polygraph questions.
Why Couples Choose Polygraph-Assisted Disclosure
Breaking the Cycle of Trickle Truth
One of the most damaging patterns after infidelity is "trickle truth" — the gradual, incomplete release of information over weeks or months. Research by Schneider, Corley, and Irons (1998) found that disclosure is often a process, not a one-time event, and that withholding of information is common [2]Verified Surviving Disclosure of Infidelity: Results of an International Survey of 164 Recovering Sex Addicts and Partners
Confirms that disclosure is a process rather than a one-time event, that withholding of information is common; surveyed 82 addicts and 82 partners; confirms majority of both groups recommended disclosure. Their survey of 82 sex addicts and 82 partners demonstrated that even in the absence of relapse, the disclosure of secrets by one partner was frequently incomplete [2]Verified Surviving Disclosure of Infidelity: Results of an International Survey of 164 Recovering Sex Addicts and Partners
Confirms that disclosure is a process rather than a one-time event, that withholding of information is common; surveyed 82 addicts and 82 partners; confirms majority of both groups recommended disclosure.
This pattern of staggered disclosure is profoundly harmful. Each new revelation reopens the wound and resets the recovery timeline. A full therapeutic disclosure, verified by polygraph, aims to end this destructive cycle by establishing the complete truth in a single structured process. The betrayed partner can then make informed decisions about the relationship based on the full picture rather than partial truths.
If you're recognizing warning signs in your own relationship, our guides on 10 signs your husband might be cheating and 5 signs your spouse is cheating offer practical perspective.
The Research Supporting Disclosure
The clinical evidence strongly supports the value of therapeutic disclosure. Research shows that 96% of betraying partners and 93% of betrayed partners felt that the disclosure process was in their best interest [7]Verified FAQ About Therapeutic Disclosure for Sex Addiction
Confirms 96% of betrayers and 93% of betrayed partners felt disclosure was in their best interest; confirms disclosure timing of 3-6 months after treatment begins. This remarkable endorsement from both sides of the equation underscores how disclosure, despite its inherent pain, serves the recovery of both individuals.
Based on their experience, the majority of both sexually compulsive persons (68.3%) and partners (81.4%) recommended disclosure [2]Verified Surviving Disclosure of Infidelity: Results of an International Survey of 164 Recovering Sex Addicts and Partners
Confirms that disclosure is a process rather than a one-time event, that withholding of information is common; surveyed 82 addicts and 82 partners; confirms majority of both groups recommended disclosure. Over half of the partners threatened to leave after disclosure, but only about one-quarter of couples actually separated [2]Verified Surviving Disclosure of Infidelity: Results of an International Survey of 164 Recovering Sex Addicts and Partners
Confirms that disclosure is a process rather than a one-time event, that withholding of information is common; surveyed 82 addicts and 82 partners; confirms majority of both groups recommended disclosure. These findings demonstrate that while disclosure is intensely painful, it rarely leads to the catastrophic outcomes many fear.
A landmark 2014 five-year follow-up study by Marín, Christensen, and Atkins examined 19 infidelity couples and found that couples who disclosed the affair and addressed it in therapy had a divorce rate of approximately 43%, meaning 57% were still together at the five-year mark [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together. In contrast, couples where the affair remained secret had a divorce rate of approximately 80% [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together. This research powerfully demonstrates that honest disclosure — even when it is painful — dramatically improves long-term relationship outcomes.
Research on Polygraph-Facilitated Disclosure
Peer-reviewed research consistently demonstrates that polygraph examination significantly enhances the quality and completeness of disclosure. A 2020 study by Jung, Jin, and colleagues examined 52 sex offenders and found that the polygraph group disclosed significantly more deviant sexual behaviors and paraphilia interests than the comparison group [23]Verified Improving the Quality of Sexual History Disclosure: Emphasis on a Polygraph Examination
Confirms polygraph group disclosed more deviant sexual behaviors and paraphilia interests than the comparison group in study of 52 sex offenders. This finding confirms the powerful role of polygraph in eliciting complete and honest disclosure.
Similarly, a study by Sosnowski (2005) of British sex offenders found that polygraph-facilitated sexual history disclosure produced significant increases in admitted victims and offenses beyond all existing records, with 93% of participants disclosing both contact and noncontact offenses [26]Verified Sexual History Disclosure Using the Polygraph in a Sample of British Sex Offenders in Treatment
Confirms 93% of participants disclosed both contact and noncontact offenses during polygraph-facilitated disclosure. Jensen, Shafer, and Roby (2015) confirmed that both juvenile and adult offenders disclosed significantly more victims and offense types during polygraph-assisted interviews [27]Verified Sexual History Disclosure Polygraph Outcomes: Do Juvenile and Adult Sex Offenders Differ?
Confirms both juvenile and adult offenders disclosed significantly more victims and offense types during polygraph-assisted interviews.
An early study by Abrams (1991) demonstrated that the disclosure polygraph examination produced substantially more self-reported victims and paraphilic behaviors from convicted child sex abusers than were available from official records alone, demonstrating meaningful clinical utility for treatment planning [28]Verified The Effectiveness of the Disclosure Test with Sex Abusers of Children
Confirms the disclosure polygraph examination produced substantially more self-reported victims and paraphilic behaviors than official records alone. Research by Wilcox and Sosnowski (2005) established the feasibility and effectiveness of polygraph disclosure testing with British sexual offenders, supporting its international applicability beyond North America [25]Verified Polygraph Examination of British Sexual Offenders: A Pilot Study on Sexual History Disclosure Testing
Confirms feasibility and effectiveness of polygraph disclosure testing with British sexual offenders, supporting international applicability.
Wood (2018) found that mandatory polygraph testing was associated with increased high-risk disclosures, enhanced motivation for honesty, and improved compliance with license conditions [29]Verified Sexual Offender's Experiences of Polygraph Testing: A Thematic Study in Three Probation Trusts
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing was associated with increased high-risk disclosures, enhanced motivation for honesty, and improved compliance with license conditions. Sosnowski's 2010 Dutch study confirmed that post-conviction polygraph examinations elicited substantially greater disclosure of deviant sexual behaviour from cybercrime offenders than official records reflected [30]Verified Sexual History Disclosure Polygraph Examinations With Cybercrime Offences: A First Dutch Explorative Study
Confirms post-conviction SHDE polygraph examinations elicited substantially greater disclosure of deviant sexual behaviour from Dutch cybercrime offenders than official records. While these studies focus on offender populations, the underlying principle applies directly to therapeutic contexts: polygraph examination consistently produces more complete and honest disclosure.
The Four-Phase TDT Process
Phase 1: Individual Therapy Preparation (2–8 Weeks)
Both partners work with their respective therapists during this crucial preparation phase. The unfaithful partner prepares a comprehensive written disclosure statement, working to remember as many details as possible through the use of resources like old emails, text messages, or bank records [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. The goal is to arrive at the disclosure day having already done the difficult emotional work of confronting the full scope of their behavior.
Meanwhile, the betrayed partner develops coping strategies and establishes emotional support systems, working with a therapist ideally trained through APSATS (Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists) or IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals) in partner trauma [4]Verified APSATS — Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period. These partner therapists — either a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) trained through APSATS or a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) trained through IITAP — provide specialized support for navigating betrayal trauma [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period.
Clinicians recommend that the unfaithful partner achieve at least 90 days of sobriety before disclosure [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction. This waiting period allows the brain time to heal and helps restore full recall of events [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction. Ideally, the one revealing their secrets will have worked closely with their therapist for 3-4 months to create a thorough and honest account [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period.
Phase 2: Pre-Test Document Review
The polygraph examiner meets with the examinee to review the disclosure document, clarify ambiguous language, identify testable claims, and formulate specific yes/no questions for the examination. There are three options for therapeutic disclosure polygraph exams, and the treatment provider will decide which option is best for each situation [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options.
The first type deals exclusively with activities directly related to the relationship. The second explores the partner's lifetime sexual behaviors, including childhood events. The third is a combination of the first two, where two separate disclosures are prepared — one designed to be shared with the partner, and the second only for use by the treatment provider [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options.
This pre-test review is critical for ensuring that questions are clear, specific, and testable. The examiner works with the client to structure the test questions carefully, ensuring that the examination will meaningfully verify the disclosure document [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner.
Phase 3: The Polygraph Examination (2–3 Hours)
A typical disclosure polygraph is a comprehensive, multi-step process that usually spans two to three hours [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. The examination includes a detailed pre-test interview designed to create a safe, open space where the person undergoing the polygraph can express their thoughts and share their story.
During the actual test, the client answers each question multiple times to establish a reliable pattern in their responses. The test records physiological data — like breathing rate, pulse, and skin conductivity — which are analyzed to detect possible deception [6]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours. The examination includes 2-3 chart collections measuring cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal responses.
The APA's meta-analytic survey found that single-issue diagnostic testing produces an aggregated decision accuracy of 89%, with a confidence interval of 83% to 95% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. Multiple-issue testing techniques produce an aggregated decision accuracy of 85% with a confidence interval of 77% to 93% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. Many polygraph examiners, especially those trained in therapeutic settings, understand the need for sensitivity — a skilled examiner ensures the process is about creating a structured environment where honesty can flourish [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. For more details about the polygraph process for couples, visit our lie detector test for couples guide.
Phase 4: Post-Test Therapeutic Processing
At the end of the test, the examiner provides a report to the therapist, ensuring the results are shared in a therapeutic context [6]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours. Results are then communicated to both partners in a therapy session, where the therapist helps the couple process the information — whether the disclosure is verified as truthful or deception is indicated — and guides next steps in the recovery process.
If the results confirm truthfulness, the couple gains a verified foundation of honesty from which to rebuild. If significant deception is indicated, the therapist helps the couple navigate this information, typically involving additional individual therapy sessions, a revised disclosure statement, and potentially a follow-up polygraph examination.
Due to a process called "habituation," the effectiveness of a polygraph is reduced if multiple exams are taken close together. Ideally, exams should not be taken closer together than 3 months, but one or two exams per year is considered best practice to reduce the effects of habituation [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. For couples considering whether a post-infidelity polygraph is right for them, our post-infidelity polygraph guide provides additional guidance.
The Therapist's Role in Therapeutic Disclosure
Required Qualifications and Certifications
The therapist's role in TDT is central to the process. Look for therapists with specialized training in sex addiction and betrayal trauma. Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSATs) trained through IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals) have specific training in facilitating therapeutic disclosures [3]Verified IITAP — International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
Confirms IITAP provides CSAT training and certification founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, with structured therapeutic disclosure protocols. The CSAT program, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, includes rigorous coursework, supervision, and testing [3]Verified IITAP — International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
Confirms IITAP provides CSAT training and certification founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, with structured therapeutic disclosure protocols.
For the betrayed partner, therapists certified through APSATS (Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists) provide specialized support [4]Verified APSATS — Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model. APSATS developed the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (MPTM) in 2014 for treating the betrayed partner as a person who has been traumatized by the discovery of intimate betrayal. This model is adapted from Dr. Judith Herman's Trauma Resolution model and consists of three phases: Stabilization, Remembering and Mourning, and Reconnecting [4]Verified APSATS — Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model.
For therapists interested in incorporating polygraph-assisted disclosure into their practice, our therapist's guide to requesting a client polygraph exam provides practical guidance.
What the Therapist Does During TDT
The therapist guides the unfaithful partner in developing a timeline of sexual history and composing the disclosure statement so that all secrets can be revealed and put an end to all lies. They also ensure that the statement is truthful without retraumatizing the partner with graphic detail [6]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours.
For the betrayed partner, the therapist educates them about typical patterns of problematic sexual behavior and assists in developing any questions they would like to have answered within the disclosure statement or as part of the polygraph exam [6]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours. The betrayed partner is given a list of carefully crafted questions and topics to select from and choose what they feel comfortable hearing and to what level of detail [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period.
Dr. Jill Manning's clinical guidelines recommend that partners prepare 8-10 questions for the disclosure [18]Verified Recommendations for Therapeutic Disclosures — Dr. Jill Manning
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance. Manning also provides important practical recommendations: couples should plan to take separate vehicles to and from the disclosure and make arrangements not to be under the same roof for at least one to two nights post-disclosure [18]Verified Recommendations for Therapeutic Disclosures — Dr. Jill Manning
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance. These practical safeguards help manage the intense emotional impact of the disclosure process.
The Polygraph Examiner's Role
Qualifications for Therapeutic Polygraph Examiners
Polygraph examiners who work within therapeutic disclosure contexts require specific qualifications and sensitivity. APA-accredited training programs require a minimum of 400 hours and 10-13 weeks of instruction covering polygraph theory, techniques, and ethics [19]Verified Basic Polygraph Examiner's Course — APA Accreditation
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph course consists of minimum 400 hours of instruction. For examiners conducting PCSOT examinations — the closest formal parallel to therapeutic disclosure work — an additional minimum of 40 hours of specialized instruction approved by the APA is required [10]Verified APA PCSOT Specialized Training Requirements
Confirms minimum 40 hours of specialized instruction approved by APA for PCSOT certification.
Active membership in the American Polygraph Association or equivalent professional organization is essential, as it requires adherence to the APA's professional code of ethics and Standards of Practice [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. The APA requires professional polygraph examiners to complete a minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years in coursework related to polygraphy [20]Verified APA Continuing Education Requirements
Confirms practicing examiners shall complete minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years.
Critically, polygraph examiners who work with sex addiction clients should be experienced with therapeutic disclosure protocols rather than treating the examinee like a criminal suspect [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction. The examiner must understand the delicate nature of betrayal trauma and approach the process with compassion and professionalism. For help finding a qualified examiner, visit our polygraph test locations directory or contact us directly.
What Questions Are Asked During TDT?
The questions asked during a therapeutic disclosure polygraph differ significantly from those in forensic or criminal testing. Rather than probing specific incidents, the examination focuses on verifying the completeness and accuracy of the prepared disclosure document.
Typical questions include statement verification queries such as: "Did you lie about anything in the disclosure you provided?" or "Did you intentionally leave out any significant sexual behavior from your disclosure?" [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. Standard disclosure content areas include the type of behavior, frequency, timeline, number of partners, and money spent [13]Verified What Are Good Therapeutic Disclosure Questions?
Confirms standard disclosure content areas including type of behavior, frequency, timeline, number of partners, and money spent.
The specific questions are developed collaboratively between the examiner, the examinee, and the treatment team. Our detailed guide on lie detector test questions for couples provides additional information on what to expect.
Clinical Evidence and Research
Polygraph Accuracy in Therapeutic Contexts
The APA's meta-analytic survey represents the most comprehensive assessment of polygraph accuracy. The review examined 38 studies involving 32 different samples and 45 different experiments, including 11,737 scored results of 3,723 examinations [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. The data showed that techniques intended for single-issue diagnostic testing produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 89%, with a confidence interval of 83% to 95% and an inconclusive rate of 11% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. Multiple-issue techniques produced an accuracy of 85% with a confidence interval of 77% to 93% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval.
The APA Standards of Practice require that validated techniques demonstrate an accuracy rate of 90% or greater for single-issue diagnostic testing [17]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Adopted August 23, 2019)
Confirms accuracy thresholds: 90%+ for single-issue diagnostic, 86%+ for paired testing, 80%+ for investigative. Since therapeutic disclosure often involves multiple issues verified through a statement verification approach, accuracy may vary, but the process remains a highly valuable tool within the broader therapeutic framework.
Research by MacLaren (2000) found that laboratory studies correctly identified 83.3% of guilty and 90.7% of innocent participants, with a mathematical model demonstrating that requiring two consecutive failures reduces the false positive rate substantially [31]Verified Can We Trust Counterintelligence Polygraph Tests?
Confirms laboratory studies found 83.3% of guilty and 90.7% of innocent participants correctly identified; demonstrates requiring two consecutive failures reduces false positive rate. This research supports the reliability of polygraph as a verification tool.
Infidelity Recovery Statistics
Research on recovery outcomes is encouraging. Studies show that approximately 60-75% of couples who experience infidelity are able to rebuild their relationships and stay together with the help of therapy and mutual effort [21]Verified Infidelity Recovery Statistics
Confirms approximately 60-75% of couples who experience infidelity can rebuild their relationships with therapy and mutual effort. The Marín, Christensen, and Atkins (2014) five-year follow-up study found that couples who disclosed the affair and addressed it in therapy had significantly better outcomes than those who kept the affair secret [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together.
Among the infidelity couples who stayed together in the Marín et al. study, marital satisfaction and stability looked very similar to couples without infidelity [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together. This is a powerful finding: couples who do the hard work of disclosure and recovery can achieve relationship satisfaction that matches or exceeds what they had before the betrayal.
Dr. Jill Manning's research on polygraph testing in sex addiction recovery found that 46.7% of partners said the results confirmed what the mate had already told them, 20% reported the results helped them trust or begin to trust their mate again, and 26.7% reported the results helped their relationship [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness. These modest but meaningful gains are highly significant in the early stages of recovery. For more about how lie detector tests support addiction therapy, see our guide on lie detector tests in sexual addiction therapy.
Costs and Practical Considerations
What Does Therapeutic Disclosure Testing Cost?
The polygraph examination portion typically costs between $400 and $1,200 in the United States, with a national average around $800 [22]Verified Polygraph Test Cost Guide
Confirms average polygraph test cost in the United States is between $400 and $1,200 with a national average of about $800. The cost depends on location, examiner qualifications, test complexity, and whether additional services like a detailed written report are included.
However, the full TDT process also includes individual therapy sessions for both partners during the preparation phase, the disclosure session itself, and post-test processing sessions. The total investment varies based on the length of preparation needed and the therapists involved. Therapeutic disclosures are sometimes done in an intensive format over a 2-3 day period, which may include travel costs for couples who attend specialized centers.
Contact our team for current pricing in your area. We offer professional polygraph testing at locations across the country, including options for lie detector testing in New York and Utah.
Timeline and What to Expect
The preparation phase typically takes 2-8 weeks, during which both partners work with their respective therapists. Many clinicians recommend the unfaithful partner achieve at least 90 days of sobriety before disclosure to allow the brain time to heal and restore full recall of events [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction. Typically, therapeutic disclosure occurs within three to six months after the beginning of treatment [7]Verified FAQ About Therapeutic Disclosure for Sex Addiction
Confirms 96% of betrayers and 93% of betrayed partners felt disclosure was in their best interest; confirms disclosure timing of 3-6 months after treatment begins.
The polygraph examination itself takes 2-3 hours [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. Post-test therapeutic processing begins immediately and continues within the couple's ongoing therapy. Clinical research suggests that most couples need two to three years of consistent work to fully recover from infidelity, though many begin to feel meaningful improvement within the first few months of therapy.
Practical preparation is essential. The unfaithful partner should avoid any mood-altering substances, including marijuana, for at least one week prior to the polygraph test [18]Verified Recommendations for Therapeutic Disclosures — Dr. Jill Manning
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance. Having a personal support system in place is critical for processing the information received during disclosure.
Choosing a Qualified Examiner
Essential Qualifications to Look For
When selecting a polygraph examiner for therapeutic disclosure, several key qualifications are essential. The examiner should have graduated from an APA-accredited polygraph academy with a minimum of 400 hours of instruction [19]Verified Basic Polygraph Examiner's Course — APA Accreditation
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph course consists of minimum 400 hours of instruction. They should hold active membership in the American Polygraph Association, which requires adherence to the APA's professional code of ethics and Standards of Practice [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval.
The examiner should complete a minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years [20]Verified APA Continuing Education Requirements
Confirms practicing examiners shall complete minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years and ideally hold PCSOT certification with the additional 40 hours of specialized APA-approved instruction [10]Verified APA PCSOT Specialized Training Requirements
Confirms minimum 40 hours of specialized instruction approved by APA for PCSOT certification. Most importantly, the examiner should have experience working within therapeutic contexts, ideally with specific training or collaboration with therapists specializing in sex addiction or betrayal trauma [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction.
A skilled therapeutic polygraph examiner understands that the process is not about intimidation but about creating a structured environment where honesty can flourish [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. They approach the examination with sensitivity and compassion, recognizing the emotional weight of what is being disclosed. For couples who are uncertain about whether testing is appropriate for their situation, our article on polygraph testing after emotional affairs explores different scenarios.
Emotional Preparation for Both Partners
For the Betrayed Partner
Emotional preparation is crucial for the partner who will receive the disclosure. Working with a therapist trained through APSATS or IITAP in partner trauma helps develop coping strategies and realistic expectations [4]Verified APSATS — Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period. It is important to understand that the disclosure may contain painful information, but the goal is to establish a complete picture that allows for informed decision-making about the relationship.
The betrayed partner should prepare practically as well. Dr. Jill Manning's clinical guidelines recommend that couples plan on taking separate vehicles to and from the disclosure and on making arrangements not to be under the same roof for at least one to two nights post-disclosure [18]Verified Recommendations for Therapeutic Disclosures — Dr. Jill Manning
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance. Having a personal support system in place — a trusted friend, family member, or individual therapist — is essential for processing the information received.
The betrayed partner is also involved in deciding what information they want to receive and in what format, including the level of detail, the who, what, where, when, and how [14]Verified So How Does Full Therapeutic Disclosure Work?
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period. This agency is a critical part of the healing process — unlike the betrayal itself, the therapeutic disclosure process gives the betrayed partner choices.
For those navigating trust issues in different relationship contexts, our guide on infidelity in long-distance relationships addresses unique challenges, while our article on gaslighting and polygraph testing explores how testing can reveal hidden truth.
For the Unfaithful Partner
For the partner making the disclosure, emotional preparation involves working through shame and denial to reach a place of genuine willingness to be fully honest. This often requires several months of individual therapy before the disclosure can proceed.
Practical preparation includes avoiding any mood-altering substances, including marijuana, for at least one week prior to the polygraph test [18]Verified Recommendations for Therapeutic Disclosures — Dr. Jill Manning
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance. The unfaithful partner should work closely with their therapist to conduct a thorough self-review, revisiting old emails, text messages, or bank records to accurately recall past behaviors [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. The goal is to arrive at the disclosure day having already done the difficult emotional work of confronting the full scope of their behavior.
For those who have been unfaithful and are beginning the recovery journey, our guide on I cheated on my wife — recovery and rebuilding provides additional support and guidance. Our article on partner wants a lie detector test addresses the perspective of the unfaithful partner directly.
When TDT May Not Be Appropriate
Contraindications and Limitations
TDT is not appropriate in every situation. Several contraindications should be considered before proceeding. Dr. Jill Manning identifies situations where polygraph testing may not be appropriate, including: lack of sobriety (a minimum of 90 days is recommended), medically impaired recall or memory, active substance abuse issues, active suicidal ideation, psychosis, and mental illness or trauma that is not well-managed [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness.
TDT may not be suitable when there is active domestic violence, when one partner is being coerced, or when the unfaithful partner has not engaged in any individual therapeutic work. The process requires both partners to be willing participants — it cannot be ethically coerced. Manning also notes that vindictive or punitive motives for seeking testing, as opposed to therapeutic motives, are a contraindication [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness.
Additionally, if the partner views polygraph testing as the one and only way to trust the recovering partner (versus one of many ways), this mindset should be addressed therapeutically before proceeding [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness. A qualified therapist can help determine whether TDT is appropriate for a specific couple's circumstances. For those exploring other relationship options, our articles on preventing online infidelity and micro-cheating offer proactive strategies.
Individual Therapy Preparation (2–8 Weeks)
Both partners work with their respective therapists. The unfaithful partner prepares a comprehensive written disclosure, while the betrayed partner develops coping strategies and establishes emotional support systems. A minimum of 90 days sobriety is recommended before disclosure.
Pre-Test Document Review
The polygraph examiner meets with the examinee to review the disclosure document, clarify ambiguous language, identify testable claims, and formulate specific yes/no questions for the examination.
The Polygraph Examination (2–3 Hours)
The polygraph test is conducted using standard physiological monitoring equipment. The examination includes a pre-test interview, 2–3 chart collections measuring cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal responses, and a post-test review.
Post-Test Therapeutic Processing
Results are communicated to both partners in a therapy session. The therapist helps the couple process the information, whether the disclosure is verified as truthful or deception is indicated, and guides next steps in the recovery process.
Pros
- Eliminates the destructive cycle of trickle truth by establishing a verified, complete disclosure
- Provides an external, objective measure of truthfulness that does not rely on the betrayed partner's own assessment
- Creates a structured framework for honest communication within professional therapeutic support
- 96% of betraying partners and 93% of betrayed partners surveyed felt the disclosure process was in their best interest [7]
- Research shows 57% of couples who disclosed and worked in therapy stayed together at five years, versus only 20% when the affair remained hidden [5]
- Accelerates the trust-rebuilding process by establishing a confirmed foundation of honesty
- Offers the unfaithful partner a tangible way to demonstrate commitment to transparency
- Peer-reviewed research consistently shows polygraph examination enhances disclosure completeness [23] [26]
Cons
- The process requires significant emotional preparation and investment from both partners
- Multi-issue disclosure tests may have lower reliability than single-issue examinations (85% vs. 89% accuracy) [9]
- Total costs including therapy sessions and the polygraph can be substantial
- Requires both partners to be willing participants — the process cannot be ethically coerced
- Receiving the full truth during disclosure can be intensely painful, even with therapeutic preparation
- A minimum preparation period of several months is required before the disclosure can proceed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Therapeutic Disclosure Testing (TDT)?
TDT is a specialized application of polygraph examination conducted within a couples therapy framework. The unfaithful partner prepares a comprehensive written disclosure about their infidelity or secretive behaviors under therapeutic guidance, and a qualified polygraph examiner then verifies the truthfulness of that disclosure using a statement verification approach [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options. Results are processed in a therapy session with both partners present. The entire process is voluntary and designed for healing, not punishment.
How accurate is the polygraph in therapeutic disclosure?
The APA's meta-analytic survey found that single-issue diagnostic polygraph testing produces an aggregated decision accuracy of 89%, with a confidence interval of 83% to 95% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. Multiple-issue techniques, which are more relevant to therapeutic disclosure, produce an accuracy of 85% with a confidence interval of 77% to 93% [9]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval. Since therapeutic disclosure often involves multiple issues verified through a statement verification approach, the process remains a highly valuable tool within the broader therapeutic framework.
How much does therapeutic disclosure testing cost?
The polygraph examination portion typically costs between $400 and $1,200 in the United States, with a national average around $800 [22]Verified Polygraph Test Cost Guide
Confirms average polygraph test cost in the United States is between $400 and $1,200 with a national average of about $800. However, the full TDT process also includes individual therapy sessions for both partners during the preparation phase, the disclosure session, and post-test processing sessions. The total investment varies based on the length of preparation needed and the therapists involved. Contact our team for current pricing in your area.
How long does the entire TDT process take?
The preparation phase typically takes 2–8 weeks, during which both partners work with their respective therapists. Many clinicians recommend that the unfaithful partner achieve at least 90 days of sobriety before disclosure [12]Verified Therapeutic Disclosure and the Partner of a Sex Addict
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction. The polygraph examination itself takes 2–3 hours [16]Verified The Role of Polygraphs in a Full Therapeutic Disclosure — Detailed Process
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner. Therapeutic disclosure typically occurs within three to six months after beginning treatment [7]Verified FAQ About Therapeutic Disclosure for Sex Addiction
Confirms 96% of betrayers and 93% of betrayed partners felt disclosure was in their best interest; confirms disclosure timing of 3-6 months after treatment begins. Post-test therapeutic processing begins immediately and continues within the couple's ongoing therapy.
What if the polygraph indicates deception during TDT?
If significant deception is indicated, the therapist helps the couple navigate this information within the therapeutic framework. This typically involves additional individual therapy sessions for the unfaithful partner, a revised disclosure statement, and potentially a follow-up polygraph examination. A deceptive result does not automatically mean the relationship is over — it means there is more work to be done to achieve full honesty. Follow-up examinations should be spaced at least three months apart to avoid habituation effects [11]Verified Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options.
Can TDT be used for issues other than sexual infidelity?
Yes. While TDT is most commonly used in the context of sexual infidelity and compulsive sexual behavior, the same framework can be applied to other forms of relational betrayal, including financial deception, substance abuse that was hidden from a partner, or other significant secrets. The key requirement is that both partners are willing participants and that the process is guided by a qualified therapist.
How do I find a qualified therapist for therapeutic disclosure?
Look for therapists with specialized training in sex addiction and betrayal trauma. Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSATs) trained through IITAP have specific training in facilitating therapeutic disclosures [3]Verified IITAP — International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
Confirms IITAP provides CSAT training and certification founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, with structured therapeutic disclosure protocols. For the betrayed partner, therapists certified through APSATS as Certified Clinical Partner Specialists (CCPS) provide specialized support [4]Verified APSATS — Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model. The CSAT program, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, includes rigorous coursework, supervision, and testing [3]Verified IITAP — International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
Confirms IITAP provides CSAT training and certification founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, with structured therapeutic disclosure protocols. Our therapist's guide to requesting a client polygraph exam provides additional resources.
Is TDT appropriate for all couples dealing with infidelity?
TDT is not appropriate in every situation. It works best when both partners are voluntarily committed to the process, when the infidelity has already been acknowledged (at least in general terms), and when there is a genuine desire to explore whether the relationship can be rebuilt. It may not be suitable when there is active domestic violence, lack of sobriety, active suicidal ideation, or when one partner is being coerced [1]Verified Polygraph Testing in Sex Addiction Recovery
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness. A qualified therapist can help determine whether TDT is appropriate for a specific couple's circumstances.
What percentage of couples recover after infidelity with professional help?
Research is encouraging. Studies show that approximately 60-75% of couples who work with a skilled therapist can rebuild their relationship after infidelity [21]Verified Infidelity Recovery Statistics
Confirms approximately 60-75% of couples who experience infidelity can rebuild their relationships with therapy and mutual effort. The Marín, Christensen, and Atkins 2014 five-year follow-up study found that approximately 57% of couples who disclosed the affair and addressed it in therapy stayed together, compared to only about 20% when the affair remained hidden [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together. Among the infidelity couples who stayed together, marital satisfaction and stability looked very similar to couples without infidelity [5]Verified Infidelity and Behavioral Couple Therapy: Relationship Outcomes Over 5 Years Following Therapy
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together.
Where can I book a lie detector test near me?
LieDetectorTest.com offers professional polygraph testing at 140+ locations across 23 states, including New York (24 locations), California (20), Florida (19), New Jersey (18), Colorado (13), Connecticut (8), and more. All examiners are trained to APA standards. Find your nearest location through our polygraph test locations directory or contact us directly for current availability and pricing.
Sources & References
Confirms clinical protocols for polygraph use in sex addiction recovery, including contraindications like lack of sobriety, active substance abuse, and punitive motives; confirms partner research statistics on polygraph helpfulness
Confirms that disclosure is a process rather than a one-time event, that withholding of information is common; surveyed 82 addicts and 82 partners; confirms majority of both groups recommended disclosure
Confirms IITAP provides CSAT training and certification founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, with structured therapeutic disclosure protocols
Confirms APSATS provides training and certification for clinicians working with betrayed partners, including CCPS certification and Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model
Confirms five-year outcomes showing approximately 43% divorce rate when affair revealed in therapy vs approximately 80% when kept secret; 57% of disclosed-affair couples stayed together
Confirms the polygraph serves as an external measure allowing the betrayed partner to feel secure in having the full truth; confirms typical process spans 2-3 hours
Confirms 96% of betrayers and 93% of betrayed partners felt disclosure was in their best interest; confirms disclosure timing of 3-6 months after treatment begins
Confirms both betraying parties (96%) and significant others (93%) felt disclosure was in their best interest; confirms importance of structured disclosure process
Confirms APA meta-analysis finding 89% aggregated accuracy for single-issue diagnostic testing with 83-95% confidence interval; 85% for multiple-issue with 77-93% confidence interval
Confirms minimum 40 hours of specialized instruction approved by APA for PCSOT certification
Confirms statement verification methodology for therapeutic disclosure polygraphs; confirms 3-month minimum spacing between exams; confirms three types of disclosure options
Confirms Dr. Patrick Carnes's recommendation of minimum 90 days of sobriety before disclosure; confirms need for examiners experienced in sex addiction
Confirms standard disclosure content areas including type of behavior, frequency, timeline, number of partners, and money spent
Confirms CCPS (APSATS) and CPTT (IITAP) certifications for partner therapists; confirms 90-day sobriety and 3-4 month preparation period
Confirms importance of thorough self-review and therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach for disclosure polygraphs
Confirms typical disclosure polygraph spans 2-3 hours; confirms importance of therapeutic sensitivity in examiner approach; confirms preparation steps for betraying partner
Confirms accuracy thresholds: 90%+ for single-issue diagnostic, 86%+ for paired testing, 80%+ for investigative
Confirms 8-10 question recommendation for partners; confirms practical guidelines including separate transportation and substance avoidance
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph course consists of minimum 400 hours of instruction
Confirms practicing examiners shall complete minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years
Confirms approximately 60-75% of couples who experience infidelity can rebuild their relationships with therapy and mutual effort
Confirms average polygraph test cost in the United States is between $400 and $1,200 with a national average of about $800
Confirms polygraph group disclosed more deviant sexual behaviors and paraphilia interests than the comparison group in study of 52 sex offenders
Confirms polygraph group disclosed more deviant behaviors and paraphilic interests, supporting SHDE interview effectiveness with polygraph
Confirms feasibility and effectiveness of polygraph disclosure testing with British sexual offenders, supporting international applicability
Confirms 93% of participants disclosed both contact and noncontact offenses during polygraph-facilitated disclosure
Confirms both juvenile and adult offenders disclosed significantly more victims and offense types during polygraph-assisted interviews
Confirms the disclosure polygraph examination produced substantially more self-reported victims and paraphilic behaviors than official records alone
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing was associated with increased high-risk disclosures, enhanced motivation for honesty, and improved compliance with license conditions
Confirms post-conviction SHDE polygraph examinations elicited substantially greater disclosure of deviant sexual behaviour from Dutch cybercrime offenders than official records
Confirms laboratory studies found 83.3% of guilty and 90.7% of innocent participants correctly identified; demonstrates requiring two consecutive failures reduces false positive rate
Foundational research on physiological responses to deception; confirms level of socialization significantly predicted polygraph detectability
When rebuilding trust depends on verified disclosure, arrange a confidential infidelity lie detector test with a professional examiner near you.