So Sorry! Ben Affleck Apologizes To Jennifer Garner For Nanny Cheating Scandal -- His Heartfelt Confession Revealed

Ben Affleck has denied he had an affair with nanny Christine Ouzounian, but RadarOnline.com has learned that he recently apologized to Jennifer Garner for the way the scandal unfolded -- during a tense counseling session!

For the first time since the couple announced their split, "Ben took responsibility for his relationship with their former nanny, Christine Ouzounian," an insider told RadarOnline.com. "The relationship had started after the couple had already split up, but Jen was humiliated when the relationship went public." As RadarOnline.com reported, sources say Affleck and Ouzounian became close confidantes as his divorce drama unfolded, but it was never meant to be romantic.

"Christine often complained to Ben that Jen was being overly critical of her work with their three kids," said the source. "Jen had felt that she was being unfairly attacked by Ben, and couldn't understand why at the time. They were trying to co-parent their kids but Ben was just being a real bear to deal with. Now she realizes what was really going on."

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"Ben was truly sorry when he apologized to Jen, and she thought it was a very good step moving forward," the source said.

Garner and Affleck attended a two-hour marathon marriage counseling session earlier this week, but insiders insist there are no plans for reconciliation.

Instead, the Hollywood pair is doing the best they can for the sake of their three children — Violet, 7, Seraphina, 4, and Samuel, 20 months.

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Meanwhile, Garner has told pals, "not having to be Ben's mother has been a huge relief for her, and she is finally able to focus on her life," according to the insider.