ABSTRACT
When at least one member of a couple is sexually addicted, restoring trust and building intimacy can be very difficult. These couples must work as hard on their recovery together as a couple as they do on their individual recoveries. A number of key characteristics of these relationships can be understood and allowed to inform the work that needs to proceed. Relationships develop very much as individuals do. Margaret Mahler's developmental model can help couples understand this process. The 12 steps can be applied to couple recovery in order to facilitate the work of intimacy and trust building.
