Treating chronic sexual dysfunction in couples recovering from sex addiction and sex coaddiction

Abstract

This article describes techniques and therapy strategies to address the chronic sexual dysfunctions that are inherent in couples who are recovering from sex addiction and sex co-addiction and from the underlying sexual trauma that gives fuel to the sexual disorders. Often the therapist and couples experience frustration and high anxiety when relapses occur. A method for teaching, assessing, and intervening, and making ongoing evaluations of couples' sexuality is described, and a case illustration is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model, called the Manley model of positive sexuality.