Five Counseling Techniques for Increasing Attachment, Intimacy, and Sexual Functioning in Couples

Attachment literature is rooted in child development with focus on the relationship that develops between infant and caregiver for the first few years of life. Research demonstrates that attachment style and subsequent working models developed in childhood impact later adult relationships, particularly romantic relationships. This paper asserts that both members of a couple bring attachment styles and working models that reciprocally impact sexual functioning and ongoing attachment. Therefore, application of the techniques offered in this paper may increase secure attachment and positive working models that may increase the likelihood of increased intimacy and sexual functioning.