Recovering Couples Anonymous at Sage Recovery & Wellness Center
“The Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) program was founded in 1988, based upon the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. The difference between RCA and AA is that the primary purpose of RCA is to help couples — both partners — to find freedom from addicted and destructive relationships. By using the tools of the RCA program, couples learn to take responsibility for the well-being of their relationship, build intimacy, and find joy with each other.
RCA teaches us not to blame our partner for the pathology of our current situation. As a trained professional, you know that both partners bring expectations, family-of-origin messages, abuse experiences, and individual coping mechanisms (including addictions) to their relationship.
We have found that working this program means using some suggested tools, one day at a time. The most important tool is attending RCA recovery meetings, where camaraderie and shared experiences help dissipate feelings of despair, couple shame, and the belief that “everybody else seems to know how to be happy.”
RCA meetings are for couples to attend together, although singles too are welcome in many RCA groups.
Of course, meetings do not replace a couple’s sessions with their counselor, but we know from personal experience and increased happiness in our own relationships that, as a complement, this program can help partners immeasurably to ease the pain of past hurts and to grow in their commitment and intimacy with each other.
Phone meetings are available weekly for couples who cannot get to a meeting or for whom there is no nearby group.”
