The PAIRS course acts as a kind of bridge between marriage education and therapy, working both with couples in healthy relationships hoping to improve intimacy, and with distressed couples trying to save their marriages. "Building Intimate Relationships" is an edited work with contributions from the creator of the PAIRS program and the most experienced PAIRS leaders. It describes the elements of the PAIRS course and discusses the application of the theories and techniques taught in the PAIRS program. Chapters include discussions on intimacy, communication, conflict resolution, "emotional literacy, " sensuality and sexuality, spirituality and gender issues.