Intimacy in relation to couple therapy

Abstract

Intimacy is a central and important concept in couple relationships and couple therapy. It may be divided into four categories, namely sexual, physical, emotional and operational. Intimacy can vary with gender, culture and other influences, and there is no ideal level of intimacy to be striven for. Theories about the nature of intimacy derive from psychodynamic, interpersonal and systems concepts. A number of questionnaires have been devised to evaluate the level of intimacy in a couple. Certain syndromes and relationship problems, especially jealousy and depression, can be linked with intimacy conflict, and in most types of relationship problem there are intimacy elements. The management of intimacy problems in couple therapy is discussed and examples of therapeutic interventions given. In the final analysis, however, the aim should be to help the couple adjust to each other's preferred levels of intimacy, rather than to impose an arbitrary ideal of intimacy on them.