What Is Intimacy?

When your therapist discusses intimacy, it isn't limited to just sexual activity. Intimacy involves several aspects:

·         Emotional Intimacy: Can you share your thoughts and feelings with each other without fearing judgment?

·         Intellectual Intimacy: Do you engage in stimulating and meaningful discussions?

·         Spiritual Intimacy: Do you have similar values and beliefs?

·         Physical Intimacy: How do you show physical affection and touch to one another?

While sex is a component of physical intimacy, it can become difficult when there's pressure to perform (such as the expectation for orgasm or ejaculation). Sexual therapist Tammy Nelson suggests viewing physical intimacy as a pursuit of pleasure. Sex can be pleasurable, but so can massages and simple touch. To reduce performance pressure, physical intimacy should be seen as a chance for pleasure without expectations.

Therefore, when your therapist asks about intimacy, they are examining how you connect emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically—not merely in a sexual sense.