I was reading my monthly subscription of “Psychology Today” and was very taken with an article on intimacy. The article was written by Lisa A. Phillips, who is a professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz. The part that truly stood out to me was the following:
Becoming close to another person is one of the most thrilling experiences in the human repertoire, both the bedrock of emotional security and a passport to self-expansion.
If the relationship is a romantic one, intimacy is as much the essence of deep friendship as of lasting love. It carries the added charge of desire.
Although the term intimacy is often used as a euphemism for sex, anyone with a dear friend knows that physical attraction is not essential for any two people to create a true bond.
Intimacy is what you share with another human being who gets you.
The part that stood out to me the most was “self-expansion”. What that means to me is that my partner helps my process of growing into my authentic self. That through my partner, I can grow through whatever discomforts may arise. I, in turn can help them to grow as well.
For information on couples counseling in Long Island, contact me!
My approach towards couples therapy is oriented not only towards solving the problems a couple is facing, but to revive the feelings of love and affection they have towards one another.