Couples polarise around intimacy needs

I often work with couples who have different expectations when it comes to the amount of intimacy that each requires in the relationship. When one patner desires less or more intimacy than the other, this can set up a pattern of pursuing and distancing. The partner who would like more intimacy will seek to connect, while the partner who is happier with less connection may distance themselves from the other.

In the therapy session we then explore together-

• what each individual needs in relation to emotional and physical intimacy

• how much alone time eac prefers

• ways in which they can commuicate their preferences without blaming

• how they can each process their emotions in relation to their needs