The 7 Types of Intimacy: Reclaiming Connection in a Disconnected World (Episode #100)

The 7 Types of Intimacy: Reclaiming Connection in a Disconnected World Episode Summary

In this milestone 100th episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis reflect on two years of conversations—and over 50,000 downloads—by returning to the very heart of their work: human intimacy.

This episode introduces Dr. Skinner’s Intimacy Triangle (or Pyramid), a framework he developed more than 20 years ago to help individuals and couples understand that intimacy is far more than sex. Instead, deep, lasting connection is built from the ground up through seven distinct but interconnected forms of intimacy:

1. Psychological Intimacy – the foundation of safety built on trust, honesty, loyalty, and commitment

2. Verbal Intimacy – sharing information and everyday experiences

3. Emotional Intimacy – expressing feelings, fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities

4. Cognitive / Intellectual Intimacy – engaging ideas, beliefs, and curiosity together

5. Creative Intimacy – bonding through shared projects and co-creation

6. Spiritual Intimacy – connection that transcends words, often felt in shared meaning, values, or sacred moments

7. Physical / Sexual Intimacy – the natural expression that emerges when the other layers are present

Dr. Skinner and MaryAnn explore how modern culture often reverses this order—placing sexual intimacy at the foundation—and how this inversion contributes to loneliness, disconnection, and relational distress. When intimacy is rebuilt from the bottom up, relationships become safer, deeper, and more resilient.

This episode also sets the stage for upcoming conversations that will break down each layer of intimacy in depth, offering listeners practical tools for healing, repair, and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Intimacy is multidimensional, not synonymous with sex

• Psychological safety is the cornerstone of all healthy connection

• Skipping layers of intimacy leads to counterfeit connection and deeper loneliness

• When intimacy is repaired holistically, emotional and physical closeness naturally follow

• Strong relationships are foundational to mental health, resilience, and well-being

Resources Mentioned

• Free Human Intimacy Podcast Companion Course
  Includes:

  • The Intimacy Triangle / Pyramid

  • A self-scoring intimacy reflection tool

  • The Relationship Intimacy Test
    👉 Available at HumanIntimacy.com

• Book: Rebuild Your Relationship After Sexual Betrayal by Dr. Kevin Skinner
  (Includes access to the Relationship Intimacy Test)

Upcoming Event

Dr. Skinner will be offering an in-depth two-hour training for couples on the Intimacy Repair Method at the upcoming conference:

🌿 2nd Annual Human Intimacy Conference

Dates: March 2025
What to Expect:

• Expert presentations

• Live Q&A

• Practical tools for rebuilding intimacy after betrayal

• Deep dives into connection, safety, and repair

🔗 Register here:
https://humanintimacy.zohobackstage.com/HumanIntimacy2ndAnnualConference#/

If you’re beginning a new year with a desire for deeper connection, healing, and meaningful relationships, this episode offers both a powerful framework and a hopeful path forward.