In this episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and Maryanne Michaelis continue their exploration of intimacy by focusing on verbal and emotional intimacy. They discuss how curiosity, vulnerability, and emotional expression create deeper connection—while assumptions, fear, and unspoken emotions quietly erode it.

Through personal stories, clinical insight, and practical examples, they show how verbal intimacy often opens the door to emotional intimacy—and how safe, intentional communication strengthens relationships with partners, children, and community. The episode also addresses why intimacy can feel unsafe after trauma or betrayal and how to begin rebuilding connection in healthy, realistic ways.

• The connection between verbal intimacy and emotional intimacy

• Why curiosity (“Tell me more”) deepens connection

• How assumptions block intimacy—even in long-term relationships

• Using “I feel” statements instead of blame or shame

• Emotional safety, boundaries, and timing in disclosure

• The role of community in helping people find words after trauma

• Applying intimacy skills in parenting and everyday relationships

• Understanding inner circles of trust and emotional access

• Psychological safety as the foundation for intimacy

• Mirror neurons and emotional attunement

• Self-disclosure vs. emotional flooding

• Differentiation in relationships

• Trauma-informed communication

• The healing power of shared experience and community

The themes discussed in this episode—connection, vulnerability, emotional safety, and repair—will be explored in depth at the upcoming Human Intimacy Conference.

📅 March 13–14 📍 Online | Mountain Time

This two-day conference is designed for individuals and couples seeking healing and deeper connection after betrayal. It includes:

• Separate individual and couples tracks

• Live and recorded expert presentations

• Trauma-informed yoga sessions

• On-demand access to all recordings

• Bonus access to last year’s full conference recordings

🎟️ Special Discount: Use coupon code 40OFF to receive 40% off registration (Valid through the end of January)

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

1. Who in my life feels safe enough for deeper verbal and emotional intimacy?

2. Where do I assume instead of asking curious, open questions?

3. What emotions have I been holding inside that may need safe expression?

Verbal and emotional intimacy grow when we show up, stay curious, and speak honestly—without blame or assumption. Intimacy isn’t about perfect words; it’s about presence, safety, and the courage to be seen.

In this episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis take a deeper dive into the seven types of intimacy, focusing specifically on psychological intimacy as the foundation of all connection. They explore how honesty, trust, loyalty, and commitment are disrupted by betrayal—and why secrecy and deception, more than behaviors alone, create trauma. The discussion highlights how vulnerability, accountability, and repair rebuild safety over time, especially in relationships impacted by betrayal trauma. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight for couples navigating healing and reconnection.

• Relationship Intimacy Test & Intimacy Pyramid Free assessment and companion materials HumanIntimacy.com → Free Courses → Companionship Course

• Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life Podcast and course for individuals seeking recovery from unwanted sexual behaviors Available at HumanIntimacy.com

• Rise: Hope & Healing After Sexual Betrayal Podcast and course created specifically for betrayed partners Available at HumanIntimacy.com

• Human Intimacy Conference – March 13–14, 2026 Online conference featuring leading experts on individual healing, recovery, and relationship repair Registration link: 2nd Annual Human Intimacy Conference 2026

• Use 40off to get 40% off your registration

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.

• 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

• 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)

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