Enhancing Intimacy in Marriage

Most people believe that intimacy is a unitary construct-that is, that it is made up of only one component. Dr. Bagarozzi demonstrates how intimacy is comprised of at least nine separate subcomponents. The degree to which partners can meet the intimacy needs of their mates in all nine areas is critical to marital satisfaction. Building upon the foundations of the author's Enhancing Intimacy Program, which he developed and utilized in his own practice with clients, EnhancingIntimacy in Marriage explores the ways in which intimacy is demonstrated and communicated between married partners. A simple questionnaire, the Intimacy Needs Survey, is used to help couples identify areas of satisfaction and areas where intimacy needs are not being met. Clinical strategies for helping couples improve their intimacy are presented in case examples. This book is unique in that it offers clinicians a step-by-step approach for both assessment and intervention

Dennis A. Bagarozzi, Ph.D., is currently a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Georgia. He works in private practice in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, at Human Resources Consultants, a consulting firm he formed in 1986. He has published widely, and has authored or co-authored seven texts. He is on the editorial boards of numerous clinical and scientific journals, and is the Editor of the Family Measurement Techniques section of the American Journal ofFamily Therapy.

Preface PART I: THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. Intimacy: Components of a Basic Human Need 2. Intimacy: An Interactive and Dynamic Process 3. The Intimacy Needs Survey: An Experimental Measure for Clinicians 4. Assessment Considerations PARTII: PRACTICAL ISSUES 5. Practices and Procedures for Enhancing Intimacy: A Case Study of Clara and Ralph 6. Enhancing Intimacy: Practices and Procedures with Clara and Ralph Continued 7. Sexual Intimacy: Special Considerations 8. Final Considerations References Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Index