America’s Marriage Crisis

One of ever two American marriages ends up in divorce. I am a psychotherapist in private practice and have worked with many couples over the years. The realization that their marriage is in crisis is what brings couples into my office. It seems that individuals are having extreme difficulty connecting with others on an intimate level. This happens because they are not sure of what intimacy means and they are frightened to let their guards down in order to allow this closeness to occur. The art of intimacy is not taught in many places in modern society. Matter of fact, the message of corporate America is that focusing on the self is the highest priority one can attain. This self focus combined with the need for instant gratification makes it difficult to connect with others in a meaningful way.

The lack of connection occurs because many married partners don’t really understand what intimacy means and, if they do have some concept of this level of relating, they are unsure if they want to experience it. They are afraid to experience intimacy because they would find themselves in waters never before navigated and this can be terrifying to imagine. Folks in relationships are also reluctant to enter into close relationships out of fear of ultimately being rejected.

Therapy can help couples understand what true intimacy really is. The myths and incorrect beliefs about being close can be examined and transformed; a pathway to loving connection can be built.