Passion is Possible: Yet Intimacy is Key

The current sex culture gleans an understanding of sex, intimacy, and connection from entertainment, media, and media relationships (Barry, R. Komisaruk, Beyer-Flores., Carlos., & Whipple, B. 2006, Klenin, M., 2012). According to scholars of neuroscience and the study of mind-body-spirit connectedness; there seems to be physiological and psychobiological residues of the isolation endured during the COVID-19 pandemic (M., Klenin, 2012; Schore., A; 2025, Watson et. al., 2020; Van der Kolk, Bessel 2014.) yet there is a sense of urgency of bridging the gap between isolation and connection (Watson, et. al 2020; Schore, A; 2025). Isolation during the crisis contributed to anxiety, depression, and dissociation (trauma response) during moments of interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences (Watson et al. 2020), including moments of intimacy According to literature that highlight the impact of COVID 19 on intimacy both interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics have a global perspective that is imperative to how we navigate relationally (Watson, M. F., Bacigalupe, G., Daneshpour, M., Han, W.-J., & Cardona, R. P. (2020). Watson et. al., 2020 include a need to address challenges that are salient to the global pandemic from a systemic framework. Van der Kolk Bessel stated, “Everything about us- our brains, our minds, and our bodies- is geared toward collaboration in social systems” Van der Kolk, Bessel (2014; pg. 166). Specifically, when considering multicultural factors for treatment planning, a systems perspective helps to conceptualize the presenting concern from an individual causation to that of understanding the diagnosis within the system in which the person demonstrates (linear vs circular causality). However, to better understand connection during or after a global crisis, the current presenter(s) will define intimacy, explore how performance expectation could stifle passion, and present somatic experiences that will cultivate congruency during physical intimacy.