"I don't believe that there exists another body of work that covers the broad subject of intimacy as thoroughly as this one. Intimacy, as well as privacy, is discussed, in particular, from a developmental framework and most uniquely, from a multicultural and multi-gendered framework. Included in this unique and most contemporary volume are pointed discussions of intimacy in the age of technology, intimacy in the therapeutic relationship, intimacy with lovers, intimacy with friends, intimacy with animals and intimacy with a supreme being. Any clinician is bound to benefit enormously from exposure to this edited book." Irwin Hirsch, Ph.D., New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis; The William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis & Psychology"Who amongst us does not want to know more about the topic of intimacy? And, this book provides all of us a great opportunity to do so. From Akhtar's masterful introduction through Kanwal's perspicacious chapter to Bohm’s concluding commentary, the reader repeatedly encounters rich, sophisticated, and nuanced discussion of various facets of intimacy. These include intimacy in love, friendship, spirituality, man’s relationship with animals, and, most importantly, intimacy in the clinical situation. This book is a delight both for the intellect and the emotions!" Aisha Abbasi, M.D., Training and Supervising Analyst, Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute, Author of Rupture of Serenity (2014)