The Affirming and Healing Balm of Acknowledgement  

In this episode of “The Human Intimacy Podcast”, Dr. Kevin Skinner welcomes Kosta Petrogeorge, a long-time colleague and friend, to explore the powerful concept of acknowledgement in relationships. The conversation dives into how deeply seeing and acknowledging loved ones—through intentional words, actions, and moments—can heal emotional wounds, strengthen intimacy, and foster deeper connections.  

Kosta shares poignant examples, including a scene from the film Dances with Wolves, where heartfelt acknowledgment powerfully affirms relationships. They discuss how couples navigating betrayal can intentionally reclaim spaces and relationships tarnished by infidelity or trauma, offering creative and therapeutic strategies. This includes a touching exercise to replace avoidance with an intentional ritual that fosters healing and repair.  

Through real-life stories, Kosta and Dr. Skinner demonstrate that true acknowledgment transcends mere words—it is an intentional act of claiming and honoring those we love. They also explore the impact of missed acknowledgment, sharing insights on how unresolved moments from the past can be addressed and healed.  

The episode concludes with everyday applications for acknowledgment, such as introducing loved ones with intention, greeting a spouse warmly, and practicing "wind in his hair" moments to affirm the value of those closest to us. Dr. Skinner leaves listeners with an inspiring reminder: We all have the choice to deepen our relationships through genuine acknowledgment.