Dr. Bekah Thompson enjoys working with couples at all stages of their relationship. She is trained in Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) for premarital counseling and Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 2) for couples at all stages.
SYMBIS is a premarital counseling program designed to help couples build a strong foundation for their marriage. It was created by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, both of whom are clinical psychologists and experts in the field of marriage and family therapy. The program aims to equip couples with tools and insights to foster a healthy and enduring relationship.
Some key aspects of the SYMBIS program:
- Assessment: Couples begin with the SYMBIS Assessment, a comprehensive online questionnaire that evaluates various aspects of their relationship, including communication styles, conflict resolution, financial management, and sexual expectations. The assessment is designed to highlight strengths and areas for growth.
- Personalized Report: Based on the assessment, couples receive a detailed, personalized report that provides insights into their relationship dynamics. The report covers areas such as personality traits, family backgrounds, and key areas of compatibility and potential conflict.
- Facilitation: The SYMBIS Assessment is often administered by trained facilitators, who guide couples through the results of their assessment and help them understand the implications for their relationship.
- Skill Building: The program includes practical exercises and discussions aimed at improving essential relationship skills. Topics covered typically include effective communication, conflict resolution, financial planning, and establishing mutual goals and values.
- Customization: The SYMBIS program is customizable to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each couple. The approach is based on the couple's unique assessment results and areas of concern.
- Biblical Foundation: While the program is designed to be accessible to all couples, it incorporates Christian principles and teachings, making it particularly popular among faith-based communities.
- Ongoing Support: The program encourages ongoing support and follow-up to ensure that couples continue to apply the skills and insights they have gained.
SYMBIS is widely recognized for its evidence-based approach and its emphasis on proactive, preventative measures to ensure marital success. By addressing potential issues before they arise, the program helps couples build a resilient and loving partnership.
The Gottman Method is a well-known
approach to couples therapy developed
by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Based on
over four decades of research with
thousands of couples, the method aims
to enhance relationship satisfaction and
stability. Here are the key aspects of the
Gottman Method:
Core Principles:
- Building Love Maps: Partners should
know each other’s worlds intimately.
This includes understanding each
other's worries, stresses, joys, and
hopes. - Sharing Fondness and Admiration:
Expressing affection and respect is
crucial. Positive interactions can help
offset negativity and conflicts. - Turning Towards Instead of Away:
Couples learn to respond to each
other's bids for attention, affection,
and support, which fosters emotional
connection. - The Positive Perspective: A positive
approach to problem-solving and
interpreting each other’s behavior can
make a big difference. - Managing Conflict: Conflict is
inevitable, but it can be managed
constructively. This involves: - Making Life Dreams Come True:
Supporting each other’s life goals and
dreams. - Creating Shared Meaning: Building a
sense of purpose and understanding
within the relationship.
Therapeutic Techniques
- Assessment: The Gottman Method
involves a thorough assessment
process, including questionnaires and
interviews, to understand the couple’s
dynamics and areas of concern. - Interventions: Based on the
assessment, therapists use targeted
interventions to help couples
strengthen their relationships. These
can include exercises to build
intimacy, communication strategies,
and conflict resolution techniques. - The Sound Relationship House
Theory: This is a metaphorical
framework used to describe a healthy
relationship, where each component
(like trust, commitment, managing
conflict, and shared meaning)
supports the others.
Research Basis
The Gottman Method is grounded in
extensive empirical research. Dr. John
Gottman’s studies involved observing
couples in a lab setting, known as the
"Love Lab," where interactions were
recorded and analyzed to identify
patterns predictive of relationship
success or failure.
Effectiveness
The Gottman Method is widely respected
for its evidence-based approach. Many
therapists report positive outcomes using
these techniques, including improved
communication, increased intimacy, and
reduced conflict.
By focusing on building a solid foundation
and equipping couples with practical
tools for navigating their relationship, the
Gottman Method aims to foster lasting,
fulfilling partnerships.
- Gentle Start-Up: Starting
discussions without criticism or
contempt. - Accepting Influence: Being open
to your partner’s opinions and
feelings. - Repair Attempts: Efforts made to
de-escalate tension during a
conflict. - De-escalating: Learning to soothe
oneself and each other during
heated moments.