Brent J. Atkinson, Ph.D.

The Couples Clinic

1250 Executive Place, Suite 501

Geneva, IL 60134

Phone Number: (630) 232-7457

Email: brent@thecouplesclinic.com

Dr. Atkinson is author of Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy and co-founder of the Couples Clinic, home of an innovative team of therapist/educators who have pioneered new methods for improving relationships. The team’s methods are used widely by marriage counselors and educators across the United States. In recent years, they’ve been the topic of numerous keynote addresses at professional conferences, dozens of professional journal articles, and have been featured recently in The Oprah Magazine, the Washington Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and other outlets. The Couples Clinic team’s methods are scientifically-based, drawing from 1) long term research studies that have identified exactly what successful couples do differently than couples whose marriages eventually fail. 2) studies that examine how emotional attachment occurs in marriage, and why an emotional bond is crucial both to the success of marriages and the well-being of individual partners. 3) new neurological studies which suggest how we can break out of old habits of interacting with others by "reconditioning" our brains for more flexibility. Visit the Couples Clinic website at www.thecouplesclinic.com. Learn more about our programs, methods, upcoming seminars, and read about the experiences of couples who have participated in treatment at our website.

All couples are welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, religious or sexual orientation.

Gender: Male

Graduate Degree: Ph.D.

University: Texas Tech University

Graduate Degree: M.S.

University: University of Wisconsin

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

State Licensed In: IL

Certifications/Awards/Memberships/Publications:

Article: Atkinson, B. (2005). The love breakthrough. O, The Oprah Magazine, January 2005, 128-131, 163.

Book: Atkinson, B. (2005). Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy: Advances from Neurobiology and the Science of Intimate Relationships. NY: W.W. Norton.

Book: Atkinson, B. (2005). Developing habits for relationship Success (Electronic workbook containing 50 exercises for couples) NY: W.W. Norton.

Article: Atkinson, B. (2004). Altered states: Why insight itself isn’t enough for lasting change. Psychotherapy Networker, 28(5), pp. 43-45, 67.

Article: Atkinson, B. (2001). Brain to brain: New ways to help couples avoid relapse. Psychotherapy Networker, 26(5), 38–45, 64.

Article: Atkinson, B. (1999). The emotional imperative. Family Therapy Networker. 23(4), 22–33.

Article: Atkinson, B. (1998). Pragmatic/experiential therapy for couples. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 17,18-35.

Recent Keynote Addresses given at the AAMFT annual conferences of the following states/divisions: Michigan (2005), British Columbia (2004), Missouri (2004), Alberta (2003), Quebec (2003), Alaska (2003), S. Carolina (2002), Georgia (2000), Iowa (2000)

Past President, Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Appointed by the governor to the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board, Illinois Division of Professional Regulation.