Name
Brent J. Atkinson, Ph.D. (1956–).
Introduction
Brent Atkinson is the principle architect of the Pragmatic/Experiential Method for Improving Relationships (also called the PEX Method), an approach that translates findings from neurobiology and the science of intimate relationships into practical methods for improving relationships. His pioneering work is detailed in the books Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy and Developing Habits for Relationship Success, has appeared in leading professional journals, and has been featured in outlets such as the Oprah Magazine, the Washington Post, and the Psychotherapy Networker. He is known for his ability to present complex scientific ideas in compelling and easy-to-understand ways.
Career
After completing a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University in 1985, Atkinson accepted a faculty position in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he spent the next 27 years. He served as...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Key Citations
Atkinson, B. (2005). Emotional intelligence in couples therapy: Advances from neurobiology and the science of intimate relationships. New York: W.W. Norton.
Atkinson, B. (2013). Mindfulness training and the cultivation of secure, satisfying couple relationships. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 2(2), 73–94.
Atkinson, B. (2016). Developing habits for relationship success (version 4.6). Geneva, IL: The Couples Research Institute.
Atkinson, B., Heath, A., & Chenail, R. (1991). Qualitative research and the legitimization of knowledge. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 17(2), 161–166.
Atkinson, B., Atkinson, L., Kutz, P., Lata, J., Szekely, J., Weiss, P., & Wittmann Lata, K. (2005). Rewiring neural states in couples therapy: Advances from affective neuroscience. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 24(3), 3–13.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Section Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Nicol, J. (2017). Atkinson, Brent. In: Lebow, J., Chambers, A., Breunlin, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_727-1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_727-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-15877-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-15877-8
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences