Secure-Functioning Relationships During the Holidays: Insights from Dr. Stan Tatkin

Kyle Benson
The Healthy Relationship Guide
2 min readDec 21, 2023
insights on secure-functioning relationships during the holidays by dr. stan tatkin

This article was originally published on Kylebenson.net

The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings, but it can also bring its fair share of stress and challenges for couples. In our recent interview with renowned couples therapist and author, Dr. Stan Tatkin, we explored how to maintain and strengthen secure-functioning relationships during this often tumultuous time.

Dr. Stan Tatkin, a PsyD, MFT clinician, researcher, developer of the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy® (PACT), and best-selling author of In Each Other’s Care (4/25), along with the relationship must have book, Wired for Love.

Dr. Tatkin introduced us to his innovative PePPeR Technique, a valuable tool for couples seeking to Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Revise as they navigate the complexities of family holidays. This technique empowers couples to anticipate potential issues, strategize together, and ultimately protect their “couple bubble” from internal and external stressors.

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The heart of the conversation revolved around the concept of secure-functioning relationships. Dr. Tatkin shared his insights into what fosters a secure-functioning relationship and why they are crucial, especially during the holidays. Secure-functioning relationships are built on trust, mutual purpose, and shared visions. They provide a solid foundation for couples to weather the challenges posed by extended family dynamics and social pressures.

During the interview, Dr. Tatkin provided practical strategies for couples to create and sustain secure-functioning relationships. These strategies include aligning on a mutual purpose and vision for holiday events, understanding the PePPeR Technique’s four key elements, and learning how to apply them effectively in real-life scenarios.

The interview also featured real-life examples of couples who successfully implemented the PePPeR Technique, highlighting the tangible benefits it brought to their relationships during the holiday season.

For a deeper dive into these insightful conversations and to discover how you can protect and strengthen your relationship during the holidays, watch the full video interview below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your relationship’s resilience and make the most of your holiday season!

Join us in learning from Dr. Stan Tatkin’s expertise and take the first step towards creating a secure-functioning relationship that can weather any storm, even amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

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Kyle Benson
The Healthy Relationship Guide

Kyle Benson provides research based tools to build long-lasting relationships. Visit KyleBenson.net to improve your emotional connection today.