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Family Advocacy Program offers relationship course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Personal relationships in the military sometimes face challenges that can impact even the strongest relationships.

"Couples need to make regular adjustments to ensure that they are staying on top of their closeness, intimacy and communication," said William C. White, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program Outreach Manager.

The Couples "LINKS" Program--Lasting Intimacy through Nurturing Knowledge and Skills--offers an opportunity for partners to understand their differences, increase their trust, and deepen their commitment.

Over five weeks, five classes revolve around the Relationship Attachment Model to marital relationships.

"The research-based LINKS program by Dr. John Van Epp is an enjoyable course addressing the core areas of committed relationships and the classes will teach couples how to keep their relationships resilient and how to surface potential problems long before they dampen the intimacy in your relationship," said White.

Couples can attend the class with their partner or on their own.

"Your marriage can be helped immensely if you initiate change," said White. "Sometimes, the best way to change your spouse is to model positive change in your own life. You can encourage your spouse to communicate better by learning to communicate better yourself."

Couple's communication classes support the Air Force mission, too.

"They positively impact mission readiness, preventing or alleviating stressors that impact our members so that they can focus on their duties," said White. "By strengthening our families we help reduce the stressors within the military lifestyle that can influence a servicemember's family life and career.

The Couple's LINKS program's next session begins March 23 from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m. at the medical group's aeromedical staging flight conference room. The classes will be for five consecutive Mondays.

White added that communication is a key to any successful relationship.

"Communication in relationships is like a river," he said. "When thoughts and feelings flow smoothly between marriage partners, it is fun, feels good, and helps support everyone around. In a great relationship couples talk freely, openly, and feel safe sharing their most private thoughts. They comfortably and considerately verbalize their concerns and feelings when difficulties arise and voice their positive thoughts when things are good."