Research reveals that while about 80% of counselors and therapists claim to provide couples counseling (marriage/couples), only about 11% went through a program requiring professional training in couples counseling/marriage therapy. Most professionals offering couples/marriage counseling have not gone through coursework and supervision in marriage counseling. They might have watched an online video to be trained in a specific method, of providing help to marriages, but most counselors do not have the training needed to provide the care complex marital issues require. Each member of the BIM team has specific coursework and supervision in the theories, methods, and models of working with couples that have been proven to be effective. – Dr. Sytsma
For over 20 years, Building Intimate Marriages has served the metro Atlanta area in “helping you build stronger, more satisfying relationships.” Our team of skilled therapists is trained to provide quality care as you work to repair your relationship and become your most whole self. While offering a range of counseling services, we specialize in helping couples. This includes our popular BEFORE premarital counseling, navigating high conflict relationships, affair recovery, and sex therapy for intimate concerns. We are pleased to serve our clients in person at our comfortable office, or virtually from the comfort of their own home.
Our Mission
Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. seeks to help individuals learn the skills and develop the Christ-like character necessary for them to sustain a committed, satisfying, intimate marriage with their spouse. We accomplish this through professional marriage therapy, a variety of teaching formats and various resources for couples and individuals. We support and carry out professional research into marriage to further our knowledge and seek to train others to carry on our vision for marriage.
Our History
Building Intimate Marriages, Inc. (BIM) was founded in 1998 by Michael Sytsma and a handful of friends who believed in marriage and the ability to grow and improve them. BIM is established as a non-profit (501.c.3) corporation in the US and registered as a charity in the State of Georgia. It is goverened by a volunteer Board of Directors, guided by several advisors, and led by Dr. Sytsma who provides the day-to-day direction of the ministry.
Initially, Building Intimate Marriages was focused exclusively on Dr. Sytsma teaching and providing therapy. By the mid 2000’s, the team began to expand to include other therapists and speakers. As the team expanded, care was taken to only engage clinicians who were formally trained in marriage and sex therapy.
Today, BIM consists of a team of clinicians at varying levels of training and experience dedicated to helping forge strong individuals in healthy relationships. As a organization, BIM seeks to touch, teach, and train.
Touch – is providing counsel in the “stuck” points of life. We accomplish this through our various counseling products.
Teach – presents workshops, seminars, and various other teaching formats that transform lives.
Train – includes the various graduate and seminary courses as well as the professional continuing education and resources designed to raise up others to provide care.
We have a great group of professional counselors, therapists, and support staff dedicated to assisting you! Meet our team.
Learn what we are doing to help keep you safe during in-person sessions with counselors. Covid-19 Safety