About the Author
Lee Baucom, Ph.D. is an 0ver 30 year veteran of marriage therapy and relationship coaching. His training has been in marriage and family therapy, earning two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in the area. He has also completed specialty training in Community Building, as well as in Personal and Life Coaching.
Lee is an experienced facilitator of health and healing for individuals, couples, families, and organizations. This experience has given Lee a different perspective on why couples have problems, and what the solutions are for these problems.
From the beginning, Lee was committed to making relationships work. It is his contention that most relationships are salvageable, and that many take the “easy way out,” rather than finding a workable solution that preserves the relationship, leaving the relationship healthy and individuals happy.
Dr. Baucom is a notable figure in the field of relationship and marriage work, particularly known for his approach to helping couples facing serious marital challenges. His contributions are primarily focused on unconventional, solution-based methods for saving marriages, especially when one partner is resistant or not fully committed to the process. Some of his key ideas and contributions include:
Save the Marriage” System
– Baucom is best known for his program, Save the Marriage, which offers a comprehensive system designed for couples in crisis. The program focuses on helping couples repair their marriages by understanding the deeper emotional and psychological dynamics at play.
– Unlike traditional marriage counseling, which often involves both partners in therapy sessions, Baucom’s approach acknowledges that sometimes only one partner may be willing to actively work on saving the marriage. He emphasizes that one partner can begin the process of change and lead the marriage toward healing, a key differentiation in his work.
Focus on Mindset and Responsibility
– A significant aspect of Baucom’s work is the idea that changing the way individuals think about their marriage can have a profound impact. He teaches couples to move away from a mindset of blame and resentment toward one of understanding and personal responsibility.
– His approach often encourages couples to focus on what they can control—such as their own behavior, attitudes, and emotional responses—rather than trying to change their partner.
Relational Empowerment
– Baucom emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment within relationships. He believes that by shifting from a position of fear or neediness to one of strength and confidence, partners can foster a healthier dynamic. This empowerment allows individuals to act from a place of security rather than desperation, which can be transformative for the relationship.
– His teachings encourage people to focus on personal growth and building emotional resilience, which in turn positively impacts the relationship.
Marriage as a Growth Journey
– One of Baucom’s core beliefs is that marriage is a journey of personal and relational growth. He encourages couples to view challenges as opportunities to deepen their connection and evolve as individuals. This growth-centered view helps couples move past immediate crises and focus on the long-term development of their relationship.
Books and Resources
– Baucom has written seven books, the most well-known being How to Save Your Marriage in 3 Simple Steps and Save the Marriage. These books outline his methods and provide practical steps for couples to rebuild their relationships.
– His work has reached a broad audience, largely through his online programs, podcasts, and coaching, which provide accessible resources for couples seeking help.
Unconventional Counseling Alternatives
– Baucom is critical of some traditional marriage counseling methods, particularly when they focus heavily on conflict resolution and communication. He believes that many couples, especially those in deep crisis, need a more holistic approach that addresses the emotional underpinnings of the relationship and fosters empathy, emotional connection, and long-term commitment rather than simply resolving surface-level conflicts.
Influence and Legacy
– Global Reach: Baucom’s online presence has allowed him to reach a global audience, helping many couples who may not have access to traditional therapy or who prefer a self-guided approach.
– Alternative Approach: By advocating for an approach where even one partner can start making changes to heal a marriage, Baucom has broadened the conversation about what it means to work on a relationship. This has had a significant impact on people who feel stuck in marriages where their partner is disengaged.
– Empowerment Focus: His focus on personal empowerment, responsibility, and emotional growth as key components of marital success has influenced many relationship coaches and self-help practitioners.
Dr. Baucom has made a lasting impact on the world of marriage and relationship work by offering alternative, actionable strategies that emphasize personal responsibility, growth, and empowerment. His influence is particularly strong among those seeking to save their marriages outside of traditional therapy models, and his methods have provided hope and practical solutions to couples facing significant challenges.
Lee has been happily married for over 30 years, and has two children. Lee is devoted to his family, and sees that as inspiration for his own work with families trying to find health.
In addition to family time, in his off-hours, Lee enjoys trail running, pickleball, and scuba diving. He also pursues flyfishing and is an avid reader with a great deal of curiosity about a number of diverse fields.