
FAQ
No; he sits with each couple and listens to them until he fully understands the challenges they’re facing. Once he has a clear picture of the problem, Rabbi Sommer draws upon his experience with various therapy modalities and extensive network of therapists to refer a couple onward, according to their specific needs.
Rabbi Sommer’s positions as rosh chabura, rav and chosson teacher also make him more approachable to a couple at the beginning of their journey toward a stronger marriage.
First and foremost, Blev Echad subsidizes the cost of therapy, which is a strain for many couples, and increases the stress of shalom bayis issues.
Also, therapy is usually only one session per week, for under an hour. A couple often needs guidance in between the sessions, as well as support in implementing the techniques they learn in therapy. (Incidentally, while therapy sessions cost money, Rabbi Sommer makes himself available to couples completely free of charge, and in addition to his many other responsibilities.)
Not at all. Blev Echad doesn’t pay for any couple’s therapy in full. It subsidizes a significant portion (between ½ and ¾) of the therapy, but every couple is investing their own money, as well as time and effort, into their therapeutic process.
Rabbi Sommer follows up with each couple at regular intervals to make sure they are seeing improvement. Blev Echad will only contribute financially to a couple that is putting their full effort into the therapeutic process.
He tracks progress with each therapist as well (with the couple’s permission), to ensure that there’s a defined goal and the couple is making clear progress.
In many cases, the parents would easily and happily sponsor the couple’s therapy, but at what cost? Bringing them into the picture could seriously affect the delicate relationship between children- and parents-in-law, so it’s not usually a viable solution.
Easy! Donate now to enable Rabbi Sommer to help even more couples. Tizku l’mitzvos!