advice

Does your relationship have what it takes to deal with a medical illness?

Relationships can be tricky; they require communication, honesty, and love to keep it alive and healthy. You recognize what each other need and want out of the relationship and out of each other. You begin to share life lessons with one another. You learn to provide emotional support, validation, and compliments. You start sharing goals and dreams that resonate with both of you. You discover the value of compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness. But, what happens when the relationship you’ve worked so hard to keep healthy is threatened by a medical illness and it’s consequences?

Earning his doctorate in Medical Family Therapy from East Carolina University, Dr. Dan Marlowe is the Director of Behavioral Health for Campbell University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine where he is in charge of the psychosocial health of the medical and graduate student body. Dr. Marlowe’s studies focused on the integration of mental and behavioral health in medical settings, as well as the treatment of families and couples dealing with acute and chronic illness. His doctoral residency was spend at Duke Cancer Institute’s Cancer Patient Support program where he helped launch their research program as well as helped to expand their collaborative care program the provides counseling services to patients and their families at no cost. Dr. Marlowe is the president-elect for the North Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

To find out more about Dr. Marlowe and his practice, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, you can call (910) 893-1560 for an appointment.

 

SMART Resolutions: Do you have what it takes to better your relationship for the New Year?

The New Year is a time for resolutions to create better habits for the upcoming year. After all the holiday feasting we resolve to better our physical well-being with a promise to eat better, exercise more, and cut out the sweets and soda. We start to kick the bad habits by deciding to quit smoking, drink less alcohol, and stop biting our nails. To improve ourselves we resolve to become more organized, reduce stress, and be more independent. These are all resolutions we decide to do to better ourselves, but what can we do to better the relationship we have with our loved one for the New Year?

Earning her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech, Dr. Laura Bryan is the Clinic Director of Pfeiffer Institute Reach. She has over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families facing a wide range of issues, from depression and anger to divorce and parenting. Dr. Bryan is an Assistant Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Pfeiffer University in Raleigh. She is also the Director of the Capital Chapter of the North Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

To find out more about Dr. Bryan and her practice, Pfeiffer Institute Reach, you can visit their website or call (919) 941-2900 for an appointment.

Does your relationship have what it takes to survive depression?

As a society we are becoming more and more aware of mental health issues and its effects on our lifestyle. We now have Mental Health Awareness Month every May to build awareness for people with mental health issues, such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. While we are becoming more receptive and knowledgeable to the external and internal effects of mental health conditions, like depression, what can be done when depression begins to affect our families, and even our spouse? Can anything be done to help loved ones coping with the after effects?

Earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Anna Brandon practices at the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. Dr. Brandon has an extensive background in the healthcare profession having worked as an attending psychologist at the first perinatal psychiatric inpatient unit in the nation, conducting research in North Carolina and Texas for couples using partner-assisted interpersonal psychotherapy, as well as helping many women struggling with distress in the context of infertility, pregnancy, and chronic illness.

To find out more about Dr. Anna Brandon and her practice, UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders, you can visit their website or call (919) 966-5217 for an appointment.