communication

Does your spouse have what it takes to fulfill your every wish and desire?

While some things in life are considered essential, like food, water and shelter. Are you able to separate relationship wants v needs? As human beings, our unwavering desire for ‘more’ transforms what we need to survive into all the things we want to have instead. Is your partner able to identify and provide those items you consider essential to your relationship survival?  What about the extra benefits you crave? Can an ambitious appetite for all the luxuries that come with love overwhelm the basics deemed essential to the success of a relationship?

Rachel Payne Blair is a licensed clinical social worker with Greenlee Psychological and Support Services in Durham, North Carolina where she provides therapy for families, couples, and individuals and also provides clinical supervision for Master Level students. Earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, Rachel has applied her skills in the field of foster care, school counseling, as well as volunteering her time to assist in local homeless youth programs. Rachel has extensive training and experience in a wide range of areas, including coping with separation and attachment loss, repairing and reconnecting relationships, as well as couples counseling.

To find out more about Rachel Payne Blair and her practice, Greenlee Psychological and Support Services, you can visit their website  or call (919) 764-6402 for an appointment.

Movies are made for our entertainment, but are they the key to a real life Hollywood romance?

Authors like Jane Austen were setting unrealistic expectations of romance and breaking hearts all over the globe as early as the 18th century. Should it come as a surprise that present day romantic comedies are continuing the standard? Movies offer an escape from the daily routine and drama of life and feed our imagination with whimsical images and romantic tales. The glamorous illusion that Hollywood creates can be shattered all too quickly when we check back in to reality. Life isn’t always like it is in the movies, but wouldn’t it be great if it could be? Whether it’s a Say Anything boom box by your window or a surprise visit at work a la An Officer and a Gentleman; movies not only hold a high standard for romance and romantic gestures, it can serve itself up as an instruction guide to navigating love in the real world.

Professor of Family Medicine at UNC School of Medicine, as well as Director of Behavioral Medicine at Carolina Medical Center; Dr. Matthew Alexander is a psychologist and Founder of Alexander Therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Alexander specializes in clinical, health and family psychology giving him a strong background in family systems, psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches to mental health. Dr. Alexander has been published in multiple journals and is the lead editor and author of Cinemeducation detailing use of cinema as a teaching tool. Dr. Alexander primarily treats couples in his private practice and is also available for public presentations on a variety of topics related to relationships. To find out more about Dr. Matthew Alexander and his practice, Alexander Therapy, or call (704) 371-3070 for an appointment.

Conflict is a part of life; do you and your spouse know how to handle the stress?

Stress is all around us, all the time. Family responsibilities, hectic schedules, and a never-ending to-do list make it difficult for couples to slow down and take a breath. When stressful situations arise how do you keep your cool?

When we add stress on top of stress it compounds and festers until it’s dealt with. Couples often lose sight of themselves and focus on the various distractions and priorities that consume their lives. When we can’t take time out for ourselves and we can’t dedicate time to our relationship, our mental health suffers. Go ahead, put yourself and your relationship first and de-stress from the chaos in life with these five simple steps.

Founder of Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill, Dr. Jennie Byrne is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult cognitive issues like dementia, attention deficit and anxiety disorders. Dr. Byrne works with individuals and couples to optimize mood and thinking patterns that promote self-improvement and goal achievement. Earning her doctorate in neurophysiology from NYU’s School of Medicine, Dr. Byrne completed her residency at the prestigious Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

To find out more about Dr. Jennie Byrne and her practice,you can visit their website  Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill,  or call (919) 636-5240 for an appointment.