Each and every one of us responds to stress differently. Some of us respond to stress by eating more than we usually do while others eat less than they are used to when they are stressed. Some of us exercise until they push themselves too far while others may stop their exercise regimens. Some use smoking, drinking and drugs to try to escape the stress in their lives. Sometimes, we may choose to withdraw from our friends, families and activities while some of us fill up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems, which leads to added stress. How does our stress response impact the way we respond to others? Are we often even mindful or aware of this? How can this affect our relationships? What can we do to improve the quality of our relationships?
Earning his Master’s Degree in Counseling and License in Marriage and Family Therapy, Mr. Jude Johnson practices at Akeen Mind in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jude specializes in the practice of mindfulness, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has attended extensive training on the practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and has applied these skills into clinical practice. Jude has worked in an array of settings including inpatient psychiatric/substance abuse, home based family therapy, alternative schools, emergency services, and outpatient clinics both as a therapist and administrator. Jude utilizes mindfulness and family systems theory as base ingredients to optimize the well-being of organizations, professionals, and people from all walks of life. He has experienced the benefits of practicing mindfulness first hand and is passionate about helping others discover their own inner resources for managing stress, pain and illness.
To find out more about Jude Johnson and his practice, Akeen Mind, you can visit their website or call (843) 364-5921 for an appointment.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Do you have a healthy relationship with your body and partner?
As summer is approaching, we shed our winter layers for more skin bearing attire, which for some also means a time to get our bodies “in shape.” While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to lose the few pounds we put on over the winter, too much focus on attaining the ideal body can lead to unhealthy extreme behaviors to lose that weight as well as a distorted body image. With social media always commenting about celebrities bodies and talking about the best diets to get the perfect body, it’s no wonder so many people have a negative body image. But we can learn to have a positive healthy relationship with our partners. What steps can we take to better our relationship with our bodies and our partners?
Earning her Doctoral and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Nina Solanki has an expansive background in the healthcare profession ranging from private practice to crisis centers and everything in between. She has a passion for mindfulness, exercise and nutrition. These days, Dr. Solanki is a therapist with Lepage Associates in Durham, North Carolina incorporating her work and knowledge of mindfulness and healthy lifestyle behaviors into both individual and couples therapy.
To find out more about Dr. Nina Solanki and her practice, Lepage Associates, you can visit their website or call (919) 572-0000 for an appointment.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Is your love life an erotic novel or abusive nightmare?
The 50 Shades of Grey trilogy has steadily remained at the top of the New York Times bestseller list for several months. The risqué nature of the book that once started out as Twilight fan-fiction is catching the attention of men and women across the globe. Aptly nicknamed “Mommy Porn”, the over the top erotic and abusive nature of the trilogy evokes visions of a modern version of The Story of O. Questions about the nature of the intense relationship between the two main characters and the book’s strong appeal to women are being discussed widely.
In marriage, how do you determine whether the dynamic between you and your spouse is healthy or abusive when behaviors encourage dominant and submissive relationships?
Colette Segalla is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Colette is a psychotherapist with Lepage Associates in Durham, NC where she works with individuals and couples on issues ranging from anxiety and depression to problems in sexual intimacy. She enjoys working with couples to improve communication, connection, and emotional and physical intimacy.
To find out more about Colette Segalla and her practice, Lepage Associates in Durham, NC, you can visit them online or call 919-572-0000 for an appointment.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
