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.
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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.
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What’s the best way to support a spouse with anxiety?
Anxiety can be crippling at times. So what happens when one partner in a relationship or marriage is affected by it? What happens within the relationship? Anxiety can not only impair the life of the person afflicted, but also the life of the non-afflicted partner.
Today, we’re joined by Kate Thieda from KKJ Forensic and Psychological Services. Kate is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and National Certified Counselor. Kate lives in Durham, NC, and when she’s not helping couples with issues in their marriages, she can usually be found with her partner Annette, running, stand-up paddle boarding, or driving around town in her vintage Corvette.
Kate is the author of, Loving Someone With Anxiety, and is an expert in how anxiety can lead to crippling problems in a relationship. She’s here today to help all of us understand how the loved ones of those suffering from anxiety can offer support in positive, encouraging ways and without creating bigger problems.
Kate’s book can be found on Amazon or at your local Barnes & Noble retailer.
To find out more about Kate and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 493-1975 to schedule an appointment.
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