children

How can couples pick good friends that are healthy for their relationship?

Sometimes, in the beginning stages of a marriage, couples are more focused on starting and raising a family rather than making a lot of friends… They can become more centered around parenting issues– how to raise the kids, where to have family vacations, who will pick the kids up from school and take them to various practices– things of that nature. When the kids get older and more independent, however, there’s more time for a couple to build a social life with friends that revolves around things other than play dates and kids’ birthday parties.

But what if a couple ends up facing conflict as a result of their social life? How can they navigate it together so that both partners are happy and comfortable? At times, couples might have to take a closer look at their friendships and determine what the root of the problem is– because sometimes it’s not necessarily the friends.

Today’s guest is Dr. Susan Orenstein, the director of Orenstein Solutions in Cary, NC. Susan has worked with many couples who have faced these very issues, and she’s here to discuss a way to fix the problems. According to her, when a couple is in a place where they can trust and respect each other, she can guide them to be more creative with their problem-solving techniques.

To find out more about Susan and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 428-2766

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.

Are you giving your partner the support he or she needs and deserves?

It’s no secret that one of the most important factors in a successful relationship is how well the partners are able to support each other. To feel truly and unconditionally supported by a partner is something everyone wants, and it makes a world of difference in how a relationship is cared for and maintained.

The problem is that many people expect a “good partner” will instinctively know how to be supportive and will just say or do the right thing automatically. In reality, there are many different types of responses to stress and negativity and what each partner needs to feel support is ultimately about personal preference and should actually be discussed openly.

Our guest is Dr. Gabriella Johr, a licensed clinical psychologist with Orenstein Solutions located in Cary, NC. With a specialization in child and family therapy, Gabriella has had a great deal of experience helping married couples find the right ways to be supportive. Today she’s here to share some of her insightful pointers and tips on the art of offering support within relationships and marriages.

To find out more about Gabriella and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 428-2766 to schedule an appointment.