Self Care Archives

How to Change Negative Thoughts

by Dr. Kim Blackham

This week I started preparing for a presentation I’m giving to a large women’s organization. The main topic is depression and mental health. This is a topic our society does not talk about enough. We all struggle with feeling down and discouraged. Sometimes that discouragement can be debilitating.

There are a couple of different schools of thought on how to deal with depression. One of them is using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you can change your thoughts, you can change your feelings. Continue Reading

Does Insurance Pay for Couples’ Therapy?

by Dr. Kim Blackham

Insurance coverage for couples’ therapy can vary depending on the insurance company and policy. While some insurance plans may provide coverage for couples’ therapy, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans cover this type of therapy. The best way to know what is covered under your plan is to call the number on the back of your insurance card. There are some specific questions you’ll want to ask:

1. Does my insurance plan cover marriage counseling/couples’ therapy? Some insurance companies will cover individual counseling with a family member present or will cover family therapy. Ask your insurance company if they cover couples therapy. Continue Reading

Writing Your Marriage Mission Statement

by Dr. Kim Blackham

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were running errands. I thought we were going to Kohls to make some returns, he thought we were going to Lowe’s. He was driving.

We are still new to this city, so we are still trying to find our way around town. I didn’t think he knew how to get to Kohls so I kept trying to give him directions, but he assured me he knew how to get there. It was obvious to me we were going the wrong direction, but I figured he either knew of a different Kohls or would eventually realize he was lost. When we pulled into the Lowe’s parking lot, he got out of the car like nothing was wrong. That was when I realized we were each headed to separate destinations.

Is Your Unhappy Relationship Slowly Killing You?

by Dr. Kim Blackham

Research suggests that being in an unhappy relationship can have negative health effects. Studies have found that people who are in unhappy relationships are more likely to experience a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In fact, some research has suggested that the health effects of being in an unhappy relationship can be as damaging as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, which is a well-known risk factor for various of health problems. It’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health and seek support if you’re in an unhappy relationship.Continue Reading

A Simpler Way to Make Friends as an Adult

by Dr. Kim Blackham

Our children are getting ready to start school on Monday. Having just moved to Pennsylvania, they are understandably concerned about making new friends. As we have talked about this the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about how we never outgrow the desire to fit in and have friends. Even as adults, we need other people. We need to feel like we belong. We need to feel included.

How to Manage a Type A Personality

by Dr. Kim Blackham

Who has the Type A personality in your home? Is it you? Your spouse? One of your kids? People with Type A personalities often get a bad rap. That’s because people with Type A personalities are generally more competitive and task oriented. They are driven by schedules and productivity. Sitting around waiting for other people makes them crazy!

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While there are many advantages to Type A behaviors, there are also physical risks. Continue Reading