Notes From the Couch - Surviving the Inevitable Storms of Marriage

In my private practice, it is not surprising to see a strong correlation between mood disturbances and reports of marital distress. One patient who is diagnosed with depression attributes the majority of her emotional pain to a lack of sexual passion and intimacy in her marriage. Further, specific subgroups of my female patients who meet criteria for postpartum depression tend to report higher levels of marital conflict. These women often report a perceived lack of emotional support and empathy from their husbands, financial pressure that infiltrates the marital space, loss of confidence and low self esteem. Finally, the majority of women who opt for participation in my Live Dream Thrive coaching program, although free of psychiatric symptoms, express a desire for relationship improvement and fulfillment.