How Privacy Works on www.realrelationshipexperts.com

Do you want to ask us a question but feel nervous about privacy? Here is our company policy on privacy:

When we are sent an email, we send exactly one reply email.  We never send an email that is not a direct reply (except our newsletter, which you have to specifically sign up to receive).  Our reply emails will always be sent within a 24 hour period. Because of this, we like to get a follow up email to see if you liked your advice, but we won't contact you in any way if you don't contact us first!

If we recognize you by name on facebook or twitter, we will secretly be happy that you like us but we won't ever identify you as a client, unless you choose to do so first!  Even so, we don't reveal any information that was discussed in private sessions or by email.

We never record Skype or Face Time sessions.

We delete all emails after three days of no contact.  If you are emailing us to follow up on a prior session after some time has passed, please send a copy of the prior email conversation.

Any other questions? Please post them in the comment section of the blog so we can answer them for everyone to see.  If you don't want to comment publicly, please email admin@realrelationshipexperts.com

We know privacy is important and we go to great lengths to help you stay anonymous!

Why You Should Think About Hormones in Your 20's and 30's

The word “hormones” probably causes one of two images to appear in your mind –a pimple ridden teenager or an old woman waving off hot flashes.  Neither of these apply to you, so why should you worry about hormones? Read on to find out how your hormones may be making you sick and unable to concentrate - even in your twenties and thirties!

We have all heard of Menopause, but few women are aware of the symptoms involved with perimenopause – the period of 10-15 years before you even begin menopause.  Perimenopause, also referred to as pre-menopause, may be responsible for an astonishing number of symptoms in women as early as your late twenties! Perimenopausal hormone irregularity happens as the delicate balance of hormones becomes out of whack, often made worse by environmental influences, unhealthy foods, and pollutants.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Perimenopause symptoms are very different from menopause symptoms.  This is because menopause is triggered by low estrogen levels, while perimenopause is triggered by high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels, referred to as estrogen dominance.  Women who are estrogen dominant may experience a wide range of symptoms including sore fibrous breasts, muscle pain, anxiety, irregular periods, foggy memory, weight gain, and insomnia.  Untreated estrogen dominance may also lead to cervical cancer, heart problems, and an increased risk for strokes.

Hormones and the Thyroid

Researchers have found that estrogen levels have a direct effect on the thyroid; too much or too little estrogen may cause weight gain and other thyroid problems.  Regular hormone balance combined with healthy eating habits should ensure normal weight with little fluctuation.  Abnormal weight gain or weight fluctuation may indicate a thyroid problem and could be related to perimenopause.

Why Your Mother Didn’t Warn You

Don’t worry, she probably isn’t keeping you in the dark on purpose! Research on perimenopause as a separate and different experience from menopause has only surfaced in last ten years or so.  Some doctors have also stipulated that perimenopausal symptoms are worse now than they were for prior generations because of hormones in food and toxicity in the environment.  What may be recognized as perimenopause now may have been diagnosed as a depressive or anxiety disorder even a few years ago.  Often, women dismiss symptoms of perimenopause as natural effects of aging. 

Perimenopause and Relationships

If stress, pain, anxiety and weight gain aren’t relationship downers, then we don’t know what is! If you search “perimenopause” on the internet you will find a lot of women discussing symptoms and treatment – and also a surprising number of men! Many husbands and boyfriends may be relieved that the symptoms their significant other are enduring can be identified and treated.  Some websites and apps offer hormone tracking calendars that help both men and women identify the stages in a women’s cycle and what symptoms they may be experiencing.  

Ask Your Doctor

Perimenopause symptoms can be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  If you experience symptoms you think may be related to perimenopause, ask your doctor for a hormone level test (done using blood or saliva) and a thyroid test.  If you have a hormone imbalance, be sure to ask your doctor about the benefits of using bio-identical hormone treatments in place of synthetic hormone treatments, which are known to have harsh side effects.  New research has even shown hormonal changes effecting oral health, so you may want to talk to your dentist if you are experiencing dry mouth or symptoms of periodontal disease.

Choosing the Proper Mental Health Professional for You!

Do you know the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
The difference between a psychologist and a marital and family therapist? Most people don’t, which makes choosing a mental health professional a confusing and potentially expensive task.  Here we have outlined some key differences between the mental health professions that can help you choose the best person to help you:

Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist is a physician (M.D.) who specializes in mental health disorders.  Psychiatrists deal primarily in diagnosis and prescribing psychiatric medications.  Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe psychiatric medication.   Psychiatrists can also run medical tests to look for physiological causes of mental disorders.  Psychiatrists may also provide psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. (The difference between psychotherapy and psychoanalysis is academic – the most basic explanation is that psychotherapy implies a brief working relationship focused on a specific problem and psychoanalysis is more long term and focused on the pathology of a problem).

Psychologist

Psychologists are clinicians who have a doctorate degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and maintain a clinical license to practice psychology.  There is one exception – a school psychologist is a specialty and thus only may require a masters degree.  Typically school psychologists do not practice outside of the educational setting.  Psychologists often administer and interpret psychological tests, such as those used to find learning disabilities.  Psychologists also provide psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.  

Marital and Family Therapist

Marital and Family Therapists (MFT)s hold at least a masters degree (M.S. or M.A.) and maintain a clinical license to practice therapy.  MFTs focus on relationships and family systems rather than individuals.  MFTs provide psychotherapy to couples and families, and individuals who are looking for relationship-related therapy.

Counselor

The term “counselor” can refer to a broad range of professionals with widely varied levels of education.  In general, counselors do just what the name implies – they counsel people.  A lot of counselors specialize in one area such as substance abuse or grief.  Here is a rundown of the types of licenses and education a counselor may hold:

·         Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) – this is the newest field of counseling and requires at least a masters degree (M.S. or M.A.).  A LPCC must hold a clinical license and can offer counseling in any setting.

·         School Counselor – School Counselors are required to have a masters degree (M.S. or M.A.).  School Counselors work in an educational setting and typically counsel students on topics such as college/career planning, behavioral issues, and social problems.

·         Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors – These counselors are not required to have any formal education aside from the Drug and Alcohol education required for certification.  The highest level of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors are the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC), followed by the Certified Alchohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II and CADC I), the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate (CADCA), the Registered Recovery Worker (RRW), and the Registered Student (RS).  Each level requires a certain amount of field experience, education, and an exam before you can move to the next level.

Social Worker

Social Workers are typically licensed professionals such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who hold at least a Masters Degree (M.S. or M.A.).  Social workers typically assist people who are in the social system (ie…prison, persons seeking social services).  Social Workers help navigate the complexities of the social system as well as offering counseling and case management.

It is important to note that within each mental health field, you will come across varying degrees of licensure as persons work toward the final licensure.  This means you may run into an intern, a trainee, or an associate of some kind.  This typically means that this person is a student or is working to complete the licensing requirements.  Don’t be afraid to work with such an individual as many of them have substantial hours of experience under their belts and may be cheaper than a licensed counterpart.  You can check the licensing board to determine how much experience the person has and if they are qualified enough to satisfy you.