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Health and Wellness
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Haymaker & Haymaker Psychological Services, LLC AD/HD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family, Underachievement Problems in Relationships Providing care for adults, families, children and adolescents for over 20 years. Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2794 Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2793 For More Information, Please Call or See our Websites: www.DrStephanieHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2794 www.DrDougHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2793 245 Route 22, Suite 305, Bridgewater, NJ 908-429-9300 Choice Dermatology LLC 12 Ridge Street, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 • (908) 766-SKIN (7546) www.ChoiceDermatology.com Choice Dermatology offers excellent care in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Our office focuses on quality treatment, timely service, and personalized one-on-one care with the dermatologist during the entire visit. • Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair and nails • Microscopic interpretation of skin biopsies • Laser removal of brown spots and leg veins Marc Meulener, MD, PhD Now Accepting AmeriHealth • BlueCross BlueShield • Aetna Oxford • UnitedHealthcare • Medicare Call to get an appointment within one week New Patients Welcome • Surgical excision of benign and malignant skin lesions • Cosmetic services including BOTOX injection, dermal fillers for deep wrinkles, and chemical peels • Laser hair removal A GUIDE TO COUPLES THERAPY Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint Exupery Beginnings are Hard Starting couples therapy may signal the beginning of one of the most important journeys a couple can undertake. A crucial ingredient in this process includes the development of a safe, caring and nonjudgmental envi- ronment in which to discuss issues. Therapy is a safe place to pursue this journey. Frequent goals for couples therapy include: Improved communication skills Enhanced problem-solving strate- gies and learning to negotiate Healing past disappointments in the marriage Understanding the impact of fami- ly-of-origin on current issues Discussing short-term and long- term personal and family goals. About Marriage It has been said that marriage is the combining of two cultures. We blend expectations of how family life should be. Our vision of marital life is born in our experiences of the families in which we were raised. Partners can bring vastly different expectations, based on the differences in their fami- lies of origin. A careful assessment of family history and setting of specific goals is the first step in couples therapy. It is helpful to identify specific strengths in the rela- tionship and work on building them while addressing needed changes. If your relationship is troubled, a goal is to identify the obstacles to better com- munication. This can interrupt the cycle of repeated arguments and the feeling of being “stuck.” One of the most common complaints of couples is that they do not feel understood by their partners. A cou- ples therapist can help people commu- nicate in such a way that they can understand, accept and respect each other’s viewpoint. The opportunity for more sharing and a deepening of con- nection often follows. Individual growth is fostered in allow- ing each partner time to reflect on their own needs and re-evaluate goals in an ever changing and complex world. We learn more about ourselves as we par- ticipate in the growth of those closest to us. Shared experiences are often a foundation for years of continued exploration and collaboration. Marriages have typical challenges and stages. The honeymoon stage, while important, does not last forever. Early disagreements regarding chores, money, child rearing and in-laws are not unusual, although they can pres- ent great difficulties for couples. There are ups and downs in relationship sat- isfaction and priorities that accompany the transitions of the life cycle. Research reveals that the younger the children, and the more of them, the lower the marital satisfaction in the early years. This is a normal part of the life cycle, but can be difficult for cou- ples to make their way through. Later stages may involve coping with adoles- cent children, preparing for the “launching” of children to college, and coping with issues related to aging and retirement together. Marriage counseling can help you to identify the changes you seek, explore new ways of relating and to find ways to maintain these gains through the months and years that make up the seasons of your life. Dr. Stephanie Haymaker is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She is presently a partner at Haymaker and Haymaker Psychological Services, a private practice setting where your confidentiality is assured, in Bridgewater NJ. For eight years she was a clinical supervisor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. The co- author of Principled Commitment, a guide for marital enrichment, she also specializes in the areas of marital therapy, women’s issues, and therapy with children and adolescents.