Dr. Kim Logan, along with husband and professional therapist Arthur Nowlin, LMSW, CAADC, AAFLP, are Christian family therapists. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a Master’s of Arts in Family and Guidance Counseling, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Oral and Interpersonal Communication and Clinical Family Counseling.
Living Well asked Dr. Logan a series of questions to get an inside look into her profession.
Does stress affect the ability to make sound decisions?
In most cases stress does affect a person’s ability to make sound, rational decisions. We must be careful when we are in a stressful situation to allow ourselves the ability to regroup and make a paradigm shift so that we can have positive, healthy outcomes.
We do not want to make emotional decisions because the decisions you make not only impact you but others as well.
When feeling overwhelmed, what are some resolutions to help alleviate stress at home?
- Identify the source of the stress and seek help
- Avoid stressful situations and people.
- Recognize your triggers
- Take a personal inventory of your progress or lack of
- Express your feelings, hurt or anger in a positive and productive manner
- Be proactive
- Eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of water
- Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
- Laugh because it is medicine for the soul
- Pray
What advice do you have for women who are always on the go and want to slow down, but aren’t really sure how?
As women we must strive for balance in our lives. We are pulled in so many directions and wear many hats. We have to learn how to prioritize and allow time for relaxation and healing. We have to develop a plan and stick to it so that we can develop healthy patterns in our lives and eliminate old patterns that cause stress. You deserve it so now do it.
When it comes to dating, what causes attraction to the “wrong partner”?
There are times in our lives when we may feel our “baggage” is valuable, the things we feel to be essential. Some of the things we consider significant or necessary may need to be reassessed. In some situations our family origins play a major role in the type of partner we select.
For example, is verbal abuse something I need to re-evaluate and eliminate from my relationship? Just because my parents communicated that way, do I have to?
Once married, how do you maintain your own identity?
The rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit ensures us that our relationship with God is a continual reminder of the sense of well-being, joy and peace we brought into the marriage and must be maintained.
Be open to change for yourself as well as your spouse. Embrace who you are becoming. Have a positive attitude about your life and be willing to address negative issues that may prevent you from excelling.
How can one identify when the level of stress has gone from normal to a level that requires professional attention?
If the problems you are experiences are causing distress in your life, you must be able to move yourself out of the way and be objective. If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed and you can no longer handle the day-to-day activities in your life, when your coping skills are no longer effective, and you have thoughts of abusing yourself or others to help to alleviate your symptoms, it is time to seek help.
Also, when someone has noticed a change in your behavior and temperament, you are engaging in gambling, negative Internet activities, constantly checking social media to avoid addressing your problems, and if your anxiety, depression or whatever is causing you to function poorly, these are sure signs it is time to seek help.
For more information, contact Kim Logan-Nowlin at www.drkiminspires.com or call (313)664-4900.
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