I had an interesting conversation with a reporter from NBC news about new research which shows that arguing with your partner creates a craving for a certain type of food.

This is but one of a number of studies that confirms what Couple and Family Therapists know so well: that the quality of relationship impacts health 0ver time  in a variety of ways.  

A stressful relationship can quite literally leave you heartbroken: researchers have found a correlation between severe relationship distress and heart problems, obesity, slower disease recovery,  and of course, depression and anxiety.

Relationship quality is also associated with positive well-being.  Marital satisfaction is strongly related to life satisfaction.

It is imperative that health practitioners screen for relationship distress and refer the patient and her significant others to a couple and family therapist.

 Healing is clearly not just an individual matter.