A marriage and family counselor gives relationship advice to entrepreneurs and their partners.
Today we talk to Dr. Andrew Blackwood, a psychotherapist focused on family and marriage counseling. We went deep in understanding how to maintain the fine balance between building your business or career as well as thriving relationships. With a particular interest understanding the role of your family of origin, Andrew and I also explored the impact of your childhood and birth order on your professional aspirations. Get ready for “key insight.”
Key Takeaways:
[:29] Thank you to our sponsor, Legacy.
[2:19] Dr. Blackwood’s parents divorced when he was 13, but that wasn’t the main thing that led him to marriage and family counseling.
[4:46] The incidence of mental health challenges is particularly high in entrepreneurs, and that is often linked to family relationships.
[6:07] To what extent does our family of origin determine our destiny?
[6:58] Awareness is so important to our success in family relationships.
[9:08] What is the difference between worry and concern?
[10:13] Is parent/child conflict a natural part of individuation?
[13:23] Family dynamics influence, but do not dictate, identity.
[17:40] There are specific characteristics that help entrepreneurs forge their own path.
[19:21] Should we all be in therapy?
[21:32] The partners of entrepreneurs have a lot of added stressors. It is helpful, but not always possible, for them to know what they are signing up for.
[25:04] Making a genuine apology is an art.
[31:29] Health is intrinsically connected to growth.
[32:08] To take this month’s quiz about stress and adrenal fatigue at meghanwalker.com/entrepologyquiz.
[32:51] Dr. Blackwood’s morning routine includes exercise and devotional time.
[33:41] Dr. Blackwood enjoys reading non-fiction and just finished reading Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover.
[33:54] Dr. Blackwood doesn’t usually drink hot drinks, but he has a couple favorites for special occasions.
[34:15] Dr. Blackwood likes hanging out with his friends and family, and dancing.
[34:26] Entrepreneurism must be learned at some point, even if entrepreneurial tendencies are innate to a person.
[35:51] Follow Dr. Blackwood at Coachdrew.ca or DKleadership.org.
[36:26] If you enjoyed our conversation and would like to hear more, please subscribe to the Entrepology Podcast on Stitcher or iTunes. We would also appreciate a quick review.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Total Money Makeover: The Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, by David Ramsey
Tweetables:
“How do you balance this all-or-nothing state, that is entrepreneurism, with having a healthy relationship?”
“There is a big difference between worry and concern.”
“Conflict can be healthy.”
“Conflict doesn’t have to be hurtful or disrespectful.”
“[An apology] can be really harmful if you don’t do it well.”
More About Dr. Andrew Blackwood
Andrew L. Blackwood is a Registered Psychotherapist in the Province of Ontario. Soon after earning a Master’s of Divinity in Counselling from Tyndale University College & Seminary in 2005 he began working with individuals, couples and families across the GTA. In 2007 he continued his formal education and earned a Doctorate of Ministry to Marriage and Family in 2010 from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in Philadelphia, PA.
Andrew currently meets with clients as a Coach/Counsellor at DK Leadership in Toronto. His experience as a Clinician in the areas of substance use and children’s mental health enables him to serve a diverse population. His experience in the field also includes case management, facilitating community discussions and workshops, as well as consulting as a media personality. Andrew is a regular guest on 100 Huntley Street and has contributed to radio shows and magazines such as Today’s Parent and hosts his own blog from his website, www.coachdrew.ca.
Connect with My Guest
T: @ CoachDrewCan
FB: facebook.com/ Coach Drew
Monthly Quiz
Part of improving your health and performance as an entrepreneur requires that you take inventory of your current state of health. To this end, we have prepared a monthly quiz related to the health and performance of entrepreneurs and go-getters. This month, the focus is on stress and adrenal health….
See where you stack up and access the quiz right here.
Call to Action
Surprise, surprise, my call to action this week is all about your relationships. It is easy to prioritize work, your dream and your big vision. Set aside some time this week for your biggest supporters. Be present and engaged in simply spending time together. At the end of the day, they matter the most.
Make yourself accountable, share your commitment to spending time with the people you love on the Entrepology Podcast Facebook page.