DC Psychologist Dr. Gregory Jones Gives CNN Interview on Wedding Stress: A Royal Reality For Many Real-Life Couples

Online, April 25, 2011 (Newswire.com) - DC Psychologist Gregory Jones, Psy. D. was interviewed by CNN for a segment scheduled to air on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 as part of the Royal Wedding special coverage. This announcement comes from Dr. Brad Brenner, of District Psychotherapy Associates in Dupont Circle, where Dr. Jones has a professional relationship therapy practice.

During the CNN interview, Dr. Jones defines stress and addresses such questions as "Why do people get stressed?", "What are the emotional and physical symptoms of stress?", and "What are some ways to deal with stress?"--especially of the wedding variety.

While the Royal Family, and the world, gear up for the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29, 2011, many couples in the U.S. are also in the midst of their own wedding preparations and planning. In fact, U.S. Census data reveal that 2.3 million couples wed annually in the U.S. That translates into nearly 6,200 weddings a day. As joyous as these long-awaited events may be, many weddings exact quite a toll in the stress department.

According to Dr. Jones, " even small details can bring about feelings of catastrophe if things don't work out according to the imagined 'perfect' plan. Unrealistic expectations," he says, "account for a great deal of stress." Other stresses may include money, social pressures (including those brought on by relatives and well-meaning friends), poor time management, concerns about weight or body image, and/or a feeling that "everyone is watching."

Just a few of the ways that emotional symptoms can play out may be in waves of doubt and apprehension, unusual irritability, or "feeling like your mind has simply gone blank...again," says Jones.

Some of the physical symptoms of stress may show up in such things as a pounding heart, stomach upset or dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches and insomnia.

Dr. Jones, no stranger to media interviews, has developed a specialization helping individuals and couples in relationship, improve their coping, stress management, and communication skills through personal and group counseling. Members of the GLBT community have found a special kind of support and acceptance with Dr. Jones and other gay-friendly therapists at District Psychotherapy Associates.

The complete CNN interview will be viewable online, starting Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at http://www.cnn.com/health.