Hi, I'm Kendra

I’ve been married to a neurosurgeon since 2003. I’ve lived every season of medicine, from residency with four young children to attending life and I know firsthand that external stability doesn’t automatically create internal peace. I spent years waiting to feel better. When that didn’t happen on its own, I started untangling who I had become inside survival mode. Now, as a Professional Certified Coach, I help physician spouses do the same.

Episode 7: Who’s In Your Corner? Building a Strong Support System as a Physician Spouse

🎙️ Episode 6: The Power of Connection — Social Self-Care

Podcast: Supporting Physician Spouses
Hosts: Kendra Harvey & Katie Harris

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, Kendra and Katie dive into the concept of social self-care—not the kind that fills your calendar, but the kind that fills your soul. Whether you feel isolated or simply want to deepen your friendships, this episode offers practical insights and honest conversation around building the meaningful connections every physician family needs.

đź’¬ In This Episode:

  • What social self-care really looks like for physician spouses

  • Why proximity, timing, and energy all matter—and what to do when you’re short on all three

  • The surprising number of hours it takes to move from acquaintance to close friend

  • The four essential types of social support every physician family needs:

    • Emotional: empathy, care, and safe companionship

    • Instrumental: practical help and tangible support

    • Informational: advice and wisdom from those with experience

    • Appraisal: encouragement, validation, and perspective

  • Why your spouse can’t be everything—and why that’s okay

  • How asking for help is a brave act of connection, not weakness

📚 Resources Mentioned:

  • The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

  • The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness by Kelli Harding

 

📝 Reflect & Respond:

Who in your life fills each of the four types of social support?
Is there one area you’d like to strengthen—and how can you take one small step toward doing that this week?

 

đź’ˇ Takeaway Quote:

“You are part of a quiet, powerful community—and we’re so glad you’re here.”

 

đź”” What’s Next:

Stay tuned for the final installment in this three-part self-care series: Spiritual Self-Care. We’ll explore stillness, presence, and practices that ground you in meaning.

 

Check out this episode!

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Life After Survival Mode

A private reflection guide for physician spouses who thought it would feel better by now.

HI, I’M KENDRA

I’ve been married to a neurosurgeon since 2003. I’ve lived every season of medicine, from residency with four young children to attending life,  and I know firsthand that external stability doesn’t automatically create internal peace. I spent years waiting to feel better. When that didn’t happen on its own, I started untangling who I had become inside survival mode. Now, as a Professional Certified Coach, I help physician spouses do the same.

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