Counseling Chicago
By Eve Brownstone, LCPC “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” — Loren Eiseley All my life I have found magic, healing, and fun in water whether in Lake Michigan, a pool at a JCC, or the shore of the Mediterranean. The first time I remember swimming was four years old at a pool at a YMCA in Hyde Park. I was hooked. Many of us live in Chicago to live close…
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Megan Mulroy, LPC Intrusive thoughts are characterized by unwanted thoughts that pop up, cause distress, and get stuck in your mind. Often times these thoughts can be violent, sexual, disturbing, or something deemed as unacceptable by society. These thoughts can be really scary and produce a lot of anxiety for people who experience them. Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts- it is so normal to have passing thoughts of rear ending the car in front of you or stealing…
Read MoreWritten by Kara Thompson, Licensed Social Worker When exploring the concept of trauma bonds, it is helpful to start by understanding attachment. Attachment theorist John Bowlby defines attachment as the “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.” While much of Bowlby’s work surrounded the attachment between child and caregiver, so much of his work influences what we know about connectedness in all nuanced relationships in our lives… even unhealthy romantic partnerships. When we experience a strong, intense emotional…
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By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Have you ever heard of, or even experienced, the word FOMO (fear of missing out)? If you have, it was probably used casually in a day-to-day conversation. “If I don’t go to that dinner, I’m going to have real FOMO.” However, behind the seemingly innocent acronym hides a darker reality. FOMO can cause significant distress, as it can cause people to live their lives through the filters of what other people are doing.…
Read MoreMeg Mulroy, LPC Self-compassion is defined by treating yourself the way you would treat a friend or a loved one who is having a hard time. For a lot of folks, it is easier to give others compassion than it is to give it to ourselves. For more reading on how to speak and act more compassionately in your life, I highly recommend reading Amanda Ann Gregory’s, LCPC recent blog about ways in which you can work…
Read MoreMegan Mulroy, LPC Why Getting the COVID Vaccine Is Really Emotional: From My Perspective Last week, I headed to the United Center to get my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I had spent what felt like forever waiting for my turn to get vaccinated, and since I had COVID fairly recently, I had to wait the 90 days after infection to safely get my shot. Getting my shot at the United Center surprised me in…
Read MoreBy Eric Dean JD, MBA, MA, MA, LPC, CADC I am going to share with you a story about a brilliant mathematician named Abraham Wald. During World War II, Wald was employed at the Statistical Research Group (SRG) at Columbia University where he helped the United States develop wartime strategy. Wald was tasked with assessing the damages to returning aircraft (not all aircraft made it back) and recommending ways to minimize damage to departing aircraft by adding…
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It’s hard to believe, but the one-year mark of when we went into a global lockdown is quickly approaching. While entering year two doesn’t exactly carry the excitement of New Year’s Eve, it does provide a time for reflection both on the past year and what we hope for in the year to come. Take a moment to ask yourself how you’re doing. Most of us, I believe, will say we’re surviving, we’re managing, we’re keeping our…
Read MoreMary-Lauren O’Crowley NCC, LPC The pandemic brought with it a lot of disruptions. Aside from limiting physical interaction, it also altered in-office jobs, causing most companies to adapt to remote working. The interruption has been emotionally draining, interfering greatly with concentration, motivation, and production. The covid season has introduced new struggles. While you may not be rushing to beat traffic, you may find that you are instead grappling with laziness, as sleep, entertainment, and domestic…
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Matthew Cuddeback LCSW When I am working with people on changing a behavior that has been identified as unhealthy or problematic, we often focus on two areas that help with this change, 1. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this behavior, and 2. Specific skills needed to manage this behavior change. When we get to this second one, I often discuss with client’s the power of the sticky note as a tool to help with changing…
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