Counselor Chicago
By Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC “Do not judge, or you will be judged. For in the same way that you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 Who are you to judge? I often say this to myself, other people, and sometimes my clients, too. Human beings are built to compare and judge themselves and others, yet we have no place to.…
Read MoreJessica Pontis, LCSW It feels like anxiety and uncertainty are at an all-time high, and that it feels more and more unreasonable to manage. After living in our current state for months, how can we maintain hope and see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? One thing that may be helpful in this fight is the practice of Radical Acceptance. Radical Acceptance is a distress tolerance skill commonly used in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy,…
Read MoreBy: Danielle Bertini What do you think when you hear the word “codependency?” Many people are often very confused by this word. People often hear this term and think that it means someone who is “clingy” or “needy.” However, codependency can actually be a very harmful mental and behavioral trait. So, what is? Codependency was first recognized by family members of people who were struggling with alcohol, in which a cycle of dysfunctional needs is…
Read More
As we enter December, I won’t even mention how far into the pandemic we are. That said, more and more clients are beginning to present with similar symptoms. These symptoms are reminiscent of those struggling with depression, although, these are symptoms many of these clients have never felt before. It’s impossible to ignore the impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of individuals throughout the country and around the world. Many of the core…
Read More
By Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC Living in the midst of a pandemic, we are constantly being inundated with news reports, statistics, and real-life stories about the impact of COVID-19. With a so-called “second wave” of shutdowns, it is no surprise that our children are also starting to feel the effects of pandemic fatigue. Schools have been closed for months, play dates have become a distant memory, and feelings of fear, frustration, and anxiety are likely building if…
Read More
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC Put simply, self-esteem is the way that we view ourselves and our capabilities. For some, their opinion of themselves is very positive; however, for others, they may find that they are stuck in a pit hole of self-criticism. Falling victim to low self-esteem is not an age-related event, as it can happen throughout our lives and can even be a result of trauma, toxic relationships, work stress, or other difficult experiences that make…
Read More
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Adults have valuable information and life experiences that can benefit teenagers. Yet, teens often struggle to appreciate, absorb, and implement the advice they receive from adults. If you want to give a teen advice, consider these strategies to improve the chances that the teen will act on it. Ask for Permission Imagine this: A friend sends you a text that reads, “You should read this,” and a link to an article…
Read More
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Teenagers have many obligations, such as school attendance and assignments, chores, hygiene practices, social activities, and family events. Teens will usually lack the motivation to meet their obligations if they feel alienated from them for one reason or another; they may struggle to take an interest in certain tasks because they are unable to perceive their importance, or perhaps simply because they feel overwhelmed by them. Thus, teens often avoid completing…
Read More
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified The holidays often present situations in which you need to establish and maintain boundaries with your family. This process can be difficult, as setting boundaries can feel frustrating, uncomfortable, and scary. Yet, boundaries are necessary in order to protect yourself and improve your relationships with your family. Consider establishing boundaries with respect to a number of sensitive and potentially inflammatory topics, such as safety, child-rearing, housekeeping, religion and politics, food choices,…
Read More
I work with many clients who struggle with anxiety and/or depression whether it is related to their personal life, professional life, the political climate, the pandemic, or the darker and shorter winter-like days. 2020 certainly has been having a significant impact on my clients’ mental and physical health. Many times, around this year I encourage clients to think about ways to be proactive regarding the “winter blues.” The “winter blues” likely is going to be more challenging…
Read MoreDo You Need Help?
Not what you were looking for?