Amanda Gregory

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Are you experiencing stress? If so, it’s important to know which type of stress you’re dealing with. The term stress is often used as a catchall phrase for any negative internal response to external stimuli. However, there are different kinds of stress. The APA (American Psychological Association) reports that there are three different types of stress: acute, episodic, and chronic. Each type of stress impacts you in different ways, so it’s important to…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR When you see an animal board the cabin of a plane or walk into a public building with a “no pet” policy, you know that this animal is special. They are not your average pet, but what do you call them? Are they a therapy animal, a service animal, or an emotional support animal? These statuses can be confusing, and with an increased number of animals being identified it’s important to know the…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR In my previous blog, Four Benefits of Self-Help Books, I described how self-help literature may help readers by providing easy interventions, using accessible language to explain scientific data, helping readers recognize that they are not alone, and offering inspiration. However, there are pitfalls of self-help literature of which every potential reader should be aware. There are four common limitations of self-help books: They Are One Size Fits All. Self-help books are written for…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Self-help literature is a popular and profitable field. There are books available that address a variety of topics, such as managing emotion, negotiating complex relationships, developing better communication skills, and increasing self-esteem. Have you read self-help literature in the past and now wonder exactly how you benefited? Or have you considered picking up a self-help book? There are four ways self-help books could potentially benefit you: They Provide Quick and Easy Interventions. When…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR In my blog An Inside Look: Symmetry Counseling’s Therapists Reveal Their Self-Care Practices, I spoke with five therapists who practice at Symmetry Counseling, Chicago’s mental health and relationship specialists, to discover how they practice self-care. This time we’ll hear from a few more Symmetry therapists to discover more of their personal self-care methods. Podcasts Matthew Cuddeback, LCSW, listens to podcasts to manage stress. “The most helpful way I have found to practice self-care…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR As a therapist, I always ask new clients if they have a pet. It might seem like an odd question, but research studies have indicated that having a relationship with a pet can positively impact your physical and mental health. To make the most of that positive influence, it’s important to ensure that your bonds with your pet are strong. So how do you strengthen a relationship with an animal? Try these six…

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Your mood, health, and productivity are directly connected to your ability to sleep. But what if you’re having trouble getting to sleep because of racing thoughts? Racing thoughts are thoughts you experience that just won’t stop, especially at night. They might be worries, lists of what you need to do tomorrow, ideas about financial planning, future goals, or anything else that’s difficult to stop thinking about. These thoughts can prevent you from falling…