life coaching
In recent years, meditation has become a noteworthy buzzword in the global West to which reportedly amazing results can be attributed. However, there remains confusion regarding what meditation is and is not, which can make it seem beyond the scope of possibility for most of us. It often conjures up images of temple monks remaining in silence for days on end. Yet mediation does not need to be relegated only to monks and yoga masters. You do…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Do you feel as if you’re always working? Are you constantly checking work email, texts, or voicemail? Technology can blur the lines between work and personal life, and a poor work-life balance can negatively affect your mood, health, and relationships. In this age of technology, the struggle to establish and maintain a work-life balance is common. I’ve seen many clients who were dedicated to their career, yet they also wanted a fulfilling personal life.…
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As 2017 rapidly winds down, we can soon expect to hear rampant conversations regarding new year’s resolutions. Every year, January 1st represents a chance to once again become our best selves. It is a time for reflection of the past and for imagination about the future. Yet despite the hope inspired by a new year, it often remains difficult for many of us to execute the kind of change we most desire. While each case may be…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Provider, Symmetry Counseling Audio Version They may not pay bills, have full-time jobs, or experience all the stress associated with being an adult, but that doesn’t mean teenagers have it easy. In fact, teens can experience significant daily stress. Their stressful experiences can be difficult for adults to understand, and this lack of understanding makes it challenging for adults to empathize and connect with teens. Here are three ways to better understand the…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC If you can relax your body, your mind will follow. Whether you’re experiencing a full panic attack or mild anxiety, you can’t always will yourself into a state of calm. You might already be using calming methods focused on the mind, such as identifying why you feel anxious, reasoning with yourself, or challenging your negative thought patterns. These techniques often work well, but other times you might continue to feel anxious despite your best…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Have you ever been curious as to why you smile at a dog every time one walks past you on the sidewalk? Do you notice that after you come home from a long, stressful day at work and play with your pet, you are in a better mood? It turns out that all pets, not just therapy pets, can boost your mood in many ways. While it’s easy to notice…
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A reader of our blog wrote in to ask our advice about a friend who keeps making plans with them and then later canceling. Watch the video above for Dr. Malec’s response. Everyone experiences a friend canceling plans on them from time to time, and it never feels good. In the video, Dr. Malec recommends that you take the time to address this issue with your friend. Whether you set up a time to meet up in…
Read MoreTo quote one of my favorite shows, Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming.” Some people love winter in the Midwest. We get to experience the beautiful snow and celebrate the holiday season. Others, however, dislike winter. We view it as getting colder, we notice that we don’t see the sun as often, and we start to realize just how warm and comfortable our bed truly is. Whether you enjoy the winter or not, you may begin to…
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For those unfamiliar, the prospect of starting therapy can be daunting. It is often a realm of thought, emotion, and vulnerability that many of us work so diligently to ignore. You may have also have been in therapy before yet struggled to see the results, which can make the prospect of re-engaging somewhat scary. While understandable, there are a few factors which can help make your therapy experience positive and beneficial. Pick a therapist who is right…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Sadness is a healthy emotion that we all experience sometimes. But depression is far from healthy. As a therapist who has worked with depressed clients for more than a decade, I know it can be difficult to tell if what you feel is healthy sadness or harmful depression. There are some common symptoms you can look out for that will help you to identify if you’re experiencing depression. Persistent Depressed Mood…
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