Posts by Admin User
Friendships Throughout the Lifespan: Childhood, Pt. 1
Written by Kara Thompson, Licensed Social Worker “Friendship, a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people. “ – Britannica When thinking about growing up as a child, some of us may be able to recall both sweet and bitter memories around our journey of making friends. Maybe you’re able to remember…
Read MoreConflict Within Marriage: How Do I Fight Fairly?
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC We can all agree – arguing stinks. Although marriage can be one of the most wonderful and rewarding parts of life, it can also be challenging and it’s something that has to be constantly worked on. All close and intimate relationships experience conflict sometimes. It can be healthy and…
Read MoreCan I Budget My Emotions?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Let’s face it, the better part of the last 18 months has been incredibly overwhelming for most of us. As we face increasing numbers in Covid-19 cases we may be asked to pull from what limited emotional reserves we have left to see this pandemic out. In order to do this, we…
Read MoreWhat is Harm Reduction?
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Symmetry Counseling Chicago Harm reduction is a behavior change approach through which an individual reduces their exposure to risk without a complete elimination of the problematic behavior, all while giving oneself the opportunity to learn important new life coping skills. This is for people who are contemplating significant behavior change,…
Read MoreDo I Need to See a Psychiatrist?
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Symmetry Counseling Chicago In working with clients in individual psychotherapy, there are times when progress has slowed or become increasingly difficult to sustain. A mentor of mine once told me, “Therapy treats the mind while psychiatry treats the brain.” Psychiatry is the practice of utilizing medical interventions by a MD…
Read MoreAm I Using (Fill In The Blank) Too Much?
Matthew Cuddeback LCSW First and foremost, we all have our own substance we use and sometimes misuse. For many it’s caffeine, alcohol, or food. For many others its prescription meds, marijuana, or opiates. For others still it might not be a substance, it might be a behavior such as going to the gym, or risky…
Read MoreWhat Is Trauma Bonding?
Leaving an abusive relationship usually isn’t as easy as simply walking out the door. Aside from the logistics of finding a new place to live, supporting yourself, and sometimes involving children, you might also feel tied to your partner and unable to break away. This emotional attachment, which is known as a trauma bond, develops…
Read MoreYou Are a Badass: How Do I Stop Doubting My Greatness? Part II
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you read my previous blog post, you were introduced to some of the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that inhibit you from getting what you want. Here is part two of this series that continues to share encouragement and reasons why you deserve to live a life full of…
Read MoreYou Are a Badass: How Do I Stop Doubting My Greatness? Part I
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Are you looking to identify and change some of the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that inhibit you from getting what you want? If so, Jen Sincero’s number-one New York Times Best Seller You Are a Badass would be a great place for you to start. This blog will share important lessons,…
Read MoreA Brief Guide to Boundary Setting
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Emotional energy can slowly drain when too much time is spent managing other people’s moods, expectations, and reactions. Conversations replay in your mind, guilt lingers after saying no, and frustration builds when your needs go unspoken. Learning how to set healthy boundaries changes this pattern by helping you recognize what…
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