Reducing Social Media Use
There’s no doubt that social media has been one of the most life-changing technological innovations that we’ve ever had access to — it enables us to feel connected to people all over the world. However, social media is not just a magical online space in which people enjoy greater access to their loved ones far…
Read MoreKeeping Calm While Parenting
As a parent, do you ever feel like you get overwhelmed? Or do you feel like you forget the “simplicity” of life before you had a child? Or do you wish that you could get back the quiet and calm times you had prior to being a parent? If you can relate to any of…
Read MoreSix Survival Tips for New Mothers
As a clinician, I have encouraged clients with positive psychology tips in their daily lives, often mentioning ideas such as using “self-affirmations” or a “reframing” perspective. A self-affirmation might be an encouraging or praising thought for something they either like about themselves or felt they did well at. A reframing perspective is looking at a…
Read MoreThe Easter Hope of a New England Family Part II
A Part of the Past Shows up in the Present We pick up where we left the family in part I of the blog. DL is frozen at the moment afterhearing a voice from the woods saying, “If you build it he will come.” DL discovers the voice from the woods is Unc, who is…
Read MoreThe Easter Hope of a New England Family Part I
Steven Losardo Holiday gatherings often bring a sense of connection, nostalgia, and tradition, yet they can also surface unresolved tension. Family conflict during the holidays rarely starts with a major blowup. Instead, it builds gradually as a teasing comment takes on a sharper edge, a small disagreement grows more heated, and familiar family roles gradually…
Read MoreBrain Games: Learn Fun Ways to Manage Worrying
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Worrying is anything but fun. Persistent, constant, and uncontrollable worries can cause severe anxiety. Moreover, intense worries such as those that we experience when we’re exposed to something we fear can be debilitating. If your worrying is causing you anxiety, you can implement simple cognitive methods, such as brain games, to…
Read MoreThe Definitive Guide to Understanding Procrastination
The New York Times recently spoke to a number of psychologists about procrastination. Summarized below are their findings. Procrastination: we’re all familiar with it, but we do we understand it? Most people think of procrastination as a failure in time management skills; some even equate it with laziness. The reality is that procrastination is misunderstood,…
Read MoreHow to Address Mental Health on Public Transportation
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) serves over one million passengers each day. If you live in Chicago or have ever visited the bustling city, you are likely familiar with the CTA and the “L” train system. With so many daily passengers and endless possibilities for mishaps or “interesting situations”, the “L” can at times be…
Read MoreSolution-Focused Therapy
Reaching out for counseling can feel intense at times, and individuals often question the level of support they need. Many people assume their concerns are too minor for long-term care. Solution-focused therapy offers a helpful alternative for individuals seeking direction without a long-term commitment. At Symmetry Counseling, our sessions create space for you to address…
Read MoreHow our Mental Health Impacts Sexual Intimacy
Sexual intimacy and mental health are more intertwined than you may think. For many, sexual health and intimacy is a very important aspect of life. How we interact with our partner(s) sexually is largely influenced by how our mental health is doing. There are so many different life experiences that impact our mental health and…
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