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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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The New Year is under way and for many, it is time to think of a New Year’s resolution. This might consist of changing a behavior that we wish to improve, or attempting to accomplish a goal. If you find yourself unsure of a resolution to try this year, making yourself a priority in your own life. I often use the metaphor of a cup to explain how important it is for us to prioritize ourselves. Some…
Read MoreAmanda Gregory, LCPC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Have you ever said the right words, only to be completely misunderstood? The reason might be your nonverbal communication. Here is an example: You tell your partner, “I’m really sorry. My actions have caused you to feel hurt, disappointed, angry, and betrayed. I truly understand now, and I feel horrible.” Your words communicate self-accountability and empathy for your partner. These words could be the start of a productive conversation. But what…
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Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Do certain types of alcohol stimulate certain emotions, positive or negative, more so than others? A recently published study by the British Medical Journal attempts to answer this question by identifying how different types of alcoholic beverages—specifically red wine, white wine, beer, and liquor—impact the emotions of drinkers, whether they be positive (elated, relaxed, or aroused) or negative (anxious, aggressive, and depressed). The short answer, according to the researchers, is that they might,…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Audio Version Do you feel stressed at work and need to calm down quickly? Is the stress you experience at work carrying over into your personal life? Some of us wait until after work to cope because we don’t have access to our coping strategies. You can’t go to the gym, soak in a hot tub, or watch TV while at work. Also, it might feel as if you don’t have the time to…
Read MoreAs we head into the new year, we may have thoughts that are preventing us from moving into 2018 with an open mind. These thoughts could be telling us that we aren’t good enough. These thoughts could be telling us we need to hold onto the guilt from our decisions in 2017. These thoughts can make it extremely difficult to transition into the new year. To be in the present moment, we need to learn to let…
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Workplace stress is one of the most common reasons that lead people to seek therapy. As much as we may want to separate our work and our personal lives, it is difficult to avoid the stress of the former bleeding into the latter. An important conversation that often emerges is an evaluation of when, if at all, it is right to leave an employer. The most common grievances revolve around feeling underappreciated or undervalued. Often individuals feel…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC The cold temperatures and decreased sunlight of winter can generate or aggravate symptoms of depression —often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symmetry Counseling introduced this disorder in their blog Understanding Seasonal Depression, where she described some common symptoms. If you are experiencing SAD, there are a variety of helpful treatments you can try. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies the four most prevalent treatment options for SAD as light therapy, vitamin…
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Whether we like to admit it or not, we are impacted by our family. We do not live in a bubble, and our environment contributes to our personality and our habits. With my training as a Couple and Family Therapist, in the therapy process, I believe that for you to get the most effective help possible, we must look beyond your individual thoughts, and explore how other parts of your life have contributed to your presenting issue.…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling In my time as a therapist, I have encountered many individuals who fear they will be alone and single forever; a feeling that often keeps them involved in unhealthy relationships. Why is being alone and without a partner scary to so many people? For starters, the feeling of loneliness isn’t pleasant. Loneliness has been clinically defined as an emotional state in which a person experiences a powerful feeling of emptiness…
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