Three Tips to Increasing Effective Communication
Communication is something that we are constantly doing. Even when we are not speaking words, we are communicating through nonverbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions. When we communicate poorly, the defenses of person you are talking to go up, which makes us unable to connect with them and resolve the issues at…
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Boyfriend About His Trust Issues
In this video series, readers submit their questions for the therapists at Symmetry Counseling. In this blog, the letter writers asks Dr. Malec about the best way to talk to her boyfriend when he gets sulky and mistrustful at her going out with her friends. Watch the video above for Dr. Malec’s response, and read…
Read More4 Methods to Manage Sibling Rivalry
Amanda Gregory, LCPC Sibling rivalry is a healthy aspect of child development. Interacting with siblings helps children practice navigating conflicts in relationships. But excessive sibling rivalry can have a detrimental impact on brothers and sisters as well as their caregivers. How can you tell when the rivalry between siblings has become a problem? Ask yourself…
Read MoreKeeping The Score
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Whether we do it consciously or subconsciously, we all keep score in our relationships to some degree. When we start keeping score in intimate relationships, we may tend to notice when we clean the house more, make more money, or take care of the kids more than our…
Read MoreAntidepressant 411
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Antidepressants are a medication commonly used to treat individuals struggling with symptoms of depression. Some of these symptoms include lack of interest, fatigue, hopelessness, sadness, and even suicidal thoughts. The decision to take an antidepressant, engage in outpatient psychological therapy, or combine the two is entirely up to…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Pets
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?…
Read MoreLearn to Manage Anxiety by Prioritizing Your Worries
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner “Try not to worry.” “Stop worrying!” “Why don’t you just relax?” Such advice rarely provides any relief. It’s always difficult—and at times impossible—to stop worrying. Worrying is a common response when we encounter situations that we care deeply about. It can even be productive, as worrying can lead to increased…
Read MoreHow to Reply to A Friend Who Keeps Canceling Plans
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…
Read MoreStay In Touch: Four Tips for Improving Long-Distance Relationships
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Social media, text messaging, and email have become staples of interpersonal communication in our culture. More and more people are establishing and maintaining long-distance relationships electronically. Yet corresponding this way can lack intimacy, which weakens our relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Here are four ways to use electronic…
Read MoreUnderstanding Seasonal Depression
To 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…
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