Sexless Marriage: Can My Marriage Survive?
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling There are many married couples that think their marriage can withstand anything, but can it withstand a sexless marriage? A sexless marriage is defined as a marital union in which little to no sexual activity occurs between the two partners (fewer than 10 times per year) and Newsweek…
Read MoreTalk, Don’t Track: How Technology Can Hurt Trust and Communication in Your Relationship
Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago To share or not to share? This is the question in the mind of couples in our modern times. There is always a desire for assurance of trust in a romantic relationship, so naturally, there is sensitivity to any potentially untrustworthy behavior. Is the expectation of personal privacy…
Read MoreMaking New Friends Throughout Adulthood
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling As we age, we have a lot to look forward to: becoming financially stable, settling into our identities, becoming confident in our career decisions, traveling, or possibly starting a family. However, regardless of these potential benefits to aging, there is often a common struggle that many adults bring…
Read More7 Signs of a Financially Abusive Relationship
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Financial abuse is often a well-kept secret. Lately, more people have been speaking up and speaking out against physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in intimate relationships, yet financial abuse is rarely mentioned. Nevertheless, it does happen. When couples decide to marry or cohabitate, many choose to combine…
Read MoreNegative Notions: Busting Common Misconceptions of Therapy
Often, the media, TV shows, movies, and the occasional friends “therapy gone wrong” story can paint the image of what many think when hearing the word therapy. This paves the way for misconceptions and false ideas of what the therapy process is and can deter people from turning to a therapist for support. As a…
Read MoreThe Healing Power of Kindness
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop Kindness is an essential and transformative aspect of human relationships. By intentionally practicing kindness in our lives, we can transform our experience of loving and being loved. Choosing to be kind to our friends and family members enriches these relationships, making them…
Read MoreWhen Childhood Feels Like Adulthood: Understanding Parentification in Childhood
Childhood is often associated with care, guidance, and the gradual assumption of responsibility. For some, those roles become reversed far too soon. Parentification in childhood occurs when a child takes on responsibilities that typically belong to a parent. Instead of receiving emotional or practical care, the child provides it to others. Memories may include managing…
Read MoreMeditation Made Simple
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…
Read More4 Ways to Achieve a Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age
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…
Read MoreBe Your Priority in 2018
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…
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