The Power of Your Breath
If you have ever taken a yoga class, you have probably heard the instructor say things like, “Just breathe,” or “Focus on your breath.” Breathing is an essential element of yoga. Yoga involves intentional breathing – breathing with purpose and in a controlled manner – a technique which may also help with anxiety, depression, and…
Read MoreGetting Out of Your Own Way: The Emotional Process of Studying for Major Tests
Many of us are required to take major tests to further our careers. Why do they push our emotions to the limit? What is so hard about proving what we already know? What makes studying so difficult sometimes? Big tests like the Bar Exam, Licensure Boards, GMAT or GRE usually have a big impact on…
Read MoreCodependency: What is it and where does it come from?
As a counselor, I have been noticing that the term codependency is being overused and misused quite a bit as many mistake the term codependency for dependency. Codependency is characterized by neglecting one’s own needs in favor of meeting the needs of another. The dependency stems from the codependent’s dependence on another person depending on…
Read MoreThe Case for Scheduling “Us Time”
By Maggie Reynolds, LCPC Many therapists recommend that couples schedule regular check-ins and time together to talk through issues in the relationship. Sometimes it is merely a suggestion, and sometimes it is assigned homework stemming from relationship or marriage counseling sessions. The key is to set aside specific, concrete time rather than leaving it as a…
Read MoreBefore You Tie The Knot: 5 Topics to Address Before Marriage
By Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC “What should we expect?” There is no simple or direct answer to that question. Marriage expectations are highly subjective and based on the needs and beliefs of the individuals comprising the couple. Marriage is almost never easy, but seeing the relationship as an evolving process can set reasonable expectations. Starting…
Read MoreYou Don’t Have To Believe Everything You Think
If you have ever felt consumed or overwhelmed by your thoughts, the concept that you do not have to believe everything you think can seem foreign. Without awareness of the problem, it can sometimes feel like you are a slave to your thoughts. I often hear people say that they cannot shut their minds off…
Read MoreYes, Marijuana Can Be Addictive
By Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC Long thought of as a relatively harmless drug, marijuana is increasingly becoming more culturally and legally acceptable. Marijuana, however, is potentially habit forming, especially for frequent or daily heavy users. People may use marijuana casually and never experience any problems, but some will come to depend on it to relax,…
Read MoreHow Can You Help Me With Money? You Aren’t an Accountant!
When I tell people that I am a Certified Financial Social Worker, the typical response I get is, “How can you help people with their money issues? You aren’t an accountant or financial planner.” While this might be true – I do not have the training or credentials to give financial or investment advice, create…
Read MoreTransforming the Effects of Trauma
By: Andrea Gargano, LCPC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago
Trauma is an event that causes psychological injury or pain. What is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another. Trauma is not always necessarily the effects of being in a combat zone, surviving a car accident, or suffering from physical abuse. While it can be those things, trauma shows up in a variety of ways. So it is best not to assume that something is traumatic but instead to look at the effects that the trauma has on the person; namely on their brain and nervous system.
Read MoreChoosing Holistic Self-Care to Cope with Difficult Emotions
“What have you been doing to take care of yourself?” This is the most important question I ask my clients. I’m not only referring to caring for the physical body, how we move, eat, or sleep, but also how we cope with our emotions. Ignoring or minimizing emotional needs can affect our mental health, physical…
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