Do You Have a Job or Career?
Written by: Colleen Lennon, LCSW
Would you call what you do a job or a career? Do you wake up dreading going into work or do you look forward to each day? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a job is defined as “a piece of work; something that has to be done,” while a career is defined as “a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling; a field for pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement especially in public, professional, or business life.”
Read MoreHow to Use Basic Listening Skills to Improve Your Relationships
Written by: Rachel Koutnik, LCSW
Are you a good listener? Some people think they are good listeners, but the reality more than often is that poor listening skills are the culprit behind feeling misunderstood, disconnected and the precursor to all those unnecessary arguments.
Read MoreThe Rational Wisdom of the Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Read MoreHow Often Should You and Your Partner Be Having Sex?
Written by: Rebecca Hirsch, AMFT
Symmetry Counseling Chicago
I often get the question how often couples should be having sex. As a therapist, I dislike the word “should”, especially when it comes to sex. This is an impossible question to answer for a number of reasons. Sex is not a one-size-fits-all, and every individual and couple has a different idea of how often they want to be having sex and what that looks like.
Read MoreDo I Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem and What Can I Do About It?
by Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC There are about a dozen criteria in the DSM-5 for diagnosing Substance Use Disorders, but I look for four “red flags” when assessing a patient: Does substance use negatively impact the patient’s money? Relationships? Mental or physical health? Freedom? If the patient answers “yes” to at least one of those…
Read MoreCan Feeling Bad Actually Be Good?
Written By: Rachel Koutnik
It takes courage to start therapy. Most people have no idea what to expect when they begin to talk about their feelings. As a therapist, I notice that many people feel defeated by their emotions.
Read More5 Things to Keep in Mind When Starting Therapy
Attending therapy for the first time can feel intimidating and nerve-racking for many new clients. I often hear new clients say that they feel relieved when sessions turn into genuine conversations rather than something scripted or clinical. Therapists are often portrayed in movies and media as distant figures sitting quietly in a chair taking notes while clients…
Read MoreWhy Premarital Counseling is Important
Getting engaged can be one of the happiest and most exciting times of your life. When your partner pops the question or you two mutually decide that you’re both ready, excitement and joy fill you up. You get to share your love and joy with your families and close friends and celebrate your relationship. That…
Read MoreRational vs. Irrational Emotions: What Am I Telling Myself?
By: Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling, Chicago There is a difference between guilt and remorse. Let’s say I have done something that goes against my own value system, something that I consider to be bad. I have the choice (yes, it is a choice) to either make myself feel guilty or make myself feel…
Read MoreHave Politics Influenced Your Dating Preferences?
It is no surprise to anyone that the recent election has shown us what a divided country we are. This election felt incredibly personal to so many people, and when something feels close to our hearts, our emotions are on the line. Dialoguing about contrasting political views can often be filled with emotion and defensiveness.…
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