How to Navigate Mental Health During Winter
Zoe Mittman, LSW Does anyone else feel like it was just summer? I know that I do, and I certainly feel as though we completely skipped over fall. Maybe you’re in the same boat as me, or maybe the summer months felt way too long. However, we are now entering late fall and early winter…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Science Behind Self-Worth
By: Zana Van Der Smissen Today I will be exploring the concept of self-worth. A concept that comes up in many therapy rooms and can be hard to address at times. There is a perception that perhaps talking about self-worth means that we are being egotistical if we feel like we are telling ourselves that…
Read MoreHow Does Self-Determination Impact Motivation?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Have there ever been times when your life has felt out of control? Where no matter what you do nothing seems to change and you begin to feel powerless over your own circumstances? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it may be worthwhile exploring the topic of self-determination, and…
Read MoreWhat are the Stages of Change and Why Are They Important? Part 2
Jessica Pontis, LCSW In my previous post about the stages of change, I discussed the different stages of change and how they may present within the context of a person’s experience with smoking. Having outlined the stages, let’s focus our attention in part two of this discussion on how a clinician can appropriately assess where…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Mind-Body Connection
Zoe Mittman, LSW Did you know that there is a connection between your mental health and physical health? This is called the mind-body connection. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact your physiological functioning and vice versa. For example, have you ever noticed your palms and underarms getting sweaty, your heart beating rapidly, or your cheeks…
Read MoreWhat Is Decision Fatigue and How Do I Manage It?
By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Decisions, decisions, decisions. Choices, choices, choices. Why is it so hard to make decisions nowadays? And why are specifically millennials struggling with making decisions? I have heard many younger clients I work with discuss how there are literally TOO many choices, and they can’t decide what to do, which makes them…
Read MoreWhat Is Neuroplasticity In Connection To Trauma Healing?
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist Neuroplasticity is one of the reasons I became a trauma psychotherapist in Chicago. The brain’s amazing ability to transform and heal itself gives me hope that any trauma, no matter how entrenched in the brain, can be processed, integrated, and healed. What is Neuroplasticity? Britannica defines neuroplasticity as…
Read MoreIs Forgiveness Needed for Meaningful Trauma Recovery?
Forgiveness and trauma recovery create a complicated relationship for many survivors. Long-term healing unfolds in personal waves, and no single step fits everyone. Many people experience significant progress without forgiving an abuser, and forced forgiveness creates emotional blocks instead of relief. This topic deserves space for practical guidance, personal choice, and internal growth. Understanding Forgiveness…
Read MoreIs Forgiveness Necessary for Trauma Recovery? Part 1
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist “Forgiveness is for you, not the other person” “Don’t let someone rent space in your head.” “You need to forgive so that you can move on.” “You’ve likely heard popular sayings like, ‘Forgive for your own sake’ or ‘Don’t let someone rent space in your head.’ Do you…
Read MoreIs Perfectionism Helping or Sabotaging Me?
Kaitlin Broderick LCPC Perfectionism can be thought of as the belief that your worth as a human being is tied to your achievements and therefore, you cannot fail at anything. We live in a culture where people are constantly praised and respected for their achievements; especially in work. Perfectionists often have a pervasive feeling of…
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