Can I Budget My Emotions?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW Let’s face it, the better part of the last 18 months has been incredibly overwhelming for most of us. As we face increasing numbers in Covid-19 cases we may be asked to pull from what limited emotional reserves we have left to see this pandemic out. In order to do this, we…
Read MoreWhat is Harm Reduction?
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Symmetry Counseling Chicago Harm reduction is a behavior change approach through which an individual reduces their exposure to risk without a complete elimination of the problematic behavior, all while giving oneself the opportunity to learn important new life coping skills. This is for people who are contemplating significant behavior change,…
Read MoreDo I Need to See a Psychiatrist?
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Symmetry Counseling Chicago In working with clients in individual psychotherapy, there are times when progress has slowed or become increasingly difficult to sustain. A mentor of mine once told me, “Therapy treats the mind while psychiatry treats the brain.” Psychiatry is the practice of utilizing medical interventions by a MD…
Read MoreAm I Using (Fill In The Blank) Too Much?
Matthew Cuddeback LCSW First and foremost, we all have our own substance we use and sometimes misuse. For many it’s caffeine, alcohol, or food. For many others its prescription meds, marijuana, or opiates. For others still it might not be a substance, it might be a behavior such as going to the gym, or risky…
Read MoreWhat Is Trauma Bonding?
Leaving an abusive relationship usually isn’t as easy as simply walking out the door. Aside from the logistics of finding a new place to live, supporting yourself, and sometimes involving children, you might also feel tied to your partner and unable to break away. This emotional attachment, which is known as a trauma bond, develops…
Read MoreYou Are a Badass: How Do I Stop Doubting My Greatness? Part II
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you read my previous blog post, you were introduced to some of the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that inhibit you from getting what you want. Here is part two of this series that continues to share encouragement and reasons why you deserve to live a life full of…
Read MoreYou Are a Badass: How Do I Stop Doubting My Greatness? Part I
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Are you looking to identify and change some of the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that inhibit you from getting what you want? If so, Jen Sincero’s number-one New York Times Best Seller You Are a Badass would be a great place for you to start. This blog will share important lessons,…
Read MoreA Brief Guide to Boundary Setting
By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Emotional energy can slowly drain when too much time is spent managing other people’s moods, expectations, and reactions. Conversations replay in your mind, guilt lingers after saying no, and frustration builds when your needs go unspoken. Learning how to set healthy boundaries changes this pattern by helping you recognize what…
Read MoreI Hate my Job: What Should I Do?
By Eric Dean JD, MBA, MA, MA, LPC, CADC “I hate my job.” So often have I heard this statement from folks. Usually, this awareness did not happen last week, but has been lingering for some time, maybe years. Please do not lose hope: there may be ways to improve your satisfaction with your current…
Read MoreWhy Do I Keep Getting Involved in Unhealthy Romantic Relationships?
By Eric Dean JD, MBA, MA, MA, LPC, CADC There are numerous reasons why we may find ourselves getting involved in unhealthy romantic relationships or with unhealthy partners. A common reason is that we lack examples of what a healthy relationship looks like. Throughout our lives, starting in childhood we have observed many examples of…
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