Counseling Chicago
Matthew Cuddeback LCSW When I am working with people on changing a behavior that has been identified as unhealthy or problematic, we often focus on two areas that help with this change, 1. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this behavior, and 2. Specific skills needed to manage this behavior change. When we get to this second one, I often discuss with client’s the power of the sticky note as a tool to help with changing…
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Steven Losardo, AMFT Negotiation of salaries is a tricky endeavor for anyone, but it can be a more complicated process for certain personality types. This dilemma is why understanding your personality characteristics can come in handy when it comes to essential decision-making processes such as asking for a raise. Agreeableness as a personality trait. According to the five-factor model of personality, agreeableness refers to one of five personality traits that we possess in varying degrees. The other…
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Jessica Pontis, LCSW On March 11, 2020, Covid-19 was officially declared to be a pandemic and all at once the world seemed to stand still. Countries locked down, wedding plans changed, families forced to grieve the loss of loved ones. We’ve lost jobs, connection, and precious time. Up until very recently so much of the conversation around Covid-19 has been about how I can make it through lockdown, how can I stay safe, when will I be…
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Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, LPC, NCC There are few things that affect the human soul as grief does. It cuts deep and has the potential to bring even the strongest person’s life to a standstill. We all have persons whom we love deeply, and whether it is by death, divorce or any other permanent end to a relationship, grieving these losses can take a significant emotional and physical toll. It is indeed one of the greatest fears we as…
Read MoreAndrew Castillo, LCSW, MSW We often have a picture of what our lives with look like and include; we will go to college, find a great job, and start a family, all before 30 of course. Many (not all) of us, feel a very real pressure to be in a long-term relationship, particularly if we have been single for an extended length of time. This pressure can come from family, friends, or ourselves! This pressure can lead…
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Andrew Castillo, LCSW, MSW We often have a picture of what our lives with look like and include; we will go to college, find a great job, and start a family, all before 30 of course. Many (not all) of us, feel a very real pressure to be in a long-term relationship, particularly if we have been single for an extended length of time. This pressure can come from family, friends, or ourselves! This pressure can lead…
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Matthew Cuddeback LCSW During the intake appointment, when I am meeting a client (or clients) for the first time we will discuss past experiences with mental healthcare, and this is a really important area to pay attention to the feelings this topic conjures. This is an area that is difficult to navigate, understand, and trust. How did it go? Did you get what you needed? Did you feel respected? Were you able to advocate for yourself?…
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At this time last year, we were experiencing the last few days of normalcy before all of our lives turned upside down. I think we can all agree a year is a long time and 2020 felt even longer than normal. Time and time again I’ve heard people telling others how important it is to remain hopeful. Reminding people that this time period isn’t permanent, and things will get better. It’s no secret having hope during this…
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By: Danielle Bertini, LPC There’s no arguing against the fact that it’s good to have a strong work ethic and high standards. But when does this go too far? Meet—perfectionism. Perfectionism involves the tendency to set standards that are so high that they either cannot be met or are only met with great difficulty. Anything short of perfection is horrible and unacceptable. Making mistakes isn’t even an option because it signifies that they are a failure.…
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Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist Transitional stress is a certain emotional and/or physical response to a life transition. Here are some tips to help you cope with transitional stress: Embrace Awareness Step back and notice what’s happening in your life. Can you identify one or more transitions that you are experiencing now? A transition does not need to be a huge, life changing event, but may be something that appears small or insignificant. Finishing a…
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