Family Therapy Chicago
The decision to divorce is never easy and when children are involved the situation is even more challenging to navigate. Most couples delay separation or “stick with it” longer than may be personally healthy for the sake of their children. Divorce is difficult for everyone, but with appropriate support and care, children can and will adjust with their parents. Every child will deal with this change in unique ways: Some will weather the storm with little disruption…
Read MoreMadissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Everyone goes into their first marriage expecting it to be their last, yet in today’s society, the terms “divorce” and “blended family” (or “stepfamily”) are not foreign concepts. A blended family or stepfamily forms when you and your partner merge your lives together with children from one or both of your previous marriages. Knowing there are many difficulties you and your family may face, it can be incredibly intimidating and…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner “I don’t know what to say.” “I don’t want to make it worse.” Over the past week, I’ve heard from parents, teachers, and other adults asking how to talk to children about the school shooting in Florida. These discussions can be difficult for adults and children, but they’re vital. As adults, we need to know what the children in our lives are thinking and feeling in order to provide them with emotional…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling In this day and age, it is incredibly easy to turn to social media for validation. You may have 6,000 followers on Instagram, 1,000 friends on Facebook, or you may get hundreds of views every day on your blog, but are you happy with your social support system? Do you feel you have friends that lift you up when you are feeling down or family who are there to listen…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling The holiday season is meant to be a time filled with joy, celebration, and family, but for many it is a sad reminder of the past or recent loved ones they have lost. Losing someone you love and adore is extremely difficult to cope with at any time, however, the grief can feel even stronger when you are engaging in old traditions such as listening to holiday music, putting up…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Sibling rivalry is a healthy aspect of child development. Interacting with siblings helps children practice navigating conflicts in relationships. But excessive sibling rivalry can have a detrimental impact on brothers and sisters as well as their caregivers. How can you tell when the rivalry between siblings has become a problem? Ask yourself these questions: Do they initiate physical aggression that has caused injuries on more than one occasion? Does one of the siblings appear…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner “Try not to worry.” “Stop worrying!” “Why don’t you just relax?” Such advice rarely provides any relief. It’s always difficult—and at times impossible—to stop worrying. Worrying is a common response when we encounter situations that we care deeply about. It can even be productive, as worrying can lead to increased focus, motivation, and action that can resolve problems. But worrying about too many things at once is often counterproductive. Anxiety can be…
Read MoreThe holidays can be highly stressful and anxiety-provoking for many. It often involves multiple potentially stressful elements, including interacting with people whom we may not normally encounter. Working with a therapist can help to prepare for your unique holiday situation, although it is likely some common themes will emerge. Find “the why.” Too often, we lose sight of the purpose of our behavior. Routine is important, yet it is all too easy to fall into the trap…
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By Andrew McNaughton LCSW CADC The Cost Benefit Analysis is a useful tool in determining the pros and cons of the potential outcomes of a difficult decision. Regardless of whether it is a potentially life altering decision, such as changing jobs, getting married, moving out of town, quitting drinking, ending a relationship, or something less urgent, like whether to go on a vacation, purchase a new HDTV, or leave work early to go to the Cubs game,…
Read MoreBy: Andrew McNaughton LCSW CADC A loved one’s addictive behavior can quickly become our own problem for which we make ourselves feel responsible. Whether the behavior involves alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, pornography, eating, stealing, hoarding, or any other potentially destructive compulsions, when it becomes problematic for the individual, it will likely become a problem for their family and friends as well. Learning to cope with a loved one’s addictive behavior—both in and outside of individual or family therapy…
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