Psychologist Chicago
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Do you struggle to incorporate new behaviors into your lifestyle? Does it sometimes seem impossible to change your established routines? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find it extremely challenging to add new behaviors into their daily lives. A former client of mine set a goal of going to the gym three mornings a week. After four weeks, this client had not gone to the gym even once. I could hear…
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As parents, loved ones, and caregivers, there is the natural desire to protect children. When difficult life events happen, such as the death of a family member, friend, pet, or peer finding the words to explain death to a child can be difficult. Of course, this is a difficult topic for adults, as well. So, what do you share with your children? First, you may wonder if your child is aware that someone important has died. The…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling When you are your partner decide to take that next step to move in together, there is usually an initial feeling of excitement. You can’t wait to spend more time together, wake up next to each other every morning, and get to know each other on a more intimate level. While this excitement lasts for a while, every couple eventually settles into their routine and gets comfortable with their partner.…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Whether you are going through a breakup, loss of a job, experiencing depressive symptoms, anxiety, or stress at home, you usually turn to those you love and care about to help you through that difficult time. However, if the challenging time seems to be lingering and you are continuously leaning on these people, you may eventually feel like you are a burden to them. You may begin feel that you…
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Andrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago A recent Chicago Tribune article poses the question, “Are video games addictive?” The bulk of the article focuses on the experience of one young man, who described increasingly compulsive video game use to combat feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation, and how he came to cope with his urges and find support with other problematic video game players. The rest of the article featured experts debating whether compulsive video game…
Read MoreAndrew McNaughton LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago To share or not to share? This is the question in the mind of couples in our modern times. There is always a desire for assurance of trust in a romantic relationship, so naturally, there is sensitivity to any potentially untrustworthy behavior. Is the expectation of personal privacy an antiquated notion, especially for a romantic partnership? If there is nothing to hide, what is the harm in sharing phones, tablets,…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling As we age, we have a lot to look forward to: becoming financially stable, settling into our identities, becoming confident in our career decisions, traveling, or possibly starting a family. However, regardless of these potential benefits to aging, there is often a common struggle that many adults bring into therapy: making new friends in adulthood. Growing up, making friends may have seemed like a breeze; you made new friends on…
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In recent years, meditation has become a noteworthy buzzword in the global West to which reportedly amazing results can be attributed. However, there remains confusion regarding what meditation is and is not, which can make it seem beyond the scope of possibility for most of us. It often conjures up images of temple monks remaining in silence for days on end. Yet mediation does not need to be relegated only to monks and yoga masters. You do…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Do you feel as if you’re always working? Are you constantly checking work email, texts, or voicemail? Technology can blur the lines between work and personal life, and a poor work-life balance can negatively affect your mood, health, and relationships. In this age of technology, the struggle to establish and maintain a work-life balance is common. I’ve seen many clients who were dedicated to their career, yet they also wanted a fulfilling personal life.…
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As 2017 rapidly winds down, we can soon expect to hear rampant conversations regarding new year’s resolutions. Every year, January 1st represents a chance to once again become our best selves. It is a time for reflection of the past and for imagination about the future. Yet despite the hope inspired by a new year, it often remains difficult for many of us to execute the kind of change we most desire. While each case may be…
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