mental health
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Do you focus more on your disappointments as opposed to your successes? If so, you’re not alone. Many people can quickly recall times when they were unsuccessful. Yet when asked about their successes, they struggle to identify any, or they minimize them. I had a client who experienced anxiety while taking public transportation. He told me that he had a panic attack in the past week and he was frustrated with his…
Read MoreAt Symmetry Counseling, we are proud of our staff of highly trained and experienced licensed mental health professionals. In the above video, meet Madissyn Fredericks, a Licensed Professional Counselor here at Symmetry Counseling. What made you decide to be a therapist? I decided to become a therapist because I couldn’t think of another profession where I would have the opportunity to build relationships with people every day and make a difference in their lives. What are your…
Read MoreBy now, I am sure that you have heard of the importance of coping skills and taking part in regular self-care routines. Generally, when we plan self-care routines, we focus on one or two activities that help us feel better, such as going for a run, or getting our nails done. Too often, I see people utilizing coping skills and not seeing results. It takes time and self-awareness to learn what helps you, what does not, and…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Empathy is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with others. Alfred Adler, founder of the school of individual psychology, wrote, “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” The experience of stepping into someone else’s shoes without judgment and letting ourselves feel what they’re feeling is vital to experiencing intimacy in our relationships. But often it…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Have you considered participating in group therapy? It’s worth thinking about. Many people have found group therapy to be helpful in addressing a variety of issues, from interpersonal skills to self-esteem. Group therapy involves meeting with a therapist and a group of individuals who have similar goals with the intention of working on these goals together. Some people participate in group therapy exclusively, while others engage in individual, family, or couples therapy…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling As therapists, our goals include making sure our clients feel heard, understood, validated, and safe during our sessions. We work together with our clients towards a common goal and give our clients the tools they need to better cope with stressors in their lives and relationships. While we strive to make sure our clients have a positive experience with therapy, there may be times that you don’t feel heard, understood,…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Intimate relationships can bring so much light and happiness into our lives, but when they are unhealthy or come to an end, you may feel alone and empty. A quick fix that comes to mind when the relationship causes you to feel this way may be to invest a new love interest. Although going from one relationship to the next may bring you temporary love, excitement, and happiness, is it actually…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Communicating with your doctor, whether they be a psychiatrist, a primary care physician, or a specialist, can be difficult in this fast-paced health care climate. Nirmal Joshi, chief medical officer of PinnacleHealth, reported that patients’ chances of having their doctor’s undivided attention have decreased due to increased documentation requirements. Doctors are now expected to record and keep track of more information than ever before, and they are rarely given additional time to…
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It’s that time of the weekend again. It’s early Sunday evening and all of the sudden you realize the weekend with your friends flew by, and tomorrow is already Monday morning and back to work! You had so much fun meeting up with friends and catching up on your favorite Netflix series, but the dread of knowing you will be back to check all the unanswered emails starts to cause you some nervousness and anxiety. You’re having…
Read MoreSaint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and it happens to fall on a Saturday this year. Saint Patrick’s Day in Chicago can be a fun event to be part of as the city brings everyone together turning the river green and playing Irish music at the local restaurants. It can also be a holiday heavily focused on drinking copious amounts of alcohol. While some may consider themselves to be social drinkers and can enjoy having…
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