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Sexless Marriage: Can My Marriage Survive?

January 24, 2018
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling There are many married couples that think their marriage can withstand anything, but can it withstand a sexless marriage? A sexless marriage is defined as a marital union in which little to no sexual activity occurs between the two partners (fewer than 10 times per year) and Newsweek magazine estimates that around 15-20% of couples fall in this category. While there tends to be a sexual drop off within the…

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Talk, Don't Track: How Technology Can Hurt Trust and Communication in Your Relationship

January 22, 2018

Andrew 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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Making New Friends Throughout Adulthood

January 20, 2018
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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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7 Signs of a Financially Abusive Relationship

January 18, 2018

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Financial abuse is often a well-kept secret. Lately, more people have been speaking up and speaking out against physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in intimate relationships, yet financial abuse is rarely mentioned. Nevertheless, it does happen. When couples decide to marry or cohabitate, many choose to combine their finances. This creates the possibility that one partner could experience financial abuse. How can you tell if you are experiencing financial…

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Meditation Made Simple

January 8, 2018
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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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4 Ways to Achieve a Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age

January 7, 2018
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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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6 Ways to Enhance Your Relationships with Nonverbal Communication

January 3, 2018

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Have you ever said the right words, only to be completely misunderstood? The reason might be your nonverbal communication. Here is an example: You tell your partner, “I’m really sorry. My actions have caused you to feel hurt, disappointed, angry, and betrayed. I truly understand now, and I feel horrible.” Your words communicate self-accountability and empathy for your partner. These words could be the start of a productive conversation. But what…

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Make Your Resolution Count

December 20, 2017
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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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Grieving During the Holidays

December 18, 2017
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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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Three Techniques to Understanding Your Teen

December 15, 2017
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Provider, Symmetry Counseling Audio Version They may not pay bills, have full-time jobs, or experience all the stress associated with being an adult, but that doesn’t mean teenagers have it easy. In fact, teens can experience significant daily stress. Their stressful experiences can be difficult for adults to understand, and this lack of understanding makes it challenging for adults to empathize and connect with teens. Here are three ways to better understand the…

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