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Let’s face it: life’s decisions can feel like a pressure cooker of anxiety. When we face difficult crossroads, we often find ourselves in a state of confusing ambivalence, not knowing if what we choose will lead our lives toward or further from our dreams for ourselves. This is a universal experience. Our families and cultures […]

Let’s face it: life’s decisions can feel like a pressure cooker of anxiety. When we face difficult crossroads, we often find ourselves in a state of confusing ambivalence, not knowing if what we choose will lead our lives toward or further from our dreams for ourselves. This is a universal experience. Our families and cultures […]

By Felicia Levy, LCSW Most of us at one point or another have been on the receiving end of a breaking up. Going through a break up is never easy. Here are reasons why we act the way we do, and some things we can do to feel better. Bizarre break up behavior may include […]

By Leslie C. Baker Kimmons, PhD Disappointment is a feeling we have all experienced in various degrees, however, I believe that we often misunderstand what is at the root of our disappointment.  The emotional foundation of disappointment is sadness and the depth to which we experience disappointed is the difference between our expectations and reality. […]

By Leslie C. Baker Kimmons, PhD Disappointment is a feeling we have all experienced in various degrees, however, I believe that we often misunderstand what is at the root of our disappointment.  The emotional foundation of disappointment is sadness and the depth to which we experience disappointed is the difference between our expectations and reality. […]

By Ewelina Beardmore, LCPC “My therapeutic goal is to get rid of my anxiety.” This type of client comment challenges therapists. Because how do you help meet these expectations when some symptoms, as comfortable as they might be, are simply part of being a human being? In our society, we have a tendency to either […]

By Saren LeCompte, LCPC As winter turns to spring and the weather begins to change, Chicagoans are eager to get out of their houses and get outside. After a mild, albeit long winter, people are looking forward to sun, festivals, warmer temperatures and engaging with others. Socializing often goes hand in hand with drinking, particularly […]

By Saren LeCompte, LCPC As winter turns to spring and the weather begins to change, Chicagoans are eager to get out of their houses and get outside. After a mild, albeit long winter, people are looking forward to sun, festivals, warmer temperatures and engaging with others. Socializing often goes hand in hand with drinking, particularly […]

By Farah Hussain Baig, LCSW A culture that encourages trends and conformity can leave many who march to their own tune feel strange, less than or inadequate. Evolution would suggest that it’s “safer” to follow the herd instead of going out on your own. After all, it’s human nature to want to fit in.  At […]

Felicia Levy, LCSW Sometimes holidays are just really challenging. Valentine’s Day, for many, is one of those holidays. You can’t escape it: Stores are boasting red and pink hearts; advertisements are geared toward “buying something for your special loved one”; movies are focused on love and that special relationship that magically works out.  It’s everywhere! […]

Felicia Levy, LCSW Sometimes holidays are just really challenging. Valentine’s Day, for many, is one of those holidays. You can’t escape it: Stores are boasting red and pink hearts; advertisements are geared toward “buying something for your special loved one”; movies are focused on love and that special relationship that magically works out.  It’s everywhere! […]

By Jamie Edwards, LCSW “Hope” is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops – at all – Emily Dickinson From Star Wars to The Little Engine that Could, hope is a common theme in our culture. Yet it’s also one of those words […]

By: Saren LeCompte, LCPC It’s that time of year again! The frigid weather descends, lights decorate streets and homes, we become inundated with propaganda about gift giving…oh the holidays. It is a magical time of year for some; one of excitement, togetherness, love and hope. For others, it can be a time of stress, depression, […]

By: Saren LeCompte, LCPC It’s that time of year again! The frigid weather descends, lights decorate streets and homes, we become inundated with propaganda about gift giving…oh the holidays. It is a magical time of year for some; one of excitement, togetherness, love and hope. For others, it can be a time of stress, depression, […]

By Felicia Levy, LCSW Heading into the holidays with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, many people think about what they are grateful for. Personally, gratitude is one of my favorite tools to use when I’m feeling in a funk. As a therapist, I receive regular feedback from clients who say that finding a daily gratitude practice really […]