Recently I stopped into the Chicago Bay Marketplace in Hovland to buy a loaf of fresh baked bread and I overheard a conversation about Highway 61 driving experiences and road rage. The conversation was thoughtful and expressed a concern for safety without any agitation or irritability. Sound familiar? Or would it be a challenge to not sound hostile, spew profanities,... READ MORE >
May is mental health awareness month and the obvious observance of mental health this month is how we treat, respect, and honor those impacted by mental illness. But, how is your mental health? Does this sound like you… You’re overwhelmed at work. You have a ton of projects piling up at home, and your calendar is packed with family and... READ MORE >
In my psychotherapy practice I have heard this statement more than a few times. Married couples seeking guidance and clarification on whether their relationship can make it. There is truth to the old saying “Marriage is the hardest thing you’ll ever do.” So what makes it so hard? And how do couples get through the hard times? In the beginning... READ MORE >
September in Cook County means the beginning of the school year. Children are heading back to class and social groups. Many times children as young as kindergarten want to wear the normal clothes, eat the normal lunches, behave and do normal things so that other children accept them. Sometimes kids come home from school heartbroken that someone made fun of... READ MORE >
In my practice as a psychotherapist and especially as a yoga teacher, I see many clients who are looking to live a more heartfelt, soulful life. Clients often mention, “My soul isn’t into things I used to enjoy.” “I’m heavy-hearted with stress, past traumas, fears, current crisis, health concerns, relationship stressors, etc.” As a therapist I’m given the challenge to... READ MORE >
As January draws to a close, for many of us our New Year’s Resolutions fell by the wayside in a single moment. Does this sound like you? Did you resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, go to the gym every day, become more successful at managing money/working/parenting, quit smoking, quit drinking pop, quit caffeine, quit something so you can be... READ MORE >
Once upon a time two frogs fell into a large pail of cream. Frantically, the frogs climbed on each other, splashed furiously, and did whatever they could to stay afloat. As they grew weary and ever more fearful of drowning, they thrashed about more desperately. Finally approaching exhaustion, the frogs ceased struggling and prepared for the worst. Only then did... READ MORE >
Many of us who suffer with stress, undiagnosed depression or anxiety reach for something to calm our nerves or relieve them of emotional pain. In other words, we self-medicate. Rather than seek out some help in managing their fears, worries, depression, or anxiety we seek our own solution. Some solutions make for great short-and long-term coping strategies like the feeling... READ MORE >
Recently, in Depression and Anxiety Support Group I facilitate, the topic of quitting smoking came up. The hour was over before we knew it and topic of smoking had moved on to all types of addiction and problem behaviors had experienced or continue to participate in some way or another. Below is a process for change from a book entitled... READ MORE >
