by Vashonte James | May 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Losing more than one person—especially close together—can feel overwhelming in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just “more grief,” it can feel like your sense of stability or safety has been shaken all at once. People often describe it as waves stacking...
by Shakira Bowie, LSW | Apr 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
The In-Between Phase of Treatment: When Clients Are Improving but Still Feel Distressed In clinical practice, we often conceptualize progress in terms of symptom reduction, improved functioning, or goal attainment. However, there is a phase in treatment that can be...
by Tamara Alshoweat | Apr 14, 2026 | Boundaries, Healthy Habits, Orland park il counselor
Setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining emotional well-being and healthy relationships. Yet, even when boundaries are necessary and appropriate, they can bring up an unexpected and uncomfortable feeling such as guilt. Many people find themselves...
by Rachel Sahtout, LCSW | Apr 5, 2026 | Anxiety, Mental Health, Mental Well-being, stress
Using Butterfly Tapping to Calm Your Nervous System If you have ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or flooded with emotion, you probably noticed how fast your body responds. Your heart might beat faster, your thoughts race, and it can feel tough to get back in control....
by Charisma Mabry, LCSW | Apr 3, 2026 | Mental Well-being
The power of words can influence you to feel empathetic, uplifted or ready to shimmy your shoulders. Music motivates, inspires, & delivers a clear message if you are open to receive it. It can trigger a range of emotions within certain individuals whether negative...
by Ellen Spiese, LMFT | Mar 24, 2026 | attachment, Couples therapy, Homewood IL therapist, Mental Health, Mental Well-being, Orland park il counselor, Therapy
Understanding Attachment Theory: How Early Bonds Shape Our Lives Attachment theory is one of the most powerful frameworks we have for understanding how relationships influence our emotional world. First developed by psychologist John Bowlby, the theory explains how...
by Danielle Kowach, LCSW | Feb 25, 2026 | Mental Well-being, Therapy
Boundaries Are Self-Care: Why Protecting Your Peace Isn’t Selfish When people hear the words self-care, they often picture spa days or a quiet cup of coffee. While those things can be restorative, true self care goes much deeper. Real self care is consistent decisions...
by Holly Houston, PhD | Feb 13, 2026 | Uncategorized
Many adults are experiencing a unique kind of stress right now—one that comes from watching events unfold that feel unjust, destabilizing, or deeply out of step with core values like fairness, dignity, and the rule of law. If you’re feeling angry, anxious, exhausted,...
by Ann Hogan, LCPC | Feb 9, 2026 | Healthy Habits, Homewood IL therapist, Mental Health, Mental Well-being, Orland park il counselor, stress
Self-care is a term many people hear often, but few feel confident defining. For some, it brings to mind bubble baths or taking a day off. While those activities can be enjoyable, self-care in mental health is much broader and more meaningful. It refers to the...
by Ann Hogan, LCPC | Dec 19, 2025 | Anxiety, Grief, Holidays, Homewood IL therapist, Mental Well-being, stress
Holiday stress can have a significant impact on mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. While the holidays are often portrayed as a joyful and connected time, many individuals and families experience...
