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How to Love Valentine’s Day

Forty-nine percent of Americans are planning to do nothing for Valentine’s Day this year. In fact, as a population our love for Valentine’s Day is statistically declining more and more each year. Reasons to fall out of love with Valentine’s Day are varied. Here are...

Practice Gratitude this Winter

Happy Thanksgiving! November is one of my favorite fall months because it’s National Gratitude Month! Each year the month of November is dedicated to practicing Gratitude and recognizing gratitude. So, what is gratitude? Gratitude is an active process of acknowledging...

Learning and re-learning to write: The role of writing in mental health treatment

Heading back to school this fall I am getting to watch my son learn to write this year.  He is very entertainingly learning to spell. (He recently wrote a note to his friend “Will-Yum” and a label for his “swim-soots” drawer.)   But it has also been fascinating to see...

Take a Deep Breath

Take a Deep Breath   Deep breathing (aka belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing) is now well-known for its beneficial impact on symptoms of stress. There is a mountain of scientific evidence to suggest that taking deep, intentional breaths that manipulate the...

Value in Nature

The Value of Nature  Seasons in Illinois are distinct and each offer space for something new – summer sun, falling leaves, snow days, and spring showers.  The seasons can have a significant impact on our mood and ability to cope and care for ourselves.  Some of us may...

When to Start Mental Health Medications

“Should I be taking medications to help me feel better?”  Our therapists and psychiatrists hear this question often.  The short answer I give is (as with everything) it depends. Even the idea of discussing psychiatric medications makes many people anxious.  So, before...

Ways to Support Your Child’s Social Skills After the Pandemic

After experiencing three years of ups and downs, twists and turns during the pandemic, many children and teens (and adults!) may feel out of sync with their social skills.  Following the stay at home order and remote learning for 1 year or more, depending on the...

The Benefits of a Social Skills Group

Does your child struggle with making friends? Do they feel anxious or dysregulated in social settings? Do they become impulsive in social settings, or struggle with reading social cues? If you answered yes, your child could benefit from participating in a social...

New Year’s Goals: Not Resolutions

SMART GOALS for 2023Happy February! Now that we are almost two full months into the new year, how are your New Years Resolutions?  Many of us make the changing of the year a time of reflection and hope for better in the next year. However, some of us have given up the...

Winter Break is Coming to Town!! Ways to Connect as a Family and Enjoy the Winter Time Off

Winter Break is Coming to Town!! Ways to Connect as a Family and Enjoy the Winter Time Off As Winter Break approaches, many families may be looking forward to the break while working hard at the task at hand and experiencing a variety of feelings. Parents may be busy...
Take a Deep Breath

Take a Deep Breath

Take a Deep Breath   Deep breathing (aka belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing) is now well-known for its beneficial impact on symptoms of stress. There is a mountain of scientific evidence to suggest that taking deep, intentional breaths that manipulate the...

read more
Value in Nature

Value in Nature

The Value of Nature  Seasons in Illinois are distinct and each offer space for something new – summer sun, falling leaves, snow days, and spring showers.  The seasons can have a significant impact on our mood and ability to cope and care for ourselves.  Some of us may...

read more

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