Therapy

Understanding the Roots and Rebuilding Connection Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. In fact, many people feel the most isolated when surrounded by others—at work, at a party, or even within their own families. This kind of loneliness can be particularly confusing and painful, making it harder to talk about and even harder to

Do you find yourself constantly saying, “I’m sorry,” even when there’s no real reason to apologize? Or have you noticed that when others say it to you, it sometimes feels insincere? The phrase “I’m sorry” has taken on different meanings for different people, yet it rarely serves its original purpose—a genuine apology. The Overuse of

Winter in the Chicagoland area brings more than just cold temperatures and snow. For many, it also brings the “winter blues,” marked by lower energy, reduced motivation, a damper on mood, and frustration from being confined indoors. For some, however, these feelings go beyond a passing slump and develop into a condition known as Seasonal

Have you ever felt like you’re living your life for someone else—even though they never explicitly asked you to? Do you fear being judged as not smart enough, weird, selfish, or simply “not good enough”? Maybe people are judging you, but more often than not, the real culprit is your own perception. You might feel

There is a significant connection between how we spend our energy and our mental health. Imagine that each person has a set amount of energy “units” (which we will call “spoons”) to use daily. Ideally, we aim to have at least one spoon left by the end of each day. If we exhaust our spoons

The term “islands of happiness” was coined by one of my clients during a conversation about his experiences with his symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He vividly described how his mood fluctuated depending on whether he had a compelling interest or activity to focus on. During these periods of intense engagement, he felt

In the complex world of human health, the traditional distinctions between physical and mental well-being are fading, unveiling a significant connection that shapes our overall wellness. From chronic conditions to everyday health issues, countless examples demonstrate the intersection of physical health and mental well-being, showcasing their profound influence on each other. As a jumping off

Within modern healthcare, the correlation between mental and physical well-being is gaining prominence. Nevertheless, despite this recognition, many primary care settings lack a comprehensive integration of mental health services and mental health education.  Therefore, there exists a significant need to bridge this gap and provide detailed insights into practical strategies for achieving seamless integration. The

What is Contagious Anxiety? Contagious anxiety, or social and emotional contagion, is a process wherein one person’s anxious emotions are transmitted and absorbed by another, facilitated by verbal and non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This exchange can easily lead to a shared sense of unease and stress. We’ve all

Society has taken strides towards destigmatizing mental health in general and refraining from passing judgment on those who grapple with intense emotions. However, as a therapist, I have observed a lingering reluctance to articulate what one of my clients aptly termed “ugly emotions.” These emotions encompass feelings that many of us, myself included, have been