As your child moves through elementary, middle, and high school they will need a strong support system. Throughout my 9 years as a school social worker, I’ve worked with many parents who struggle with how much or how little they should be involved in their child’s education. Below are some tips on ways in which […]
Clients often come to me with concerns regarding a family member’s substance use. It can be challenging to live with or to set boundaries with someone in the midst of an addiction. Loved ones are often confused, frustrated, and unsure how to respond to addictive behaviors. While not easy, there are things to consider and some concrete steps […]
In my work as a therapist, I enjoy using various assessments and personality tests that can aid clients in their journey to self-awareness and personal growth. The Enneagram is a personal favorite of mine and can be a great tool to help you delve into a deep understanding of yourself. The enneagram helps us understand our compulsive, unconscious drives. […]
Often I meet parents who are worried, sad, and even confused about their child’s mood. They feel like they can’t keep up, or they don’t understand where the mood changes are coming from. This leads to more frustration and feeling helpless. A good place for families to start is with mood tracking. Mood tracking is […]
Ariele is the embodiment of motion – graceful, focused, and determined – she brings a new dimension of skills to the Gurnee family. A registered dance/movement therapist, licensed professional counselor, she is also a yoga and prenatal yoga teacher. Through her practice, Ariele guides her clients to try on new qualities of actions and behaviors […]
Several years ago, as I was driving home to Illinois from a friend’s home in Indianapolis, I drove east on I-94 instead of west. This wouldn’t have been a problem if I caught it quickly. However, that’s not what happened at all, and before you know it I saw the sign WELCOME TO OHIO. Can you imagine? My […]
If you’ve been out and about shopping this past holiday season or on social media, you’ve most likely encountered the new and burgeoning craze of adult coloring books. This is a calorie free, chemical free way to relax and unwind. Plus, it’s inexpensive and doesn’t require many materials. Coloring is definitely not just for kids. Coloring […]
The holidays are a mixed bag of emotions for many people, myself included. I can relate to my clients when they say things like… “I miss break.” “I don’t want to go back to real life.” “I’m so glad the holidays are over.” “I am ready for routine again.” There are some wonderful parts of […]
Each year, my good friend Pastor Bob Davis offers a Blue Christmas service art Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The service aims to provide a safe and welcoming place during the holiday season for the many people struggling emotionally during this time of the year. This service is intelligent, reflective and hopeful. It honors our losses – people, family […]