Articles
We are committed to making information about mental health and therapy accessible to our community through articles and videos. Our clinicians take your questions and ideas and transform them into bite-size educational content to empower your wellness journey. What will you learn today?
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Supporting Neurodiverse Kids at School
We are all unique, and that is something to be excited about! Yet, sometimes, our environment—from social spaces to classrooms—can make our differences feel less exciting. For kids who are neurodiverse, it can sometimes feel downright uncomfortable, stressful, and isolating. Luckily, there are many ways that grownups can support neurodiverse kids so they feel more connected and successful.
What Is A Safety Plan?
As we navigate the world, it's important to have tools that help us feel prepared and secure, especially when facing difficult moments. In therapy, one of those important tools is a safety plan.
Talking To Kids About Therapy
Whether you’re a kid or a grownup, important conversations about big topics can be awkward and “cringy.” Yet, we know that honest, brave, and supportive conversations prior to your child’s first session can help them feel less worried and more invested in the experience.
Teens & Sleep Deprivation
We all know that sleep is a crucial component of mental health. Learn how you can help your teen prevent sleep deprivation.
TikTok Translator: Behind the Hashtags
Does your kid, teen, or college student mention TikTok trends you’ve never heard of? We're here to demystify two recent hashtags and debate the science behind the trends.
What is PCIT (And Why We Love It!)
One of our favorite approaches to supporting parents more effectively in managing their child’s behavior, parenting in ways that align with their personal goals and values, and building their relationship with their child is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Ditching Diets: Book Review of Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison
Pack away your scales and grab a cozy seat (preferably one near your snack stash) because today, we're diving fork-first into the revolutionary world of "Anti-Diet" by Christy Harrison!
What You Need to Know About Texting with Your Teen
Communicating with teens can be tricky - and attempting to do so over text can be even trickier! That’s why we’re here with a few tips to help you improve your teen texting skills!
Sh!t, School Starts Monday!
Sh!t, school starts Monday! Get real about what you can do this weekend!
4 Truths About ADHD
While the existence of ADHD is not lore, some of what we think we know about it is. We help you understand some of the most common misunderstandings about ADHD are - and help you get the facts!
Check the Facts Before You Act
We use Check the Facts when we want to know if our feelings or beliefs actually match the situation or the facts. Learn more about how this DBT skill helps us monitor our minds so we can make more effective and helpful decisions.
When NOT To Give Your Young Adult Money
When kids become young adults, it becomes tricky to know when to scaffold emotional support – let alone stop subsidizing their daily expenses. Learn more about when NOT to give your young adult money.
Selective Mutism (What It Is & What You Can Do)
This article aims to demystify selective mutism - a diagnosis that is often misunderstood - and guide you toward the most effective means of treating SM.
10 Tips for Managing the Spring Holiday Season
April 2023 will be a month of religious and cultural significance for many communities worldwide. Whether you're planning a trip or simply enjoying some time at home with your family, it's important to take care of your mental health during this time. As DBT and ACT therapists, we offer gentle reminders to help you make the most of your holiday season and/or spring break.
How Contributing Helps Kids and Families
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that can help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation. DBT originated as therapy for adults but has long been adapted for effective use with kids and teens. When kids are often stuck in certain ways of thinking, have difficulty managing strong emotions, or struggle with relationships, DBT might be the therapy for them.
Helping Kids Develop Self-Love: A Parent Guide
When Valentine’s Day comes around each February, it is traditional for people of all ages to express their love and appreciation for those around them. From a young age, children exchange cards, notes, and even small gifts or candies to show their care for others. The practice of expressing love and appreciation for others on Valentine’s Day is enjoyed by many. It can feel so special to receive a loving or validating message from someone in your life! But what if we turned the tables? What would happen if we, instead, gave ourselves the same love and validation that we give to others? And what if we could teach our children to love and validate themselves just as much as they love and validate their friends, classmates, and loved ones?
The Benefits of Seeing a Therapist Intern
Before becoming a licensed therapist, almost every state requires that therapists gain experience in the field. Because of this, many therapy practices in Chicago (and all over the country) have an intern building up their knowledge, caseload, and experience - and eager to work with you and your family. Although interns are ready to support you, families often want to know, “Can an intern support us?” So, we’re here to tell you more about the benefits of working with a therapist intern.
What is ACT (And Why We Love It)
ACT is an empirically-supported therapy that helps folks build awareness and perspective of our experiences, open up to our thoughts and feelings in new ways, and enhance our connection with the person we want to be by building commitments around our values.
3 Tips for Helping Kids this Holiday Season
How often do you hear, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year '' during the holiday season? On the radio, at work, or from our closest friends, this sentiment is all around. Some people like to describe this time of year as “merry and bright”, but if you’re like me living in Chicago, it actually feels pretty cold and dark (keep an eye out for snowstorms!). It’s important for us to recognize that for many people the holiday season is not always the most wonderful time of the year. Simply put, the dialectic - the holiday season is joyful AND the holiday season is difficult - is important to keep in mind as we interact with family and friends.
What is PMT (And Why We Like It)
Parent Management Training (PMT), also known as Parent Training, provides parents with the support they need to build stronger relationships with their children and reduce unhelpful behaviors.