It has been about 6 months since the shelter in place order in Illinois was announced. Most therapists I know went remote in March. Therapy offices around the city sit unused and many therapists are working from home. The spring challenged all of us to adjust to new precautions and COVID-driven changes to our lives. […] Read more “Resting into this time of self-care”
Resting into this time of self-care
Posted:
FeaturedEstimated: 4 minutes to read
Diving In? Reflections on Fear
Posted:
Estimated: 6 minutes to read
It seems we are all either facing fear or acting in the face of our fears these days. A once simple trip to the grocercy store is now a strategic undertaking that requires serious reflection on how much personal protection I will need. A recent conversation with colleagues reminded me of this post, from a […] Read more “Diving In? Reflections on Fear”
Subject COVID-19: A Message from Natalie
Posted:
Estimated: 8 minutes to read
We thank our colleague, Natalie A. Hock, LCSW, for her thoughtful synthesis of the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations for her clients. We thought it was worth sharing more broadly and with her permission are doing so, here. Hi [CLIENT NAME]: I know that the level of worry and fear is high right now […] Read more “Subject COVID-19: A Message from Natalie”
Anam Cara: Soul Lessons From Anxiety & Panic
Posted:
Estimated: 4 minutes to read
There is a phrase in Gaelic, anam cara, which means “soul friend.” According to the Anam Cara Therapy Center in California, anam cara is: A teacher, companion or spiritual guide … where consciousness is dulled, distant or blind, its presence grows faint and vanishes. Therefore awareness which brings integration and healing, is one of the […] Read more “Anam Cara: Soul Lessons From Anxiety & Panic”
Caring in Uncertain Times
Posted:
Estimated: 4 minutes to read
We are pleased to share this post by Jacqueline Boyd from The Care Plan. Jacqueline is a tireless advocate for healthcare needs of the elderly and LGBTQ+ community providing guidance and planning for her clients. by Jacqueline Boyd “How will changes to the Affordable Care Act affect my insurance coverage?” “Will my 85-year-old parent be […] Read more “Caring in Uncertain Times”
Managing Fear After the Election
Posted:
Estimated: 9 minutes to read
Managing fear has been difficult for many people in the days following the 2016 US Presidential Election. No matter which candidate you supported, you may find yourself overwhelmed by distressing news reports, tense conversations with loved ones, and your own complicated feelings. LifeWorks is an explicitly inclusive therapy practice that welcomes all people. We know how […] Read more “Managing Fear After the Election”
Bad Dreams Have Meaning
Posted:
Estimated: 2 minutes to read
In honor of the season, we are looking at things that scare or frighten us and why that is. Our colleague and process worker, David Bedrick, helps us understand how inner critics sometimes appear in bad dreams and how we can make use of the messages they bring. The following article originally appeared in Psychology […] Read more “Bad Dreams Have Meaning”
Five Steps to Mindfulness Meditation
Posted:
Estimated: 1 minute to read
Basic meditation is the practice of doing nothing and being tuned in to your own mind at the same time. At first, it can be frustrating, but research shows meditation reduces stress and increases focus. Mindfulness is an exercise in training the mind to notice thoughts, sensations and emotions, and not get too attached to them […] Read more “Five Steps to Mindfulness Meditation”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Posted:
Estimated: 2 minutes to read
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his powerful teachings and best selling writings. This quote got such a strong positive response when we posted it on Tumblr, that we wanted to share with you too. People have a hard time letting go […] Read more “Thich Nhat Hanh”
We Are One
Posted:
Estimated: 3 minutes to read
Recently, as a way to express his gratitude for deep and vulnerable sharing in a group, a friend of mine spoke these words, in the Lakota language “Mitakuye Oyasin,” meaning “we are all related,” or similarly understood as “we are one.” The effect it had on me was visceral and profound. As I had been […] Read more “We Are One”
Anxiety and Fear: What-if?
Posted:
Do you ever find yourself thinking in endless cycles about possible scenarios? Do you find it distressing? Or maybe you aren’t even aware of it in the moment, and then suddenly realize 15 minutes (or more) have gone by and you’ve been stuck in these circling thoughts. The irony of the “what if” is that […] Read more “Anxiety and Fear: What-if?”