Estimated: 3 minutes to read

Nurturing Understanding of Trans Experiences

At LifeWorks, we believe that the infinite experiences of gender that exist make the world a more vibrant and beautiful place. However, for those whose upbringing modeled only two very narrowly defined categories of gender, it can be difficult to know how to learn more. We are living in a time when we (at least […] Read more “Nurturing Understanding of Trans Experiences”

FeaturedEstimated: 5 minutes to read

LGBTQIA+ Self-Care and Empowerment: How Can Therapy Help?

You know that psychotherapy can play a vital role in supporting the self-care, self-expression, and personal empowerment you want as an LGBTQIA+ individual. Yet, navigating the complexities of identity, societal challenges, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. How does psychotherapy help and what steps can you take to build momentum in a positive direction for yourself? Read more “LGBTQIA+ Self-Care and Empowerment: How Can Therapy Help?”

Estimated: 5 minutes to read

Queer Inner Strength: Overcoming Internalized Stigma and Shame

Internalized stigma and shame can have a profound impact on the well-being and self-worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Society’s prejudice and misunderstanding often lead to the internalization of negative beliefs and feelings of shame. Exploring the impact of internalized stigma and shame on LGBTQIA+ individuals, I offer some strategies for healing and building inner strength. By […] Read more “Queer Inner Strength: Overcoming Internalized Stigma and Shame”

FeaturedEstimated: 4 minutes to read

Diving In? Reflections on Fear

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”

Estimated: 3 minutes to read

Welcome Green House Cohort 5!

Each January, LifeWorks welcomes a cohort of graduate therapists into its Green House training program.  These therapists spend 12 months on staff at LifeWorks, work with clients and focus on: Developing cultural competence and knowledge related to LGB, trans and genderqueer, non-monogamy and kink/BDSM Strengthening their identities as therapists and learning how to use their unique strengths in clinical relationships […] Read more “Welcome Green House Cohort 5!”

FeaturedEstimated: 7 minutes to read

When to Hold ‘Em and When to Fold ‘Em

As the year comes to a close, I take a bit of time to reflect on the year that was, and the year to come. It’s one of my favorite parts of the year, because it’s the time when we get to think long and hard about things (long dark nights help) — about things we’re […] Read more “When to Hold ‘Em and When to Fold ‘Em”

Estimated: 4 minutes to read

Podcasts & Blogs

This month’s Staff Favorites will feature a collection of blogs and podcasts that we follow that have inspired or transformed us in some way. Some of these podcasts are specific to therapy and mental health, while others are simply about being human and living in the world. As always, we look forward to hearing what […] Read more “Podcasts & Blogs”

Estimated: 5 minutes to read

Approaches to Fear

Staff Favorites is a monthly installation featuring the mental health and self care picks of  LifeWorker staff. Posts in 2019 will highlight books, self-soothing items, blogs/instagrams, places to move your body around Chicago, and more. We look forward to sharing our favorites with you! This month we are focusing on the ways LifeWorks’ staff approach […] Read more “Approaches to Fear”

FeaturedEstimated: 3 minutes to read

The Art of Noticing: Exploring Shifts in Attention

Theoretically I am a strong believer in carving out creative time. I believe as a practice, it aids in self-reflection, cultivates connection and in turn, empathy. It has the power to remind us why we live. In the last several years though, I have struggled to make time for creative expression and prioritize it as […] Read more “The Art of Noticing: Exploring Shifts in Attention”

Estimated: 1 minute to read

Becoming the Gateway

LifeWorks therapist, Brandon Haydon, submitted this quote from #virginiarosenberg for our reflection and yours. “Presence is a practice. At times, the work of presence is so deeply uncomfortable. And then there are these moments, these cellular sighs of relief, when we quit resistance. We exit fight/flight/freeze, and simply belong to the time we’re inhabiting. In […] Read more “Becoming the Gateway”

Estimated: 2 minutes to read

My One Problem

It is always foolish to oversimplify complex problems. Nonetheless from the viewpoint of the Dreaming, regardless of the complexity of your life, you can have only one problem – ignoring the Dreaming background to reality. Ignoring the Dreaming means marginalizing the deepest unformulated experiences that create your actions in everyday life. Every time you ignore […] Read more “My One Problem”

Estimated: 4 minutes to read

Infidelity as a Growth Opportunity

Santiago Delboy is a colleague and friend to LifeWorks who brings insight and thoughtfulness to his work, writing and collaboration. We are pleased to share some of his thougths about infidelity. This post appears in Santiago’s blog, which can be found here.   This afternoon, I watched a TED talk by therapist and author Esther Perel about infidelity. I read her book Mating […] Read more “Infidelity as a Growth Opportunity”

Estimated: 5 minutes to read

How to Establish Sexual Values

This post was published by Sexology International, and can be found here. When it comes to sex and sexuality, everyone has an opinion. Some affix their ideas to a personal or political agenda; others use convenient generalizations to further less noble pursuits—to encourage people to buy pretty French lingerie or pricey sports cars, for example. […] Read more “How to Establish Sexual Values”

Estimated: 5 minutes to read

Green House Experiences & Insights

We are now accepting applications for the Green House 2019 Cohort. Launched in 2016, the Green House is LifeWorks’ postgraduate psychotherapy training program. Participants join us here in Chicago for 12 months of tuition-free learning and real-world clinical experience centered on self-development, individual supervision, and cultural competence. Wondering if the Green House is right for […] Read more “Green House Experiences & Insights”

Estimated: 4 minutes to read

Assertive Communication 101: Finding Your Assertive Voice

I am passionate about interpersonal boundaries, and in order to have good boundaries, you need to tell others about them!  Assertive communication is crucial to being able to set, clarify, and defend your boundaries and their consequences in relationships.  I’m also motivated to write due to how many times I talk about this topic in therapy […] Read more “Assertive Communication 101: Finding Your Assertive Voice”

Estimated: 8 minutes to read

Shaming Methods in Popular Psychology

David Bedrick, J.D., Dipl. PW, is a speaker, counselor, attorney, and teacher.  He is the author of the acclaimed Talking Back to Dr. Phil: Alternatives to Mainstream Psychology and the forthcoming title Revisioning Activism: Bringing Depth, Dialogue, and Diversity to Individual and Social Change (Belly Song Press, 2017). The following article is posted with permission from David Bedrick, J.D., Dipl. PW. […] Read more “Shaming Methods in Popular Psychology”

Estimated: 9 minutes to read

How to Create Fulfilling Relationships After Experiences of Abuse

We are pleased to share this article by our friend and colleague, Niyati Evers, MAPW, and diplomate in Process Work. Niyati is a sex-positive therapist with Alchemy of Eros, a Portland, Oregon-based professional counseling services organization that seeks to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where people can explore issues around relationships, intimacy, power, passion, desire, […] Read more “How to Create Fulfilling Relationships After Experiences of Abuse”

Estimated: 8 minutes to read

Anam Cara: Soul Lessons From Anxiety & Panic

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”

Estimated: 7 minutes to read

Interpersonal Boundaries: How Trauma Keeps Us Silent

What are personal boundaries? Personal boundaries are what separate us from other people and things and help us form a distinct identity. Boundaries help us protect ourselves. Boundaries help define what belongs to you and what belongs to someone else. Boundaries can define what is “ok” and what is “not ok.” Boundaries help others know […] Read more “Interpersonal Boundaries: How Trauma Keeps Us Silent”

Estimated: 7 minutes to read

Refueling: A Guide for Self-Care

As a therapist, I focus on self-care a lot because I think it’s a vital life skill that no one really teaches us to do for ourselves.   Self-care allows us to have emotional energy to respond thoughtfully to life’s bumps and obstacles instead of reacting without awareness. That reservoir of emotional energy gives us […] Read more “Refueling: A Guide for Self-Care”