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The following is a list of things my new dog has alerted me to since she came to live with me on Friday: The reflection of the TV in the windows A pot that she nudged off the window A child who changed his clothes Me wearing glasses A fox prowling around my quail coop […] Read more “Alarm Systems: What We Can Learn from Dogs”
Articles and News
Resting into this time of self-care
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”
A Brave and Startling Truth
The poem, “A Brave and Startling Truth,” by Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928–May 28, 2014), flew to space on the Orion spacecraft and Angelou dedicated it to “the hope for peace, which lies, sometimes hidden, in every heart.” Published in a commemorative booklet in 1995 and later included in “Maya Angelou: The Complete Poetry”. Read more “A Brave and Startling Truth”
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”
And just like that, everything’s changed.
Last Tuesday, I emailed attendees who were signed up for my workshop at the end of the month, letting them know we intended to hold it. Twelve hours later, we cancelled it. We’re in a strange new reality. For most of us, it’s like nothing we’ve experienced in our lifetime. For others, this is not […] Read more “And just like that, everything’s changed.”
Subject COVID-19: A Message from Natalie
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”
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!”
Music that Carries Us
Staff Favorites has been a monthly installation of 2019 featuring the mental health and self-care picks of LifeWorks’ staff. Thank you for being on this human journey with us, and for sharing the various experiences, objects, books, music, art and more…. Your contributions have helped cultivate change and offer paths to relief and soothing during […] Read more “Music that Carries Us”
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”
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”
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”
New Leadership at LifeWorks
LifeWorks is proud to announce that Elizabeth (Betsy) Duke, Psy.D. has stepped into the role of Clinical Director and Danielle Carlson, LMFT, has taken on the role of Director of Training. We are super excited by the changes happening at LifeWorks. Betsy and Danielle are both highly competent clinicians who have been working with the LGBTQIA+, non-monogamy and kink/BDSM communities […] Read more “New Leadership at LifeWorks”
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”
Visual Art
This month Staff Favorites feature the visual art LifeWorks loves. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and many of us have found that sentiment to be true. Often human experience surpasses language and we are left with visualization, tactile sensation, music, or other forms of art. This month we are sharing the […] Read more “Visual Art”
Transformative Poems
Staff Favorites is a monthly installation for 2019 featuring the mental health and self care picks from our very own LifeWorks staff. 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 and welcome you to send us your thoughts […] Read more “Transformative Poems”
Self Soothing Items
Staff Favorites is a monthly installation for 2019 featuring the mental health and self care picks of our very own LifeWorkers. 2019 will highlight books, self-soothing items, blogs/instagrams, places to move your body around Chicago, and more personally endorsed by LifeWorks staff. We look forward to sharing our favorites with you! This month we are […] Read more “Self Soothing Items”
Welcome Avi Vodnoy Wolf, R-DMT, MFA, MA
We are very happy to introduce Avi Vodnoy Wolf. Avi Joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Avi about their decision to join the Green House and what it means for them. How did you learn about the Green House? A mentor of mine, Rae McDaniel, told me about LifeWorks as […] Read more “Welcome Avi Vodnoy Wolf, R-DMT, MFA, MA”
Anchoring Rituals
Staff Favorites is a monthly installation for 2019 featuring the mental health and self care picks of our very own LifeWorks Staff. We have been highlighting books, self-soothing items, blogs/instagrams, places to move your body around Chicago, and more — all personally endorsed by LifeWorks staff. This month we are talking about anchoring rituals. Anchoring […] Read more “Anchoring Rituals”
Welcome Andrew Zapke, LCSW
Andrew Zapke, LCSW joined the Green House Cohort 4 in January. We are so pleased to have him on board. We recently interviewed him about GreenHouse and his interests. How did you learn about the Green House? I had been aware of Lifeworks for a while, first through the Poly Support Group, and later, with […] Read more “Welcome Andrew Zapke, LCSW”
INSPIRATION : HOW TO RECEIVE AND CULTIVATE IDEAS
When inspired we feel filled with energy and motivated to do something. There’s an urgency to our actions. Our thoughts have a momentum and make the most amazing connections. When I believe in my idea enough, my confidence grows and the question ‘what if?’ catches alight. I am seized by a dream. I feel it’s […] Read more “INSPIRATION : HOW TO RECEIVE AND CULTIVATE IDEAS”