We are very happy to introduce Jacqueline Restrepo, MA. Jacqueline joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Jacqueline about her decision to join the Green House and what it means for her. How did you learn about the Green House? I received an email from The Chicago School of Professional […] Read more “Welcome Jacqueline Restrepo, MA”
Articles and News
Welcome Michele Reitsma, MSW
We are very happy to introduce Michele Reitsma, MSW. Michele joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Michele about their decision to join the Green House and what it means for them. How did you learn about the Green House? If I remember correctly, I originally heard about this program […] Read more “Welcome Michele Reitsma, MSW”
Welcome Dena Campbell, MA
We are very happy to introduce Dena Campbell, MA. Dena joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Dena about her decision to join the Green House and what it means for her. How did you learn about the Green House? I learned about the Green House fellowship from an email […] Read more “Welcome Dena Campbell, MA”
Welcome Courtney Remacle, LSW
We are very happy to introduce Courtney Remacle, MSW. who joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Courtney about their decision to join the Green House and what it means for them. How did you learn about the Green House? A former Green House therapist recommended the program to me! What drew […] Read more “Welcome Courtney Remacle, LSW”
How Pets Help Us Through the Holidays (And Other Tough Times)
The holidays can be a challenging time for so many of us. We may find ourselves feeling isolated, stressed out, anxious — perhaps a combination of all three. The holidays can amplify feelings of loss. They can serve as reminders of the past, or of goals we perhaps haven’t yet reached, or milestones we have […] Read more “How Pets Help Us Through the Holidays (And Other Tough Times)”
A Conversation About Queer Mindfulness
Every Tuesday, our very own Antonia Jurkovic, Psy.D., hosts the Queer Mindfulness Drop-In Practice Group. We spoke with her recently about what this group is and how it can be a useful space for the queer community. What is the Queer Mindfulness Drop-In Practice Group?Queer mindfulness is weekly, virtual, drop-in support group where queer folks […] Read more “A Conversation About Queer Mindfulness”
Meet Carolina Arboleda, M.A.
It’s our privilege to introduce you to LifeWorks’ pre-doctoral intern for 2021-22, Carolina Arboleda, M.A. How did you first learn about LifeWorks?I learned about LifeWorks through the pre-doctoral internship process. What drew you to LifeWorks? I was drawn to LifeWorks due to the emphasis on depth psychotherapy and the diverse populations served at this site, including […] Read more “Meet Carolina Arboleda, M.A.”
Meet Toni Gary, LPC
We are pleased to introduce you to Toni Gary, LPC, who recently joined LifeWorks Psychotherapy as a therapist. Here, read her mini welcome interview: How did you first learn about LifeWorks?I actually learned about LifeWorks through the Green House. I was looking for ways to expand my professional development and a colleague of mine sent […] Read more “Meet Toni Gary, LPC”
Alarm Systems: What We Can Learn from Dogs
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”
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”