Welcome to the Chicago Counseling Center Blog

Seeking Change How many of us want change for ourselves? Could it be simply to live a healthier lifestyle characterized by more consistent exercise and improved nutrition? Or perhaps better reading habits or study habits? What happens when we fail to heed the call of our inner desires? Well, for one, our frustration may increase. Confusion may coincide and suddenly ... Read More ...

By Martín Prete, LCPC Being in our heads 24/7 can be difficult. Thoughts can be relentless. Passing through our stream of consciousness in a variety of manners. Sometimes it feels like speeding bullets while other times, we can barely think at all. Sometimes too, our thoughts can be nasty and cruel, even if deep down inside we don’t believe it. ... Read More ...

  As a clinician 8 years removed from graduate school, I have encouraged, and more than likely, annoyed a lot of people with the concept of affirmations. Positive affirmations to be precise. Because, honestly, what’s not to love about encouraging ourselves, reminding ourselves that we are capable, resilient, and worthy of love! Well, if those already are difficult words to ... Read More ...

Carolyn Moriarty, LCPC The holiday season is filled with expectations. Fueled by idyllic scenes depicted in movies and social media postings, our imaginations can run wild with ideas of how things should be.  Annoyingly, how things should be is rarely how things actually are. Don’t stress if you feel that the holiday season has been, well, stressful. Everybody has a ... Read More ...

By Megan Pajak, LPC You know when a song just will not get out of your head until you listen to it for what feels like a gazillion times? It is intrusive and unwanted! Research has shown that when individuals try to suppress something such as an intrusive thought, or in this case a song, it comes back with more intensity next time and repeat. Now can ... Read More ...