Displaying items by tag: counseling

Watching someone you love struggle with an eating disorder can be a heart-wrenching and overwhelming experience. You may feel helpless and unsure of how to best support them. However, there are steps you can take to assist your loved one on their journey towards recovery, even as they seek treatment. If someone you care about is in eating disorder treatment in Chicago, there are ways you can provide meaningful support. Our counselors have provided some suggestions on helping your loved one navigate the recovery process and offer guidance on how to be an ally in their journey towards a healthier life.

So, you’re interested in pursuing a career in psychology in Chicago? With a thriving community of mental health professionals and organizations, the Windy City offers many opportunities for aspiring psychologists and counseling professionals. At Wellington Counseling Group, we’re dedicated to helping individuals build fulfilling and meaningful careers in the field of psychology, and we are currently looking for new therapists to join our team. If you’re looking to jumpstart your psychology career in Chicago, WCG may be the right place for you.

Every romantic relationship will have struggles and hardships from time to time. But sometimes it makes sense for romantic partners to seek out professional counseling services to strengthen their bonds and work through issues. If you are thinking about getting couples counseling in Chicago, then this article has the information you need to know.

The thought of attending group therapy might sound intimidating at first. Sharing your story with strangers? It’s very personal, and to really benefit from the process, you’ll have to share things you aren’t inclined to tell even your closest friends and family. It’s enough to make anyone a little apprehensive. But group therapy can be extremely beneficial for plenty of people. Here are five reasons to consider attending group therapy in Chicago.

1. Understanding you are not alone

One of the biggest benefits of group therapy is learning that you are not alone in your struggles. Oftentimes, people struggling with mental health, self-destructive behaviors, or trauma feel alienated and isolated, which makes it difficult for them to seek treatment.

Attending group therapy can help connect you with people who are dealing with similar issues. This shared understanding of a difficult experience helps you build a sense of community with other trusting individuals, where you won’t be judged and you won’t be alone. Many people also report reduced stress and pain surrounding the condition they’re suffering from when attending group therapy.

2. Different perspectives

Group therapy, at its very core, is all about the input of different perspectives. When you’re surrounded by others with their own unique experiences, it can help you look at your issues differently and learn new coping mechanisms.

3. Accountability

In most scenarios, peer pressure is perceived as negative, but group therapy can lead to more accountability. You’ll be more motivated to manage your condition when you’re surrounded by others who are working hard day in and day out to heal.

The members in your group also act as a sounding board. Let’s say, for example, you are discussing a fight you had with your partner. Hearing from those around you about how you come across can be exceptionally powerful. They can help you see things you may not see at first because you are too close to the situation or issue at hand. Playing your part in that accountability by offering frank feedback to others that you likely wouldn’t feel comfortable saying to your own friends and family, can be more than edifying to their process; it can bring a sense of growth to you, as well, for being accountable to your group peers.

4. Empower your voice

Being aware of your feelings and knowing how to express them are two very different things. We’re often acutely aware of how we feel; it’s expressing those feelings and finding our voice that’s challenging. Group therapy provides you with the opportunity to practice this over and over again.

It also helps teach you a lot about yourself and become more self-aware and self-connected.

5. Group therapy costs less than individual therapy

Counseling can be expensive. And most likely, managing your condition even without therapy is a financial burden in and of itself. There is a common misconception that because group therapy is more affordable, it’s not as beneficial. That assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people find group therapy to be even more beneficial than one-on-one counseling sessions. Most members of therapy groups find that it’s the combination of group and individual treatment that really moves the needle on living more authentically.

Learn more about group therapy in Chicago

If you’re interested in learning more about group therapy in Chicago, reach out to us today at Wellington Counseling Group. As a trusted counseling resource for adults, children, couples, and families, we specialize in treating mental health disorders, behavioral issues, life transitions, family dynamics, and trauma.

Contact us today to schedule your first group therapy session.

Every family experiences challenges and conflicts from time to time. However, if your family is fighting more often than not, that’s a sign you should seek professional help. If you’re even considering family counseling, that in and of itself means it’s probably something you and your family members can benefit from. And although seeking counseling can sometimes initially feel like a sign of failure or defeat, it’s actually the first step towards helping your family improve communication and work through conflict to establish healthy and stable relationships. If you’re still on the fence, here’s how to determine if family counseling in Chicago is right for you. 

Every romantic relationship experiences some level of conflict. For some, fights revolve around money. For others, a lack of communication can lead to never-ending arguments. Whether you’ve been with your partner for a month or a decade, all couples at some point can benefit from counseling. Therapy can provide a safe space to talk about scary things, pressing concerns, and other issues your relationship may be suffering from. Here are five reasons to seek couples counseling in Chicago. 

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting nearly 17.3 Americans according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use & Health. That's approximately 7.1% of adults in the country at any given time. It's also estimated that as many as 15% of individuals will experience depression at some point in their life. All that's to say, if you're struggling to manage your depression, know that you are not alone and that effective treatment is available. Here's what you need to know about your options for depression treatment in Chicago. 

Forensic psychology is a specialized field within the psychology profession and psychologists trained in forensics play a key role in the betterment of society at large. This discipline leverages psychological theory to any situation where mental health interacts with the functioning of our legal system. Most forensic psychologists will work with perpetrators and victims throughout their experience in the legal system to provide value to all parties involved. At Wellington Counseling Group, we provide forensic psychology services, applying them in a wide variety of applications, including immigration, civil rights, employment, and criminal law. There’s a lot of value to be gained through forensic psychology assessments in Chicago, so let’s dive into some of the key benefits to be reaped.

Everyone’s therapy experience is unique and personal to them. Choosing the professional to support you through the therapy process is equally as personal a decision. Some people find the perfect therapist for them within the first few appointments. For others, it takes a little longer to find a personality match that works for you and your needs. We understand the pressing nature of finding the right fit quickly. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the process of finding the right West Lakeview therapist for you.

We all live in a high-pressure environment. The world around us is fast-paced and the stakes feel high in nearly all personal and professional settings. Balancing all of the responsibilities on your plate is challenging. For many people, everyday life takes a toll on mental health and well-being. It’s not uncommon to find yourself feeling compromised as you try to manage personal, professional, social, and familial obligations. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone and our Northbrook counseling services can help you take back control of your life, your mental health, and your general well-being.