How to Manage Stress and Anxiety During Political Unrest
The U.S. political climate is on edge, and stress levels are rising. In Chicago, a city with tremendous diversity, political unrest hits hard. For LGBT people, immigrants, and those with fewer financial resources, the stakes aren’t just political—they’re personal. Executive orders and divisive rhetoric shape daily realities, fueling anxiety about rights, safety, and stability. If…
Tips For Parents Of Transgender Teens and Children
Parenting is one of those roles where you think you’ve seen it all—and then, life throws you a curveball. When your child comes to you and says they are transgender, it can feel like one of those curveball moments. You might feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even a little scared. But guess what? That’s normal. As…
Why Cultural Competency Matters in Anxiety Therapy: Chicago’s Multicultural Landscape
Picture this: Aaliyah, a first-generation Pakistani-American and a bisexual woman, finally decides to seek anxiety therapy in Chicago after years of struggling with social anxiety. Between balancing her conservative family’s expectations and finding acceptance in LGBTQ+ spaces, she constantly feels like she’s performing different versions of herself. When she shares this with her therapist, hoping…
Authenticity vs. Attachment: Finding Balance for Emotional Well-Being
In my many years as a trauma therapist in Chicago, I have witnessed firsthand the delicate interplay between two fundamental human needs: authenticity and attachment. Drawing on the profound work of Dr. Gabor Maté, I have come to understand that our very survival depends on nurturing both these aspects of our being. Yet, as Dr….
How Bigorexia Impacts Mental Health Among Gay Men
Alright, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: bigorexia—also known as muscle dysmorphia. It’s like Captain America constantly pushing himself to be stronger, faster, and better—never quite feeling like he’s reached his full potential—obsessive, relentless, and never satisfied, where no matter how strong, toned, or built you are, your brain still screams,…