The Role of Self-Compassion in Reducing Anxiety and Improving Self-Esteem
As rates of anxiety reach unprecedented highs, many people seek effective strategies to reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem. Self-compassion is a powerful tool in this regard, offering a pathway to manage anxiety and enhance overall mental well-being. By integrating self-compassion into your daily life, you can foster a more positive self-view and mitigate the impact…
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…
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…
Empowered Self-Discovery: Combining CBT and Parts Work for Anxiety and Depression
Chicago, the vibrant birthplace of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, has gifted us with a therapeutic gem that, surprisingly, pairs beautifully with the stalwart Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As a therapist in private practice, I often find myself blending these approaches in a way that makes me feel like a culinary genius concocting the ultimate…
Virtual Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: Does It Really Work?
In a world where we can order coffee from our phones, check in on loved ones across the globe, and attend meetings in pajamas, it’s no surprise that therapy has joined the digital revolution. But if you’re like many of my clients, you may wonder — Does virtual therapy for anxiety and depression really work?…