May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, an essential observance that highlights the importance of mental health and encourages a conversation about mental illnesses, promoting strategies for achieving mental health and wellness. Given the challenges we’ve all faced during recent times—pandemics, social unrest, economic uncertainties—this month’s observance feels more urgent than ever. It’s a call to pause, reflect, and engage in...[ read more ]
Divorce can feel like an emotional earthquake—one that shakes the foundation of your identity, relationships, and future. But healing is not only possible—it’s powerful. This chapter of your life may have closed, but a new one is ready to begin. Here are five meaningful steps to help you heal and rediscover your strength after divorce: Allow Yourself to Grieve Grief...[ read more ]
Emotional well-being is foundational for learning, growth, and authentic connection. This is especially true for autistic individuals navigating a world often shaped by neurotypical expectations. Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) offers relational tools that nurture empathy, communication, and trust. At the same time, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides data-driven methods to teach adaptive behaviors and track emotional growth. When MFT and...[ read more ]
When we think about change, it can often evoke a sense of unease. For example, imagine a young child expressing anxiety to their mother, saying, “Oh no, we must move again. I don’t want to go to another new school.” This illustrates the fears many of us feel when faced with unfamiliar situations. Life consists of unexpected shifts, turns, and...[ read more ]
Superbowl LIX has been completed, with the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though this game seemed to have been over since the first half, that did not stop the Chiefs from trying to mount a comeback in the second half. Even though, in the end, the Chiefs did not complete their comeback, there are still many lessons...[ read more ]
I recently had a discussion with a new MHC student. They shared having been to a recent event and how moved they were by the powerful presentation of another therapist, whom they referred to as the 'Sunshine therapist '. This term, they explained, symbolized a therapist who exudes warmth, positivity, and authenticity. They reflected that this was the kind of...[ read more ]
My name is Sophie Gengler and I am a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. From my experiences living in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, studying non-dual shaiva tantra in Indonesia, practicing a silent 10 day Vipassana sitting, and teaching yoga, I have devoted myself to the exploration of the relationship between mind and body. Through my...[ read more ]
Valentine’s Day is HERE! Whether you’re spending it with a special someone, or friends, or flying solo, it’s all good! But how can we make this day a great day? Well, we’ve all heard that classic piece of advice: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Rom 13:9). But here’s the kicker—“as yourself.” It’s hard to give love to others...[ read more ]
Mental health is a universal concern that transcends societal boundaries, yet certain populations remain unseen, unheard, and unmargined in conversations surrounding mental well-being. In this blog post, we delve into the often-overlooked realm of mental health within unmargined populations, exploring the unique challenges they face and shedding light on the importance of inclusivity in mental health discourse. Defining Unmargined Populations:...[ read more ]
Embracing Sexual Well-Being: A Guide to Sexual Mental Health Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions. Yet, discussions around sexual and mental health often remain taboo, leaving many individuals without the knowledge and support they need. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of sexual mental health, offering insights...[ read more ]
