What drives people to suicide? Most people respond, “depression.” But it’s such a broad term, used so frequently, that it isn’t very helpful. I’d like to say, “tunnel vision.” Tunnel... read more →
By Philip Vedova My neighbor is in his 70's and still gets his small motor boat on the lake several times a year, so he can tell me and... read more →
By Ken Potts, D. Min, MS, LCPC, LMFT This really happened - I've got pictures. During a trip to the Children's Zoo, my then three year old decided to... read more →
by Karen Hurula, Psy.D. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently talked about in the context of returned military veterans, but wartime trauma is not the only trauma that can develop... read more →
by Nancy Kratz, PhD Summer’s here!!! Mornings at the park, family bike rides, afternoons at the pool, and lots of free time…or is that SCREEN time? I often get asked... read more →
If we want to break down discrimination and stigma surrounding mental illnesses we need to start talking about mental health and sharing how it feels to live with a mental... read more →
by Dana Wagner PsyD CADC To begin, I congratulate and thank you for taking an interest in this subject matter. Sobriety and spirituality are two complicated topics on their own,... read more →
World Bipolar Day takes place each year on March 30, the birthday of Vincent van Gogh who is believed to have had bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a serious brain... read more →
By Dr. Ken Potts We've all read about how girls in our culture are affected by the current obsession with the tall, slender, well-endowed female body type as the ideal... read more →
We are continuously trying to improve upon ourselves and technology provides us with the resources that allow us to better ourselves with the click of a button. Want to learn how... read more →
by Dr. Ken Potts In my work with couples, there sometimes comes a moment in the midst of a heated argument when one or both spouses breaks out laughing. The... read more →
January, February, March, and even April see higher incidences of depression and related emotional problems and it’s not all that hard to figure out why. Emotional peaks are often followed... read more →
This fall my mentor, Amy, and I walk on the trails nearing a waterfall at Starved Rock State Park in southern Illinois. The trees are painted in the colors of pears and moonlight... read more →
The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when many of us succumb to the stress of expecting the “perfect”... read more →
By Nancy Kratz, Ph.D. The Christmas countdown has begun! As you face the hundreds of options for electronic devices, and digital media for your children this season, check out these... read more →
My name is Howard Milkman and I am a Pastoral Counselor and Staff Therapist at Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center where we help people through counseling, education and consulting. But, let... read more →
5 POWERFUL CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT CAREGIVINGÂ by Monica Guilhot-Chartrand, MSW, LCSW 1) WHO ARE THE CAREGIVERS? Usually it refers to family of origin, extended family, domestic partners, friends, or other individuals who... read more →
Writer and civil rights leader, James Baldwin, said, "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” This is the... read more →
Social Drama: The New Face of Bullying? By Nancy Kratz, Ph.D. Surveys indicate that most teens do not report being “bullied” to their parents, but most parents are aware of... read more →
By Tracy Takeda, MA, LCPC As a counselor who works with teens, I have worked with students who have dealt with suicidal ideation. Many parents are unsure if their teenager... read more →