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 to which they should aspire. Given that this body type is something you are born with (or buy from your... 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 to complete a home improvement project on your own? There are countless apps available to help you to achieve this... 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 tension eases and, almost miraculously, the argument moves toward resolution. Laughter can play an important role in our lives, especially... 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 by emotional valleys.  If year-end holiday celebrations are a time of joy, satisfaction, and intimacy, then it is likely that... 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 and homemade stew.The paths are muddy from recent storms. At precarious stretches we’re forced to walk grassy edges to keep our... 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” holiday. Just how stressed do you get during the holidays?  A recent poll indicated that 41% said they find the... 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 ideas from research in child development and education. If you want to start your children’s media learning early, choose a... 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 me tell you why I do what I do.  I am here because Samaritan Interfaith has the highest ethical and... read more →

5 POWERFUL CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT CAREGIVING 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 support an older adult. They may cross the lifespan from childhood to advanced age. Caregivers are mostly women in their... 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 story of two fifth graders, Jared and Josh.  Every day at school Josh tried to avoid Jared and his friends.... 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 the “social drama” that exists in their child’s life. Viewed by teens as a normal part of life it can... 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 is being overdramatic or acting out for attention or trying to get their way. I tell those parents that it... read more →

By Ken Potts - originally appeared February 25, 2015 in the Daily Herald Not too long ago, adolescent suicide was prominent in the media again and numerous newspapers and magazines ran high-profile articles about this alarming trend. Most of the articles were informative, accurate and sensitive. An unfortunate few seemed... read more →

On Hope and Transcendence: Reflections on the Intersection of Spirituality and Psychotherapy by Mónica Guilhot-Chartrand, LCSW Many years ago, while working on my post-graduate degree, a professor suggested reading a book called On Caring, written by Milton Mayeroff.  To be honest, the title did not impress me as eloquent, presumptuous,... read more →

by Amelia Powelson, Psy.D. Have you ever driven down the street and then all of the sudden realized you missed your turn? Or finished your dinner only to realize that you do not recall how it tasted? We often go through the motions of life, but forget to stop and... read more →

  By Monica Guilhot-Chartrand MSW, LCSW In 2008, in the US House of representatives, a bipartisan group co-sponsored and passed a resolution known as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness month.  July was announced to be the month to highlight public awareness of mental health illness, specially... read more →

Kids and Improv: Playing for Life by Nancy Kratz, Phd. What do child psychology and improvisational comedy have in common? Turns out quite a bit.  A new trend in the education and counseling field is the use of improvisation to help kids improve social skills, build confidence and overcome social... read more →

by Karen Sharpe I am not a runner.  I struggle to get on the treadmill for twenty minutes 4 times a week.  This is no surprise to anyone who knows me.  It does, however, make it difficult for me to understand why Thor Johansen is running the Kettle 100 (100... read more →

By Karen Sharpe Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about the community that is Samaritan's staff - actually what I have been doing is giving thanks that I get to be a part of it.  My colleagues are passionate about relationships - most of them are therapists... read more →

Who Cares for the Caregiver? Joan Guest, MSW, LCSW As the population ages, more and more individuals are taking care of elderly parents. Some adults in their 50s are now “parenting” their parents and some seniors end up taking care of elderly relatives instead of enjoying a carefree retirement. Some... read more →