Holding Space for What Hurts
Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. Beneath the behaviors—whether it’s alcohol, substances, gambling, or compulsive scrolling—there often lies a complex inner world shaped by pain, unmet needs, and deep emotional conflict. And one of the most powerful emotional undercurrents I see in my work with people struggling with addiction is guilt.
When Love Meets Mental Health: How partners’ struggles shape and can deepen the connection
Relationships thrive on emotional intimacy, trust, and mutual support. But what happens when one partner is grappling with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, trauma, or other struggles? The impact can be profound, reshaping communication, emotional availability, and even the daily rhythm of the relationship. Yet, while mental health struggles can strain a couple’s connection, they can also become a powerful catalyst for deeper understanding, resilience, and even unexpected growth.
Distress About the Body and Body In Distress – Psychodynamic Approaches to Struggles with Body-Image and Body-Functioning
One of the primary concerns that bring individuals from all walks of life into therapy is a problematic, at times painful relationship with their physical self. In some cases we may hate our bodies, or parts of it, subjecting them to harsh criticism, restrictions, and exhausting demands for performance; in others, people may feel betrayed by the body’s capricious states, or by its aging, sickness, injury, “grossness,” and so on. Some of us become anxious, even panicked, when thinking about the physicality of our being, becoming unbearably aware of life and death.
Understanding your role in relationship conflict
Conflict is a natural part of relationships, but how couples handle it can deepen connection or drive couples further apart. Oftentimes couples come into counseling with a long list of problems focused on their partner. If my partner wasn’t so critical, if my partner wasn’t so sensitive, if my partner gave me more affection… we wouldn’t have these conflicts. Conflict is typically co-created and in some cases maintained because it serves some function in the relationship. From a psychodynamic view, resolving conflict starts with understanding how each partner contributes to the dynamic.
Moving towards anxiety: why avoidance keeps you stuck
Anxiety is uncomfortable. It tightens your chest, quickens your breath, and fills your mind with an endless loop of “what-ifs.” Naturally, the instinctive response is to avoid whatever is triggering the anxiety. If a social gathering makes you uneasy, you cancel. If a challenging project at work fills you with dread, you procrastinate. If an important conversation feels overwhelming, you put it off.
How to Cope With Work-Related Stress and Anxiety
At our practice, we understand how job stress and anxiety can disrupt not only your career but your overall quality of life. Whether you're navigating a toxic work culture, facing burnout, or simply trying to keep up, it’s important to recognize when you need support. Our compassionate Chicago anxiety therapists are here to help you reclaim your peace of mind and develop healthy, effective ways to manage workplace stress.