Blog

Angela Zender

The Dangers of Repressed Emotions

Repression and Suppression are words that often get mixed up. Suppression is a defense mechanism that we use voluntarily to hide what we are feeling. Repression is the “unconscious blocking of unpleasant emotions, impulses, memories, and thoughts from your unconscious mind.” Here at the dangers of repressed emotions. Dangers of Repressed Emotions Emotions can make…

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individual counseling schaumburg illinois

Mentally Well with Animals

You come home after a long stressful day and sit on the couch. Zoning out before you suddenly feel the softness of your dog’s head on your lap looking up at you. Your dog understands you’re feeling off today and has taken time to try and comfort you. You look down and your dog starts…

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emdr therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based behavior therapy. In contrast to Western-based psychological theory, ACT does not have symptom reduction as a goal. This is based on the view that an on-going attempt to eliminate symptoms causes psychological distress in the first place. Instead, the goal of ACT is to create a meaningful…

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logical thinking

How IFS Can Help You

The Internal Family Systems, or IFS model operates on the principal that internally, we have an ecology of relatively discrete minds, which interact with our healthy self, and take on roles to keep us safe and functioning. Find out how IFS can help you. The 3 common roles are the Manager, the Exiles, and the…

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marriage counseling schaumburg illinois

Dealing with Resentment

The word “resentment” is defined as “bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.” How often do we find ourselves dealing with resentment? Resentment can happen with any relationship; friends, family, co-workers, but the pertinent question is: how do we deal with it? 12-Step programs recommend praying for the other person, that they have all the…

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Recognizing your body’s feelings?

Can you recognize what your body feels? Did you ever feel so anxious that you felt sick to your stomach? Do you ever feel so angry that you felt like your head was literally going to explode? Have you felt so joyful that you got butterflies in your stomach? Can you recognize your body’s feelings?…

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Counseling Can Lead to Discovery

During a recent session, a client said to me, “Wow, you just uncovered that”. The client had an epiphany and saw something from a different perspective. Counseling can lead to discovery. I remind my clients that they are responsible for the work they do on healing and improving themselves. In response to my client, I…

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Taking longer breaks from the Media?

Taking longer breaks from the Media? Society always wants us to be in the loop of what’s going on with the world. Is there such thing as a balance between checking our phones and the news? Are we trained to find the "golden middle"? The last few years have not been the easiest for our…

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EMDR can help with old traumas.

Are old traumas tainting moments of joy? If you answered yes to that question, EMDR can help! EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an 8-phase, 3-prong therapeutic approach that “rewires” our brain. It can relieve the symptoms of past trauma and old wounds. Much of our natural healing happens while we…

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Staff

Give yourself a chance to try new things!

So imagine this you go to your favorite restaurant and order your favorite meal. It tastes good, you walk out full, and feel satisfied! Now imagine doing this over and over again. Eventually it gets boring, right? Give yourself the chance to try something new and different! Now, what if you went to your favorite…

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Your Body Changes With Your Experiences

Your body changes with your experiences

I have had several clients who report having a poor body image. I remind them, "Your body changes with your experiences". With age, we all change. Adolescents go through puberty, mothers' bodies change after giving birth, adults grow grey hair and develop wrinkles. There are periods in life when we might have a lot of…

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melissa rust counseling arlington heights illinois

When Two Icebergs Collide

Do you ever find yourself having the same argument over and over again with your partner? Does it feel like he or she is just being ridiculous and over-reacting? If so, congratulations! You and your partner have just encountered what happens when two icebergs collide. Here at The Lighthouse, we use the analogy of an…

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Staff

Gaming can help with depression!

To all the gamers in the world, I am sure at one point of your life you heard this phrase before, ‘Video games will only rot your brain! Go play outside!”. To some extent yes! It can and will rot your brain, especially after long exposure. However, what if I told you that gaming can…

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Angela, the anxiety coach

What Feeds Comparing Yourself to Others?

Are you comparing yourself to others? Stressful situations and anxious thoughts feed comparing yourself to others. To make this easier to understand, we will focus on what specifically can happen because of stressful situations and having anxious thoughts. If you have not already, please go read the blog titled, Do You Compare Yourself to Others…

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emdr therapy

What Can CBT-I Do For You?

Did you know that The Lighthouse now offers sleep therapy services for individuals who suffer from insomnia? How does one seek such service to treat their insomnia? Easy! I, Arbin Memisi at The Lighthouse, have a special skill that can help you overcome insomnia. That skill is CBT-I; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia! What Can…

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Staff

Your Personal Bill of Rights! Pt. 2

So, as we all know, all U.S. citizens have a bill of rights mandated by the U.S. constitution that gives us power to pursue our own path in life and protects us from unreasonable causes. However, what if I told you that outside the constitution, you have your own personal bill of rights that consists…

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melissa rust counseling arlington heights illinois

Good Grief! 6 Things to Know When Facing a Loss

Loss is not something that people like to think about. Rather it is something that we all have to address at some time in our lives. These days we learn about stress management in school, at work, even in our doctor’s office. However, no one tells us how to handle loss. This is one of…

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Counseling in schaumburg il

Blue Light Toxicity

So imagine this You have been working on a computer all day and you feel yourself getting pretty tired. You see the clock and it's close to midnight. You hop into bed immediately, but all of a sudden, you don’t fall asleep. You feel tired, but somehow still awake. You end up turning over and…

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How Oversharing with Your Parents Can Harm Your Individual Growth

Oversharing means giving more detail about your personal life than should be given. Oversharing also depends on who you are giving these details to. For example, you are probably used to sharing more intimate details about your thoughts and emotions to your close relatives and best friends. However, you would not share those same specifics…

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Angela, the anxiety coach

How To Reduce Anxious “Broom Talk”

Anxious "Broom Talk" is how I refer to the habit of using sweeping statements. People who have high anxiety and worry often, tend to make sweeping statements about situations, other people, and themselves. As an anxiety coach, I have written this short article to help you learn how to reduce anxious "Broom Talk". Examples of…

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counseling in schaumburg il

THE JOURNEY TO EMOTIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

THE JOURNEY TO EMOTIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY by Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. C.A.D.C. N.C.C. Much of what I have learned about developing emotional self-sufficiency comes from therapist and Ph.D. David Richo. He posits that good mental health comes with a durable sense of emotional self-sufficiency. How I define emotional self-sufficiency for clients An ability to maintain oneself…

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emdr therapy

30 days of Crushing Anxiety!

Do you avoid certain activities because you are anxious about them? 30 days of Crushing Anxiety was an experiment I created for myself when I was feeling stuck in anxious thoughts and stuck in a less then wonderful lifestyle. Here's what I did. Commit The first step was committing to making a change for myself…

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Why Are Healthy Boundaries Essential To Healthy Relationships

WHY ARE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS PART 2

Once again I begin with the premise that: Healthy Boundaries equal Healthy Relationships. If you have not already, please read part 1 of this blog by clicking here. We will now discuss why healthy boundaries are essential for successful relationships. Here are examples of each kind of boundary, Rigid, Porous and Healthy.  Rigid boundary Firstly,…

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Angela, the anxiety coach

Two reasons why people end therapy before they should

Starting therapy can be difficult. For people who do choose to go to therapy and commit to working with a counselor every week, it can be helpful. However, there are people who choose to stop weekly sessions before expected. Here are two of the many reasons why some people choose to end therapy before they…

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Why Are Healthy Boundaries Essential To Healthy Relationships

WHY ARE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES ESSENTIAL TO HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

We here at the Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center have one premise in place: That premise is that Healthy Boundaries equal Healthy Relationships.  How does one know if one holds true to Healthy Boundaries?  Examine what Healthy Boundaries are:  They are guidelines, rules and limits that are reasonable, safe and permissible.  You, as an autonomous individual,…

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therapist counselor coach relationship podcast couples synergy

How to Choose the Right Therapist, Counselor or Coach for Your Relationship

Dr. Ray & Jean discuss what are the questions you should ask a provider when choosing the right person to provide relationship guidance. On their podcast, Couples Synergy: Real Couples-Real Stories, Dr. Ray & Jean give you all the necessary information to make the best choice for you and your marriage when choosing a therapist,…

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Some Thoughts on the Science of Relationships

"Follow your dream but take your brain along with you." That short nugget of wisdom was by Alfred Adler written in the 1920s. I believe that what Adler meant was that we should seek to investigate the scientific underpinnings within the field of relationships. A recent issue of Counseling Today provides several research findings that…

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Staff

How Do We Combat Depression and Anxiety?

Depression and anxiety can happen in all of us. Throughout my time as a therapist, I have learned and developed tools that I provide my clients to help them combat depression and anxiety. One of my most used tools would be the five step plan! The steps are as followed: 1) Do a fun activity…

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Staff

What causes Depression and Anxiety?

As a therapist, the most common issue in the mental health field that I have come across amongst my clients were depression and anxiety. Depression/Anxiety can be caused by one of four factors: 1) Biochemical Factors Our body and brain are filled with hormones that cause us to feel many different things. I am sure…

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Your Body Changes With Your Experiences

2 reasons why people differ in identifying as anxious or not

Do you have anxiety? Are you an anxious person? People answer this differently and would add their own detailed reasons why they either are anxious or are not. One reason why our answers differ are because we all have had different experiences. Another reason is because we define anxiety differently. Think about this... Would you…

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Therapist or Life Coach

Worrying is similar to junk emails

I am going through my email right now and I feel a little overwhelmed. It seems like everyday there is another chunk of emails  in my inbox and they all add up when I let a week go by without deleting them. More than half of these emails will not be opened because they are…

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Therapist or Life Coach

Awareness, Treatment, and the Danger of Online Pornography on the Brain

Addiction to online pornography is currently NOT in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). This opens the debate on whether or not it is a harmful addiction. However, it is in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). I disagree that online pornography is both harmless and not a real addiction.…

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Do you compare yourself to others all the time?

Hello there! First, listen to the audio clip to hear the spoken word called "Comparables". Do you compare yourself to other people all of the time? If so, it must be exhausting! It is natural to compare yourself to people around you and sometimes it can help you improve yourself. However, always comparing…

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OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD

O - C - D. You might of heard of it on tv shows or in movies. OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The character in the show or movie might be super organized or very detailed oriented. You might also know people around you who might say, "Oh that's just my OCD".…

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Do you have excessive worry?

Do you have excessive worry?

Now I know we all get nervous, especially when there is a new situation we are facing. However, there is a difference between those who can handle their nerves and those who have high anxiety. Meaning, they get nervous about something new and just cannot seem to let it go. This impacts how they sleep,…

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Music Is Great For Coping With Anxiety

Music is great for coping with anxiety

"Sing.... Sing a song...." When you are anxious, it can be tough to belt out a song. It is difficult to sing a favorite tune because the stress on your mind is tangled up with negative thoughts. One helpful way to cope with anxiety is by listening to music. The melody of a…

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Trichotillomania and how to address it

“I’m pulling my hair out!”: Trichotillomania and how to address it

You have heard stressed out and overwhelmed people exclaim that they are pulling their hair out. This expression is meant to tell others that we are feeling so overwhelmed or angry that we would do such an act. However, there are circumstances in life that cause certain individuals to actually pull their hair out. Trichotillomania…

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Why Avoiding Situations Causes More Anxiety and How to Break the Cycle

Why Avoiding Situations Causes More Anxiety and How to Break the Cycle

Avoiding the situations that make you nervous will only make you comfortable for a short period of time. The more times you avoid a situation, the more anxious you become the next time you face it. Why is this? Your anxiety heightens because you have virtually no practice with the situation. You lack practice because…

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Coronavirus Virtual Support Group

Crisis or Opportunity? Reframing the COVID Crisis

Edward Oriole, providing counseling in arlington heights il talks about COVID crisis & how it can be an opportunity  

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Practice Gratitude to Decrease Anxiety

Practice Gratitude to Decrease Anxiety

In this time of elevated anxiety, your mind might be overwhelmed with negative thoughts which lead to negative outcomes and then pile into mountains of problems that need solving. Your thoughts and problems are valid, yet your anxiety might be impacting your sleep, appetite, and how you approach others. It is important to step back…

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30 Days of Meditation for Healing from COVID-19

30 Days of Meditation for Healing from COVID-19

Join Dr Ray & Jean in 30 days of meditation for healing from this COVID-19 pandemic and all the chaos it has caused our world. This post will be updated each day with the most recent meditation:

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Lighthouse Response to COVID-19 and the National Emergency

  March 13, 2020 RE: Lighthouse Response to COVID-19 To All Our Clients & Their Families: This truly is a challenging time for all of us amidst these concerns regarding the coronavirus. As healthcare providers, we are dedicated more than ever in supporting you and your family through this crisis. This difficult time will bring…

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WHAT KIND OF MAN ARE YOU?

Paying attention to how men relate to others has taught me that maleness styles fall into four categories.  That is:1.The Boy.  2. The Player.  3. The Confused man and finally 4. The Good man. The boy confuses growing older with growing up.  Growing older is mandatory and growing up is a choice. A boy is…

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Year End Spirituality Workshop

Year End Spirituality Workshop

Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11 AM – 12:30 PM Let go of 2019 and Consciously Create 2020 Join us for meditation, sound healing and creating the future through a powerful envisioning workshop Join Jean & Ray Kadkhodaian and Angela Zender in this amazing workshop Cost: $50 Register Today by calling us at 847-253-9769, or…

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EMPATHY IS VITAL TO RELATIONSHIPS

  Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. C.A.D.C. N.C.C. Part of the human condition is a desire to be understood. We want the foremost people in our lives to understand what our daily existence is like. The fear of abandonment is less prevalent when someone notices whether we are joyful, fearful, sad or if we are disappointed,…

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Five Signs Your Child May Need Counseling

Five Signs Your Child May Need Counseling

Five Signs Your Child May Need Counseling By: Samantha E. Peritz, LPC Everyone wants to believe that they know their children best, and the truth is you probably do. If your gut is telling you that something isn’t right with your child’s emotional state or behavior, there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help.…

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MINDFULNESS AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

                                     Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. C.A.D.C. N.C.C. One of the techniques that I advocate, whenever emotional deregulation is chronic, is the use of meditation. The key signal that meditation is needed is when emotional thinking and emotional decision-making have taken hold. Mindfulness is developing an awareness of your mental processes. When you have developed…

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Is Happiness a Moral Imperative?

Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. N.C.C. C.A.D.C. Clinical Therapist The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center and Footprints to Recovery IS HAPPINESS A MORAL IMPERATIVE ? 19 articles   Often in my clinical work I ask a client the following question: "Do you have a moral obligation to be happy?" This opens up an avenue of thought that…

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marriage counseling schaumburg illinois

The four mistakes men make during an argument with their spouse

The four mistakes men make during an argument with their spouse -By Dr Ray Kadkhodaian After having worked with thousands of couples together, my wife and I have been witnesses to many different relationship patterns that can help build the relationship or destroy a relationship. When working with men, my job is to help them…

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counseling schaumburg illinois

Divorce Support Group

Divorce Support Group offered by The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, a counseling center located in Schaumburg, Illinois     April 21, 2018 10:30am – 12:00pm Topics covered: Letting go of the hurt & anger Self-empowerment Co-parenting challenges Personal boundaries Dating again Finding life balance $40 per person Call 847-253-9769 to register Hosted by The Lighthouse…

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counseling schaumburg illinois

Addiction Education and Support Group

Addiction Education and Support Group offered at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center a counseling center located in Schaumburg, Illinois on Fridays at 6pm Facilitated by Edward Oriole, LCPC, CADC “We seek to identify and address that period of time when abstinence resolve has weakened but actual relapse has not yet occurred” "Relapse is a process.…

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WHAT HAPPENS TO FAMILIES WHEN ‘ADDICTION” BECOMES A PART OF IT?

"The whole of the family is adversely affected by one addict or one addiction within the family."
"Here are the warning signs to look for within the family structure.
"The goals of family synergy model."

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Being in Love and Logical Thinking

What if “happily ever after” is not the end but the beginning.

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marriage counseling schaumburg illinois

Marriage Counseling: Challenge Your Marriage to New Experiences – Lighthouse Emotional Wellness

Marriage Counseling: Challenge Your Marriage to New Experiences - Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Learn new tips on how to spice up your relationship with loved ones in your life, with the help of Dr. Ray and Rev. Jean. For more information and to follow Dr. Ray and Rev. Jean, follow them on social media!  

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what is the first thing you touch in the morning

What is the first thing you touch in the morning? #StopPhubbingYourSpouse

What is the first thing you touch in the morning? #StopPhubbingYourSpouse   -By Dr Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian What is the first thing you touch in the morning? #StopPhubbingYourSpouse. Before your mind goes to the gutter, and now that we have gotten your attention, we want to address a big issue in relationships today. Although…

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Marriage Counseling Schaumburg Illinois

Marriage Counseling Schaumburg Illinois: “Should couples see the same therapist”

marriage counseling schaumburg illinois Marriage Counselors in Schaumburg Illinois: “Should couples see the same therapist?” Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian are the founders of The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, and the creators of “Couples Synergy” a Marriage Counseling program in Schaumburg Illinois. “Couples Synergy” is a 90 day program designed by…

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What Men & Women Really Want for Valentine’s Day

“What Men & Women Really Want for Valentine’s Day” -By Dr. Ray and Rev. Jean Kadkhodaian

What Men & Women Really Want for Valentine's Day By Dr. Ray and Rev. Jean Kadkhodaian What She Wants Little girls dream or romantic gifts and wedding days, and their first real taste of this is Valentine’s Day. Gaudy cards inscribed with the finest 8th grade poetry and priceless costume jewelry has melted the hearts…

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EFFECTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR COUPLES

EFFECTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR COUPLES Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. C.A.D.C.   Did you ever say “I am sorry” and felt a sense of discomfort.  This signals that the cliché apology was not quite enough?  There is a reason for that feeling of dissatisfaction. The reason is that our logical brain is telling us that something…

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The Four Agreements and the Synergy Model of Couple’s Therapy

The Four Agreements support successful couple's therapy

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY COUNSELING

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY COUNSELING Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. C.A.D.C. N.C.C. When I was a teenager I read “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy wrote with a profound appreciation of the human condition. His insight is demonstrated with the first line of “Anna Karenina”; He posits that “All happy families are alike. Each unhappy family…

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what is the first thing you touch in the morning

We Are Failing Our Teens: The Destructive Combination of Technology, Social Media, and Sexuality

We Are Failing Our Teens: The Destructive Combination of Technology, Social Media, and Sexuality -By Dr Ray Kadkhodaian This past January, in a local suburb of Chicago, a 16-year-old teen committed suicide hours after being confronted by school officials for video recording a sexual encounter he had with another peer. He was an honor roll…

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The Power of Positive Intention in Couples Therapy

"When the certainty of positive intention is firmly in place the level of trust for the couple increases and the chance for miscommunication decreases."

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Therapist or Life Coach

I need help, do I seek out a therapist or a life coach?

  I need help, do I seek out a therapist or a life coach?   -By Dr. Ray Kadkhodaian Most people do not know that there are differences between licensed therapists and life coaches, and the type of guidance you will receive is predicated on which one you choose. It is not a surprise that…

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The Origin of Behavior

The Origin of Behavior

<h4>The Origin of Behavior</h4> Behavior was first studied by evolutionists ages ago. According to them, all animal and human behaviors have distinct evolutionary roots. They believe that their characteristics are passed down to them by their most primitive ancestors. In addition to their claim, they say that all behaviors come from one single origin and…

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The Four Types of Parenting Styles and the Effect upon Children

Parenting style affects the way that children develop into adults

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Kuma’s Corner Schaumburg

Kuma’s Corner Schaumburg Review – lunch date

  Lunch Date at Kuma's Corner - Schaumburg   HEAVY – this must be the best word to describe this restaurant in its entirety. Everything is ridiculously heavy in this gourmet burger bar. Burgers, beers, and bands are roaring like their restaurant logo. The big screen projecting horror movies complement with the atmosphere while we…

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Perspectives on Couples Synergy from Author, Drew Bekius

Perspectives on Couples Synergy from Author, Drew Bekius

Perspectives on Couples Synergy from Author, Drew Bekius   Having been contacted after many years and after having obtained consent to talk about this experience, Jean and I are very proud to have been part of the life of Drew Bekius, author of "The Rise and Fall of Faith", are extremely honored to have been…

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A Taste of Dallas

A Taste of Dallas

Being from Chicago, we are used to a city with so many delicious choices when it comes to food. That is why when we travel, we try to enjoy as much of the local cuisine as possible to get a taste of what that city has to offer. Dallas is no exception. We had the…

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Day Date Idea: Scuppernong Trail & the Holi Cannoli

Day Date Idea: Scuppernong Trail & the Holi Cannoli

About an hour north of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, you will find some great hiking trails and a hidden gem of a restaurant called, the Holi Cannoli. Great day date idea!

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Punch Bowl Social Review

Punch Bowl Social Review

Punch Bowl Social Review If you ever want to unwind and go out for some beer, good food and recreation, you’ve got to try this fancy dining place in Schaumburg. Quick bite after a late night of working, Jean and I decided to stop in at Punch Bowl Social in Schaumburg. This restaurant has a…

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Bluegrass Restaurant Review

Bluegrass Restaurant Review

Bluegrass Restaurant Review Are you looking for a great restaurant for date night? Try Bluegrass in Highland Park: 1) make a reservation,…

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Why Bother with Change?

Why Bother with Change?

Why Bother with Change? By: Dr Ray and Rev Jean Kadkhodaian So its day 254 of my journey I only have 20 days left to complete the last 122 miles to reach 1000. A question I get asked and a question I ask myself often is why. Why do this. Why put myself through this…

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Couples Synergy Scavenger Hunt

Couples Synergy Scavenger Hunt

Click on the flyer for more information on the Couples Synergy Scavenger Hunt between 2/14/17 - 2/21/17

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The 5 R’s for Coping with Anxiety

The 5 R’s for Coping with Anxiety Kate Rhodes MS, LPC, NCC   Anxiety, more often than not, has the ability to sneak up on us in the most inconvenient ways. A little anxiety is useful in times when we need a good push; it lets us know we are alive, trying new things and…

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Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox

Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox

Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox   Kate Rhodes MS, LPC, NCC   Coping skills are techniques used to deal with stress and anxiety. These can be positive or negative in nature. The ability to contrive positive, good coping skills and begin implementing them into your daily life takes effort and practice. There are countless lists…

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How to Recognize Depression in Children

How to Recognize Depression in Children

Do not wait! Having a child with depressive symptoms does not make you a bad or negligent parent. It may not suggest that you had anything to do with the child's pain. Good parenting simply demands that you get the child professional help and support the child in their recovery.

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JMT

My Thoughts on the JMT – By Dr Ray Kadkhodaian

John Muir Trail Thoughts – by Ray Kadkhodaian It has taken me this long to process everything that has happened with this journey and the impact it has had on me and it just seems fitting to close out 2016 with my thoughts about our hiking journey this past year. Make no doubt about it;…

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An Effective Skill to Immediately Release Tension

An Effective Skill to Immediately Release Tension

An Effective Skill to Immediately Release Tension By Joy Walsh, LCSW ”Your personal energy is your most important asset!  Be careful of it! Spend it wisely!” ~ Dr. Edmund Jacobson, You Must Relax How stressed are you right now? Even if you answered “not at all” to this question, you might be surprised to find…

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Binge-drinking and the Danger to Adolescents -by Edward L. Oriole, LCPC N.C.C.

Binge-drinking and the Danger to Adolescents -by Edward L. Oriole, LCPC N.C.C. Due to the long ­term effects of alcohol abuse, binge ­drinking has become a major public health issue. What is binge ­drinking? Social, medical and emotional health media categorize "binge- drinking" as a pejorative term. It includes individuals who engage in heavy, episodic…

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How do I know if I am depressed?

How Do I Know If I am Depressed? By Edward L. Oriole L.C.P.C. N.C.C.   In the course of everyday life. We often ask ourselves when does “feeling blue” rise to the level of depression.  I have often observed this in my practice when individuals don’t recognize when “feeling blue” becomes mild, moderate or even…

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“Quiet” “The Power of Introverts…” by Susan Cain.

"Quiet" "The Power of Introverts..." by Susan Cain Every so often an important, but readable book, is published. One that meets a societal need, is jargon free and makes a compelling argument. Author Susan Cain's book "Quiet. The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking" is a success in all three areas.…

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Have You Ever?

Have You Ever? Have you ever felt beautiful? Have you ever felt ugly? Have you ever lost? Have you ever won? Have you ever not had enough money? Have you ever had money burning a hole in your pocket? Have you ever felt fat? Have you ever felt thin? Have you ever been with someone…

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Lessons From My Uncle By: Dr Ray Kadkhodaian

Lessons From My Uncle By: Dr Ray Kadkhodaian Since the sudden passing of my uncle two years ago, a day doesn’t go by without me thinking about how admirably he lived his life and how I can incorporate these lessons into my own life.  He was a man who not only left a positive impact…

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Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right: Thoughts on Ashley Madison Being Hacked

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right: Thoughts on Ashley Madison Being Hacked There are no doubts that technology has brought many advances to our world and has sped up our access to an abundance of information as well as connected people who at a time in the past may have never met. It is amazing…

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10 Easy Ways to Beat Procrastination Test

When we are facing the roadblock of procrastination, it helps to use different strategies to move us along. We all procrastinate at one time or another. We do this mainly because we dread facing the task at hand. However, there are many other reasons that can play an additional factor in our procrastination, such as…

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The Dangerous Myths of Domestic Abuse By: Edward L. Oriole

The Dangerous Myths of Domestic Abuse My experience, in the field of psychology, has left me with the observation that domestic abuse is often obscured by media-driven mythology.  Over one-third (35.6 % ) of American women report that they have experienced either physical abuse upon their person or stalking by their former intimate partner.  This…

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Date Night Idea

Deka in Wheeling! Absolutely fantastic! See the Manager, Paulea Jacobs, and say Dr Ray & Rev Jean sent you. Friday nights are Jazz night and every course was delicious! Try the New Zealand Rack of Lamb... #Deka #datenight #marriage #relationship #drrayrevjean

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The Lighthouse and Counselor’s Self-Care

THE LIGHTHOUSE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS CENTER AND THE STAFF'S SELF-CARE By Edward Oriole, LCPC The strength of the therapeutic alliance between the counselor and the client, remains the best predictor of successful clinical outcome. Our foremost task, as therapists, is to maintain a model of good mental health for our clients, our peers and our support…

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Your Two brains

YOUR TWO BRAINS This article is intended to prompt you to make acquaintance with your two brains.  It is important because they are often at cross-purposes with each other.  The first, or emotional brain (called the amygdala) is your oldest genetic endowment.  It is tucked deep within the mass circuitry of your reptile brain. It…

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Tip of the day by Dr Ray

Remember that under #stress, people don't rise to the occasion.. they sink to the level of their highest training. #Change the way you have been "training" your #thoughts & #actions, and ultimately change the way you deal with the challenges that #life throws at you.

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Ten Keys to Happier Living

Inherent within the human spirit is the quest for happiness. Even the suicide, says philosopher Blaise Pascal, seeks the happiness of oblivion. After years of watching individuals seek happiness I came to a few conclusions: If your happiness model is owning things, it is doomed to failure. If you lose or miss one or two…

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Depression and anxiety in our children and adolescents

By Leila Kakvand Research indicates that depression and anxiety often co-occurs in adults.  Unfortunately, co-occurring depression and anxiety also happen to children and adolescents.  In fact, anxiety and depression are the issues mostly commonly seen in children and adolescents.  Experts estimate that “approximately 11% to 69% of anxious youth suffer from a depressive disorder, and…

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Tip of the Day! Fight or Flight -by Jean Kadkhodaian

Did you know that when your heart rate goes over 100 beats per minute that your brain goes into fight of flight? When we are in fight or flight we can not longer think logically we just respond emotionally. Fight or Flight reduces our ability to process what we hear logically or worse not allow any information in at all. This is why when you are fighting with someone you or they only hear one or 2 key words out of context and become irrational.

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R u happy? bc im not ☹ #SocialMedia’sRuiningOurMarriage

Go out for dinner these days and you can count the number of couples out on a date who at multiple points are checking their phones simultaneously at the table.  Often, you can even catch entire families checking their texts, their friends’ updates and overall communicating more with the outside world than the people sitting…

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Is your relationship in trouble? 3 Signs That You’re Heading in the Wrong Direction!

A couple waits an average of 6 years between first feeling dissatisfied with their relationship and seeking help.  The greatest problems are normal life transitions that they do not successfully adapt to such as having a baby, moving, changes in employment, and ageing.  When your individual lives or the dynamics of a relationship go through…

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