Understanding Grief
Most people think of grief as something that follows a death. And of course, losing someone you love can bring a depth of sorrow that is hard to put into words. But grief is not limited to death. Grief is the emotional response to any meaningful loss. It appears when something that mattered deeply to […]
Understanding Perfectionism
Perfectionism is often praised. In work environments, it can look like excellence. In academic settings, it can look like discipline. In relationships, it can look like reliability. Many high-achieving adults build their identity around being capable, responsible, and reliable, without fault. At Birchwood Clinic, we frequently work with adults whose perfectionism has helped them succeed, […]
The Uses and Limits of a Mental Health Diagnosis
In times of distress or when mental health symptoms appear, many people wonder: “Do I have something?” “Is there a diagnosis for this?” Sometimes the question carries fear. Sometimes relief. Sometimes curiosity. Increasingly in therapy, we’re seeing people arrive already certain of the answer, often after reading an article or watching a video on TikTok. […]
How Therapy is Different from Listening and Giving Advice
One of the most common misconceptions about therapy is that it’s simply paying someone to listen and then tell you what to do. If that were true, therapy wouldn’t require years of graduate education, supervised clinical training, licensing exams, and ongoing continuing education. It would just be a thoughtful conversation with occasional suggestions. Real therapy […]
Pregnancy Anxiety: How Therapy Can Help
Pregnancy is often described as a time of endless joy and happy anticipation. And sometimes it is. But for many women, it’s also something else entirely. Pregnancy brings enormous physical changes, shifting hormones, and a steady stream of “what ifs…” and thoughts that feel impossible to quiet. You might notice your mind racing at night. […]
Wellness Coach vs. Licensed Therapist: What’s the Difference and Who Should You See?
In today’s wellness-focused world, you’ve likely seen titles like “wellness coach,” “life coach,” and “licensed therapist” floating around, but how do you know what these terms mean? Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking support for mental health concerns, or simply trying to improve your overall well-being, it’s important to understand the key differences between a wellness […]
Stress, Burnout, and the Pressure to Perform
Chicago is a city of driven people. We take pride in this. Many of us juggle demanding careers, commutes, family responsibilities, social obligations, and the constant pressure to “keep it together.” On the outside, things may look successful and stable. On the inside, however, you may feel overwhelmed, depleted, or quietly struggling. Stress is often […]
What to Expect in Therapy at Birchwood Clinic
At Birchwood Clinic in Chicago, our licensed clinical psychologists and master’s level therapists believe that true healing starts with understanding yourself; the experiences, emotions, and patterns that shape how you move through the world. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s a deeply personal journey that looks different for everyone. Our therapists provide a space that […]
Pop Psychology Is Everywhere, But Is It Helping You?
Chances are your social media feed is filled with content about narcissism, attachment styles, neurodivergence, trauma responses, “red flags,” and “boundaries.” You’ve likely heard phrases like “gaslighting,” “inner child healing,” “trauma bonding,” or “love bombing.” You might even have an Instagram therapist you follow religiously. The explosion of mental health language in our cultural dialogue […]
Why Therapists Are Not Allowed to Solicit Reviews and How You Can Find A Good One Without It
When you search for almost any service online, restaurants, dentists, personal trainers, reviews and testimonials are everywhere. They’ve become a primary way that consumers decide where to spend their money. But if you’ve looked up a psychologist, clinical counselor, or clinical social worker, you may notice something different: reputable therapists rarely post client testimonials on […]