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 […]
Dr. Morgan Van Leer
Dr. Van Leer is a post-doctoral therapist providing therapy to adults in person and virtually. She has experience with a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship dynamics, self-esteem, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, and trauma. She has expertise working with clients from rural backgrounds and those in unhealthy relationships. Dr. Van Leer believes […]
Dr. Lianna McDaniel
Dr. McDaniel is a post-doctoral therapist providing therapy to adults in person and virtually. She has experience with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and depression, relationship and identity concerns, stress and trauma, life transitions, and chronic health issues. She specializes in working with clients who struggle with shame and self-doubt due to their […]
Understanding Anxiety: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Anxiety is a common emotional experience, but it can manifest in various forms, from healthy, situational anxiety to more persistent, unhealthy anxiety disorders. Understanding the differences and recognizing when anxiety becomes a problem is crucial for seeking appropriate help and treatment. This blog will explore the most common symptoms of anxiety, distinguish between healthy and […]
Understanding Anxiety: What It Is and How to Treat It
Anxiety is a normal response and can be a healthy emotion. It is the body’s natural reaction to stress and can bring about a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. It can signal to you that you are in danger or in need of more support. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or […]
Dr. Mary Kirschner
Dr. Kirschner is a post-doctoral therapist providing therapy to adults virtually. Her background and areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, and health related issues such as ongoing physical issues and solid organ transplant processes. Her approach is collaborative in nature as she promotes overall personal wellness while helping clients work toward their goals. Dr. […]