NEXT STEP COUNSELING, INC

?? What will you talk about in therapy this week?! ?? We LOVE therapy and for good reason! Yes, it can be uncomfortable breaking past vulnerability constructs society has taught us and open up and share. We love therapy because it provides a supportive space to unpack our thoughts, heal from past wounds, and empower ourselves to create meaningful change. ?? You get to ?? 1) unpacking emotions, 2) learn to set boundaries, 3) work towards personal growth and self-discovery 4) gain healthy and effective coping skills, 5) uncovering patterns, 6) gaining resilience 7) find clarity and direction 8) improve communication skills and enhance relationships 9) increase self-care and self-compassion 10) finding what authenticity means for you and how to best live it 11) we could go on and on and on Creating meaningful change is so dang hard and supporting you in living your best life is our life's purpose. We absolutely love it and we know you will too! We can't wait to hear what you're brining in this week to talk about!

Slams laptop shut until Monday... Got any weekend plans to nourish your soul? ???? ??????????? Engaging in ANYTHING we enjoy triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins in the brain's reward pathway, leading to feelings of pleasure and well-being. This activation also enhances connectivity between brain regions, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Doing things we like is vital for mental health and happiness. ?? Decide to do 1 think you'll do to nourish your soul this weekend. #WeekendVibes #SelfCare #SoulfulConnections #Happiness #FightDepression #Don'tjudgeyourself #Selfcompassion

Embracing Tears: 5 Reasons Why Crying is GOOD 1?? Emotional Release: Shedding tears can be a powerful way to release pent-up emotions, providing a cathartic release and a sense of relief. 2?? Stress Reduction: Crying triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel-good hormones, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. 3?? Emotional Processing: Tears often accompany moments of deep reflection and introspection, helping us process complex emotions and gain clarity. 4?? Connection: Crying can strengthen bonds with others, fostering empathy and understanding as we share vulnerable moments with loved ones. 5?? Physical Benefits: Tears contain stress hormones and toxins, so shedding them can have physical benefits, promoting overall well-being. In society, there's a stigma attached to crying in public, with the expectation to maintain a facade of strength and composure at all times. However, it's important to challenge this notion and recognize that tears are a NATURAL and HEALTHY expression of our emotions. Let's deconstruct this culture and embrace vulnerability and acknowledges that crying is a sign of courage, not weakness. #BreakTheStigma #EmbraceEmotions #BeYou #EmbraceYourTears #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #healing #WhyCry #Tears

Grief is a journey, and understanding its stages can bring clarity and comfort during difficult times. From denial to acceptance, each stage offers an opportunity for processing your pain. It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling and while these steps are called "stages" you will flow in and out of them. Unfortunately they are not experiences you have and then graduate from. ?? Denial: A natural defense mechanism, giving us time to process overwhelming emotions. ?? Anger: A powerful emotion, expressing pain and frustration. ?? Bargaining: Trying to make sense of the loss, seeking ways to regain control. ?? Depression: Accepting the reality of the loss, feeling sadness and emptiness. ?? Acceptance: Learning to live with this missing piece and embracing life, while honoring the memories. Remember, grief is unique to each individual. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this journey of healing. JOIN our upcoming 6 WEEK VIRTUAL GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - Weds at 7PM starting 5/15. Call/Text 312-796-9507 #StagesOfGrief #GriefJourney #HealingProcess #griefandloss #bereavement #groupsupport #chicagotherapy #mentalhealthcounseling #chicago #chicagolife #chicagowellness #chicagocounseling #nextstepcounseling #nextstepforward

?? Debunking Myths About Grief ?? Grief is a deeply personal experience, yet misconceptions and self-judgement make the process more trying than it already is. Reframing your relationship to grief is an important process to when moving forward seems unthinkable. ? Myth: "Time heals all wounds." ? Reality: Time doesn't erase grief, but it allows us to learn to live with it and find new ways to cope. ? Myth: "You should be 'over it' by now." ? Reality: Grief has no timeline. It's okay to take as much time as you need to heal, and healing looks different for everyone. ? Myth: "Grieving means being sad all the time." ? Reality: Grief is a rollercoaster of emotions. It's normal to experience moments of joy, anger, and everything in between. ? Myth: "Talking about it will make it worse." ? Reality: Sharing your feelings and memories can be therapeutic and help in the healing process. ? Myth: "Grief only happens after a death." ? Reality: Grief can be triggered by various losses, such as divorce, job loss, or the end of a relationship. Join our upcoming Virtual 6 Week Grief Support Group on Weds at 7pm starting 5/15. Fee: $25 per meeting, with sliding scales offered and BCBS PPO accepted. Text 312-796-9507

?? Debunking Myths About Grief ?? Grief is a deeply personal experience, yet myths and misconceptions often surround it. Let's debunk myths to foster understanding and support for those navigating the journey of grief. ? Myth: "Time heals all wounds." ? Reality: Time doesn't erase grief, but it allows us to learn to live with it and find new ways to cope. ? Myth: "You should be 'over it' by now." ? Reality: Grief has no timeline. It's okay to take as much time as you need to heal, and healing looks different for everyone. ? Myth: "Grieving means being sad all the time." ? Reality: Grief is a rollercoaster of emotions. It's normal to experience moments of joy, anger, and everything in between. ? Myth: "Talking about it will make it worse." ? Reality: Sharing your feelings and memories can be therapeutic and help in the healing process. ? Myth: "Grief only happens after a death." ? Reality: Grief can be triggered by various losses, such as divorce, job loss, or the end of a relationship. Let's break down these misconceptions and offer support and understanding to those walking the path of grief. Together, we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world. ?? Join our upcoming Virtual 6 Week Grief Support Group on Weds at 7pm starting 5/15. Engaging discussions, personalized self-growth exercises, coping strategies and finding meaning after loss all while in a supportive environment with others who understand what you're going through. Fee: $25 per meeting, with sliding scales offered and BCBS PPO accepted. Text 312-796-9507 #GriefAwareness #MythsAboutGrief #SupportEachOther

?? Low Cost Virtual 6 Week Grief Group! ?? Weds at 7PM starting 5/15 Our expert-led group therapy sessions will delve into essential topics like coping strategies, finding meaning, and identity after loss. Engage in supportive discussions, activities, and personalized self-growth exercises designed to nurture healing and resilience. This is for both those experiencing bereavement or other types of grief and loss. Fee: $25 per meeting, BCBS PPO accepted and sliding scales offered. Demographic: ?? Anyone experiencing bereavement or other types of grief & loss ?? Our group therapy sessions welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, fostering an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. We strive to create a safe space where everyone's voice is valued and respected, regardless of their differences. Facilitators: Don Glenn and Chelsea Cooks Register: [email protected] Text/Call 312-796-9507 ??Take the next step towards healing. We're here for you. #GriefSupport #VirtualTherapy #HealingJourney #griefandloss #bereavement #groupsupport #chicagotherapy #mentalhealthcounseling #chicago #chicagolife #chicagowellness #chicagocounseling #nextstepcounseling #nextstepforward

Happy Spring Equinox! As the Earth gracefully steps into balance today, it serves as a reminder of the equilibrium within ourselves. Each year, the Earth tends to its needs through its cyclical rhythms. Winter, a time for quiet introspection and inward reflection, transitions into Spring. The spring equinox is more than just a celestial event; it mirrors the imperative need for balance in our own lives—a season for personal growth and transformation. And, as counselors, we're going to take full advantage of this ?? As we joyously embrace the arrival of warmer weather (Heck yeah Chicago! ??), let's take a moment to utilize today and this week for shedding and cleansing as we enter Spring. ?? Consider cleansing your digital life by unfollowing accounts that foster comparison and discontent, and instead, follow those that bring peace, joy, or spark creativity. ?? Perhaps this week, purge a few items from your home that no longer serve you, creating a space that nurtures your soul and encourages growth. ?? To aid in adjusting to the recent time change, spend 15 minutes soaking up the sun in the morning. Daylight exposure regulate our circadian rhythm, which influences our sleep-wake cycle. #SpringEquinox #Renewal #InnerBalance