In a world where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is paramount, every individual deserves a safe space to be their authentic selves. For LGBTQ+ youth, navigating adolescence can often be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but it’s crucial to recognize and support their journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.

At the Braden Counseling Center, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect for all identities. Our commitment to providing comprehensive support for LGBTQ+ youth stems from a deep understanding of the unique struggles they may face and the importance of creating a community where they feel valued and understood.

Continue reading “Embracing Diversity: A Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Youth” →

In the journey of life, loss is an inevitable companion. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant change in circumstances, grief can wash over us like a tidal wave, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and adrift.

However, amidst the storm, there are ways to navigate these turbulent waters and find solace. In this article, we’ll explore coping mechanisms and strategies to help you navigate the complex emotions of loss and grief.

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In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives. Juggling work, relationships, and personal responsibilities can take a toll on our mental well-being.

However, there’s a powerful tool that can help us navigate through the chaos and find moments of calm – mindfulness.

In this article, we will explore various ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine to alleviate stress and promote overall mental health.

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The average person has approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, with 80% of them being negative. That’s a lot of negative thinking! This can have a big impact on our mental and physical health over time.

Negative thinking is a common issue that you can overcome with the right coping strategies.

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Your mindset is a powerful force that can shape your experiences, influence your decisions, and ultimately, determine the quality of your life.

At Braden Counseling Center, we believe that cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset can be a transformative journey.

In this blog, we’ll explore five ways to change your mindset that can change your life, drawing on the expertise and guidance from Dekalb counselors.

Continue reading “Empower Your Mind: 5 Mindset Strategies from Our Dekalb Il Counselors” →

EMDR therapy is proven to reduce symptoms of chronic depression.

Studies have shown extremely promising results for acute, chronic, and complex trauma victims who undergo EMDR. EMDR therapy helps significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD after an average of six 50-minute therapy sessions. It is important to note that EMDR therapy is individualized to the person, and response to EMDR therapy will differ, so always check in with your clinician if you have questions.

If you are going to go through an EMDR consultation to help deal with your trauma, you need to know what to expect. Today, we’ll tell you how to make the most of your EMDR consultation so that it’s as effective as possible.

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Did you know that more than 21 million people suffer from an addiction, specifically a substance use addiction? Many people may choose not to seek treatment, but several hundred others understand that nothing in their lives will improve without it. Treatment can serve as an opportunity for growth and development for oneself, which can enhance important domains of life such as interpersonal relationships, health, finances, and more.

If you are researching addiction recovery, it may be unclear as to why it may be beneficial for you. To help decrease ambiguity and to give you further understanding of it, here are three benefits to engaging in substance abuse counseling.

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Statistics state that approximately 1 in 5 people struggle to manage their anger. It may be difficult for you to know if you are one of those who struggle with anger health issues. If you are unsure if you have a problem, you may hesitate to get the anger management counseling you need. Here are the top five common signs of anger to be mindful for.

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What is chronic depression? If you have ever wondered about this often misunderstood condition, you are not alone.

Chronic depression is an invisible battle that many individuals face. In fact, a recent study conducted by the world health organization found that 280 million people worldwide suffer from it.

It relentlessly impacts their lives day in and day out. Unlike clinical depression, chronic depression is not just a passing phase or momentary sadness. It is a constant weight that settles deep within, making every step feel like an uphill climb.

Continue reading “What Is Chronic Depression and What Treatments Are Available?” →

Did you know that around 73% of couples who try couples counseling report stable or improved levels in their communication skills? It’s true! If you and your partner have been struggling lately, it might be worth considering counseling services to help you work through your issues.

Trust us, you are not alone in this, and taking this step shows that you’re committed to making things better.

Continue reading “What Issues Can Be Addressed in Couples Counseling?” →