What makes communication important? Communication refers to the manner in which we express ourselves with one another. Communication, whether verbal or nonverbal, is used to pass information to others and, conversely, to understand what is shared with us (Gudykunst, 2004). While the premise of exchanging information seems simple, communication can feel fraught when setting a…
relationships
Therapist Spotlight: Elizabeth Aljets, MA, LCPC
Elizabeth is a psychotherapist and works with individuals and couples who are looking to make meaningful change in their life, whatever that means for them. Elizabeth has clinical experience in working with anxiety, depression, struggles surrounding prenatal and postpartum mental health issues, grief and loss, complex trauma, sexuality and relationship issues. Elizabeth obtained her Bachelor’s…
Therapist Spotlight: Reyna Schwartz, PsyD
Reyna is a psychotherapist and believes her role as a therapist is to act as a guide in helping individuals work toward living a meaningful life in accordance with their values. Her clinical work focuses on the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, and women’s health issues. Reyna obtained her…
How to Co-Parent During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Co-parenting post-divorce is complicated and it can take time to develop a functioning system. It becomes even more difficult when additional factors are thrown into the mix and disrupt the system that you and your co-parent have developed. There is no doubt that the presence of the coronavirus pandemic will alter the way that you…
Therapist Spotlight: Amanda Matousek, MSW, LCSW
Amanda is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Master’s degree at Loyola University Chicago in Social Work. Amanda has extensive training in evidence-based modalities used in treatment of trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, relational conflict, and other challenges. She works with individuals, couples, and families.…
When Should We Come in for Relationship Counseling?
One of the most common questions I hear early on in relationship counseling is, understandably, “Can you help us? Is there hope?” The feelings of fear and doubt are clearly present behind these questions, and the answer is never a simple “yes” or “no.” One of the biggest determinants of positive outcomes in couples therapy…
Conflict in Relationships: The Importance of Language
There is simply no way to avoid conflict in a long-term relationship with an intimate partner. Conflict is an intrinsic part of relationships. You are two different people who are spending a lot of time together. As you are each your own person, you are bound to find things about your partner that do not…
Therapist Spotlight: Jessica Coors, M.Ed., LCPC, PMH-C
Jessica is a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Wildflower. She earned her Master’s degree at DePaul University in Community Counseling. She holds certificates and training focused on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). Jessica is also a certified perinatal mental health professional. She has extensive training in…
Therapist Spotlight: Jennifer Piwnicki, MA, LPC, RYT
Jennifer a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and her Master’s degree in couple and family therapy from the University of Colorado Denver. Her personal and professional development emphasizes evidence- and systems-based therapies in the treatment of trauma, grief and loss, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety issues. Jennifer is also…
Demystifying Gottman-Based Couples Counseling
We are inundated with relationships-focused books that offer a variety of often contradictory advice. The multitude of perspectives can be overwhelming. It is easy to feel paralyzed. Which advice is right? What will actually make a positive, sustainable difference in a committed relationship? The Gottman Method of couples therapy provides couples with accessible, evidence-based blueprint…
