Melissa Carlson Counseling

Clients often seek support due to their dysfunctional family systems (parents, adult siblings, etc). While there is inner work that is necessary for healing, these strategies can be helpful for protecting oneself from ongoing distress ⬇️

1️⃣ Be the observer, not the participant. Start seeing yourself as the outsider in their dysfunctional system.

2️⃣ Do not justify or defend yourself.

3️⃣ Limit what information you share.

4️⃣ Shut down triangulation: do not engage in or respond to he said/she said. If someone does not address you directly with their issue - ignore it.

5️⃣ Accept that your family cannot love or support you the way that you want them to. You are setting yourself up for disappointment when you continue to expect something they are unwilling or unable to do.

6️⃣ Invest in yourself & your chosen family. Use the emotional energy saved to support the life you deserve.

🖤Melissa

The people closest to you deserve the healed version of yourself.

*You* deserve the healed version of yourself but since that is so often dismissed, let me be clear about this: your loved ones will benefit from you doing your inner work.

You feel like you have to put everyone else’s needs before your own? Fine - the people in your home *need* a calm, present you. Not a perfect you. A you that is self-aware. A you that takes responsibility for mistakes & works on repairing the relationship.

So, if you won’t do it for yourself, will you do it for the people who love you?

When you’re ready, submit an inquiry form ⬇️ and our Intake Coordinator will help you get you started. Insurance accepted. www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/contact

Meet Jaylin ➡️ Hi, I’m Jaylin! I work with adolescents and young adults, helping them navigate life’s challenges while focusing on mental wellness and personal growth. I am a Licensed Social Worker specializing in Mental Health with a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago! I am passionate about creating personalized strategies that support each individual’s mental health journey.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward gaining more control over your mental health, I’m here to help. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or just looking for someone to talk to, I offer a safe and supportive space where we can work together to build the strategies you need.

Jaylin McNeely, LSW is available evenings via telehealth & Saturdays in our Algonquin office. Jaylin accepts most insurance plans including NIU Student Insurance. To schedule please visit ➡️ www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/contact

Happy 4 Year Anniversary Khari Osborne, LCSW, PEL🎊 Khari works with children, teens, and adults specializing in childhood & intergenerational trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. Khari uses a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes CBT, DBT, & Solution-Focused Therapy.

Khari sees clients via telehealth and is an in-network provider for BCBS, UHC/Optum, Aetna, EverNorth/Cigna, NIU student insurance, & accepts Loveland Foundation Therapy vouchers. If you’re interested in working with Khari, please visit our website to inquire about her current availability www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-khari

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Melia!🎉 Melia Carter, MSW works out of our Algonquin office and has a passion for working with young children & their families. Melia’s specializes in autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, situational mutism, behavioral concerns in children & parenting concerns.

If you’re interested in working with Melia please visit our website to inquire about her current availability www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-melia

“LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt su***de compared to their peers.” - Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project

Read full 3/31 response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on conversion therapy here: www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/

To LGBTQ+ young people - you are loved & worthy exactly as you are. Please reach out to a Trevor Project Counselor 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 679-678 🧡

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Welcome Therapist Jaylin McNeely, LSW! Jaylin specializes in adolescents & young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life transitions. To read Jaylin’s full bio & to request an appointment visit www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-jaylin

Evening & Saturday appointments available. Telehealth & in-office (Algonquin). BCBS, Blue Choice, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna/Evernorth, & NIU student insurance accepted.

✊🏽

We think about you. We worry about you. We get excited about your progress & accomplishments. We lose sleep. We consult with other therapists about what we can do differently, how we can show up better, what we can learn. We feel anger on your behalf. We shed tears for your losses. We’re on your side even when we’re challenging you.

We are therapists, yes, but we are humans first.
🤍Melissa