MTS Counseling Center

We are excited to share that Summer groups are launching the week of June 21st! These 5 week groups are led by our Interns and will run until the week of July 19th. See below for the group details!
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Managing Worry and Stress: Mondays at 5pm - in-person at Belmont Cragin location
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Managing Worry and Stress: Tuesdays at 5pm - virtual meeting on Zoom
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Improving Communication: Tuesdays at 4pm - virtual meeting on Zoom
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Managing Worry and Stress: Thursdays at 6pm - virtual meeting on Zoom - Spanish speaking only
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Call us at 312.329.2870 or email us at [email protected] for more info or to sign-up.
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NEW BLOG // We often hear that communication is key in relationship, but what if the key to communication is effective listening? Celina Deal, an MA Intern at the MTS Counseling Center, provides 3 tips to improve our communication and listening skills. Read more at https://www.mtscc.org/post/3-tips-to-improve-communication
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1. Listen to Understand - try focusing on understanding what is being said rather than how to respond to what is being said.
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2. Find the Meaning - assume your assumptions are incorrect. Ask questions to clarify and understand what someone is truly trying to communicate.
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3. Try the PACE acronym - pause and consider everything before you respond. What assumptions are at play? What are you feeling? What are the facts?
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Have you ever caught yourself saying things like, "What's wrong with me?" "Why am I like this?" "I am not good enough." "How could anyone love me?"
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We'd love to invite you to a free group for any women struggling with shame, self-doubt, or negative self-talk. The group will explore ways to understand your shame and how to overcome it. Over the course of six sessions, the group will work to cultivate self-compassion and care for themselves.
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The group starts on Monday, February 1st at 6pm and will run until March 29th. Contact the MTS Counseling Center to reserve your spot!
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NEW BLOG // 1 out of every 6 people will experience depression in their lifetime, which means most of us will find ourselves interacting with a loved one who is currently struggling with depression. While most of us want to help and support, we may not know how to do so gently and effectively. Chris Crockett, an Intern at the MTS Counseling Center, explores 4 ways to walk alongside a loved one navigating depression.
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https://www.mtscc.org/post/walking-alongside-depression-4-ways-to-support-your-loved-one
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NEW BLOG POST // Lauren Yuccas, a counseling Intern at the MTS Counseling Center, explores the importance of 4 strategies to implement during the holiday season. ➡️ https://www.mtscc.org/post/4-coping-strategies-for-the-holidays
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1. 🚶🏾‍♀️ Get Moving - Adding even a few minutes of movement into your day has benefits not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well.
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2. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏾 Connect with Others - Isolation during a socially distanced holiday is a painful reality for many during this holiday season. Try fighting against isolation by getting creative with technology.
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3. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Practice Mindfulness - Try a few grounding and breathing techniques to decrease anxious thoughts and stay in the present moment.
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4. 💁🏾‍♂️ Validate your Emotions - Navigating this seasons is tricky and none of us have experienced the holidays during a pandemic. Your feelings are real and valid.
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As we navigating the holidays in the midst of a global pandemic, finding moments of peace may be hard to find. Lauren Yuccas, an Intern at the MTS Counseling Center, wrote a devotional for Today in the Word on navigating these pandemic holidays. ➡️ https://www.todayintheword.org/issues/2020/november/journal-peace-during-your-pandemic-holidays/
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NEW BLOG // Many of us have heard these 5 myths about forgiveness and struggle to know what forgiveness actually means. Rob LeLaurin, an intern at the MTS Counsing Center, explores each of these 5 myths and proposes 5 new truths to consider instead. ➡️ https://www.mtscc.org/post/5-myths-of-forgiveness
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September is Su***de Awareness and Prevention month.
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Reaching out to someone is an important part of prevention, but sometimes our well-intentioned remarks don't quite communicate the care we hope. Try changing up these common phrases.
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🚫 "How are you?"
✅ "I've been thinking about you." This communicates that you care and does not put the pressure on them to open-up or pretend to be fine.
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🚫 "Stay positive, it's not that bad."
✅ "I care about what you feel and I'm here to listen." Validating what someone feels is important and creates a much safer space for them.
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🚫 "You should really try _____",
✅ "How have you been coping lately?" As much as we want to help, it is best we start by acknowledging we don't have the answer or any quick-fixes.
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🚫 "I totally understand."
✅ "I cannot imagine how hard this must be to carry." Even if you can empathize, we may not understand everything someone is experiencing. When someone shares something hard, validate the unique burden they hold.
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What else would you add? Let us know! 👇
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We are excited to offer numerous counseling groups over the next several weeks! All groups are FREE of charge and will be offered over Zoom. These groups are open, meaning you can join and participate in as many or as few as you would like. Missed the first one? Jump into the next one! For more informatiom on each group, give us a call or send us a email. Check out the group titles below ⬇️
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"Lost in Work"
"Managing Relationships in a Pandemic"
"Real Talk: Black Men Coping"
"Improving Communication Skills"
"Reducing Anxiety and Stress"
"Prioritizing Rest when Burdened with Life"
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Starting on July 16th, from 7PM to 8PM, Celina Deal will be leading a free counseling group to explore the topic of rest.
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To secure your spot in the group, contact us at 📞312.329.2870 or 📧[email protected]
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Beginning July 8, Lauren Yuccas will be leading a counseling processing group for women navigating their career and identity. The group will be meeting over Zoom and is being offered at no cost.
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To reserve your spot in this group, contact us at 📞312.329.2870 or 📧[email protected].
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Starting Monday, July 6th, 2020 from 7PM to 8:30PM, Carl Wilson and Lanyaird Smith will be leading a counseling group for Black men navigating depression, anxiety, and trauma related issues.
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If you're interested in joining the group, contact us at 📞(312)329-2870 or 📧 [email protected]
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