Margaret Perry, LCSW

Margaret Perry, LCSW Mental wellness specializing in anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma-related issues Private pay
Accepts insurance

Safety isn’t dull. It’s unfamiliar. If you grew up in unpredictability, calm can feel suspicious. But regulated doesn’t ...
08/28/2025

Safety isn’t dull. It’s unfamiliar.
If you grew up in unpredictability, calm can feel suspicious.
But regulated doesn’t mean lifeless.
It means your nervous system isn’t bracing for impact.
Let’s normalize healthy love that doesn’t require survival skills.

𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 & 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧Whether you live in a rural town or a busy city, chances a...
08/25/2025

𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 & 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Whether you live in a rural town or a busy city, chances are you’ve heard this question: Is screen time hurting our kids?

The truth is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Recent studies show that excessive screen use can be linked to depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and less physical activity. But they also reveal something deeper: screens aren’t just a problem—they’re often a lifeline.

For teens dealing with trauma, isolation, or identity struggles, digital spaces can offer connection, creativity, and a sense of control. So instead of asking “How do we cut screen time?” maybe it’s time to ask:

“How do we build healthier digital habits that support emotional needs and real-life connection?”

Here are a few trauma-informed strategies for families and clinicians:

Set screen boundaries with teens, not just for them, but also for ourselves.

Replace screen time with meaningful alternatives, not just restrictions

Model healthy digital habits as adults

Use tech tools to support regulation (like screen trackers or mindfulness apps)

Validate emotional needs before redirecting behavior

Let’s move from control to connection. When we meet teens where they are—with compassion, clarity, and evidence—we don’t just reduce screen time. We rebuild trust.

Feel free to share this with anyone navigating screen time challenges in their home, classroom, or practice. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Ever watched a TV therapist and thought, “That doesn’t feel right”? You’re not alone. In Shrinking, Jason Segel’s charac...
08/23/2025

Ever watched a TV therapist and thought, “That doesn’t feel right”? You’re not alone. In Shrinking, Jason Segel’s character uses the same approach for every client—no matter their background or story. It makes for good drama, but it’s not how real therapy works.

In real life, therapy is tailored. It’s shaped by your culture, your values, your experiences. No cookie-cutter solutions. No forced advice. Just space to be heard, understood, and supported.

This image was created to challenge the myth that therapy is one-size-fits-all. Because your story deserves care that fits—not care that forces.

💬 Curious about what therapy actually looks like? Drop your questions below or message us privately. We’re here to demystify, not judge.

💚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞Supporting someone through mental health challenges...
08/22/2025

💚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

Supporting someone through mental health challenges, whether you're a clinician, caregiver, educator, or friend, is deeply meaningful. But it can also be exhausting if we forget to care for ourselves along the way.

Real support doesn’t mean fixing someone. It means showing up with compassion, honesty, and boundaries that protect everyone involved.

Here are four gentle reminders I share with families and professionals, especially in rural communities where resources may be limited and relationships run deep:

🔹 Don’t take emotional reactions personally. Mental health struggles can show up as withdrawal, overwhelm, or emotional intensity. These aren’t personal attacks. They’re signs someone is trying to cope. Compassion matters, but so does emotional safety.

🔹 Stay anchored in your own support system. Whether it’s a trusted friend, peer group, or supervisor, staying connected helps you show up with clarity and care. In rural areas, where isolation and stigma can be real, connection is a protective factor.

🔹 Be present, not perfect. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a therapist to your loved ones. Listening, validating, and encouraging professional help is more than enough.

🔹 Set boundaries with love. Empathy doesn’t mean overextending yourself. Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re bridges to healthier relationships. They help you stay grounded and true to yourself.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or working in mental health, remember: holding space for others starts with holding space for yourself.

Let’s normalize sustainable care. Let’s build systems that honor both compassion and clarity. Let’s keep showing up—with warmth, boundaries, and a commitment to doing no harm.

💬 I’d love to hear from others in rural mental health, trauma-informed care, or community outreach. What helps you stay grounded while supporting others?



🎬 Ever watched a movie where the therapist just sits silently, scribbling notes? That’s not how real therapy works.In re...
08/22/2025

🎬 Ever watched a movie where the therapist just sits silently, scribbling notes? That’s not how real therapy works.

In real life, therapists are active participants. We ask questions, offer reflections, and respond with care. We’re not judging—we’re joining you in the work.

This image—“The Silent Therapist”—was inspired by Ordinary People (1980), a film that shaped how many people still imagine therapy. But it’s time to update that picture.

If you’ve ever hesitated to reach out because you feared being met with silence or cold analysis, know this: Therapy is a conversation. It’s built on trust, warmth, and collaboration.

💬 Curious about what therapy really looks like? Message us. We’re here to clarify, not pressure.

👀 Ever watched a therapist on TV and thought, “Is that what therapy’s really like?”Spoiler: It’s not.Therapy isn’t about...
08/21/2025

👀 Ever watched a therapist on TV and thought, “Is that what therapy’s really like?”

Spoiler: It’s not.

Therapy isn’t about dramatic breakthroughs or being told what to do. It’s about you—your story, your pace, your truth.

In real life, therapists don’t play guru. We guide, support, and ask the kind of questions that help you find clarity.

If you’ve been curious but unsure, let’s start a conversation. No pressure. Just truth.

🧡 Serving Carlinville + nearby communities 📩 Message us anytime

Ever feel like therapy is only for when things fall apart?We get it—TV shows like The Sopranos make it seem like therapy...
08/21/2025

Ever feel like therapy is only for when things fall apart?

We get it—TV shows like The Sopranos make it seem like therapy is only for emotional breakdowns. But that’s a myth.

Therapy is for everyday life. For figuring out your next step. For navigating relationships, career changes, and the quiet stress that builds up over time.

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Growth deserves support too. We’re here for the real stuff—not just the dramatic stuff.

Let’s talk. Let’s grow. Let’s normalize support.

Hollywood loves a quick fix. One cry, one hug, one breakthrough—and boom, healed. But therapy in real life? It’s not abo...
08/20/2025

Hollywood loves a quick fix. One cry, one hug, one breakthrough—and boom, healed. But therapy in real life? It’s not about dramatic moments. It’s about steady growth, quiet courage, and showing up even when it’s hard.

If you’ve ever wondered why your healing doesn’t look like the movies… you’re not alone. We’re here to remind you: therapy honors your pace. No deadlines. No pressure. Just support.

💬 Let’s talk: What’s one myth about therapy you wish more people understood?

📣 Share this with someone who’s navigating their own healing journey.
📍 Serving Carlinville and surrounding communities with real, honest care.

🛋️ The Couch TropeIf your idea of therapy comes from TV—velvet couches, dramatic breakdowns, and therapists who barely s...
08/18/2025

🛋️ The Couch Trope

If your idea of therapy comes from TV—velvet couches, dramatic breakdowns, and therapists who barely speak—you’re not alone.

But here in Carlinville, therapy is way more grounded. It’s face-to-face, collaborative, and built on trust—not tropes.

🎥 Scene Reference: What About Bob? (1991)
💬 Reality Check: Real therapy is a conversation between equals.

“TV loves the dramatic couch scene—but real therapy is more like a conversation between equals. No velvet chaise required.”



💬 Curious what therapy actually feels like? Ask us anything in the comments—or share this post to help normalize real conversations about mental health.

Back-to-school season can be overwhelming—for kids, parents, and professionals alike.Stress and anxiety don’t always sho...
08/13/2025

Back-to-school season can be overwhelming—for kids, parents, and professionals alike.

Stress and anxiety don’t always show up loudly. Sometimes they sneak in through packed schedules, shifting routines, and the quiet pressure to “keep it all together.”

That’s why we’re sharing this gentle visual guide: tips to help you navigate back-to-school anxiety with clarity and compassion. It’s a reminder that emotional wellness matters, especially during transitions.

💙 A heartfelt thank-you to Marcey Otto, MSW candidate, for creating this thoughtful resource. Her insight reflects the kind of care and collaboration we value deeply in our practice.

📍 Serving Carlinville and nearby areas
💻 Telehealth options available
💬 Free consultations offered

Let’s talk. You’re not alone. Real help is right here.

Have you watched Shrinking on Apple TV+? It’s funny, heartfelt—and totally unrealistic. In the show, therapists give adv...
08/12/2025

Have you watched Shrinking on Apple TV+?

It’s funny, heartfelt—and totally unrealistic.

In the show, therapists give advice like friends, break boundaries, and solve problems fast. But real therapy is different. It’s a safe space where you’re heard, not hurried.

Let’s talk about what therapy really feels like—and why it matters.
💬 Share if you believe in real healing.

We love Euphoria for its raw emotion and visual storytelling—but let’s talk about therapy. In Jules’ special episode, sh...
08/06/2025

We love Euphoria for its raw emotion and visual storytelling—but let’s talk about therapy. In Jules’ special episode, she opens up in therapy. It’s powerful, but stylized. Real therapy? It’s quieter, steadier, and built on boundaries that help you feel safe.

Your therapist won’t get involved in your personal drama—but they will help you process it. Boundaries aren’t cold—they’re healing.

💬 Let’s normalize what therapy really looks like.

Address

Carlinville, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12177054550

Website

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