Balanced Awakening, P.C.

16/07/2025

✨Meet Dr. Zulexis Alcaide, PsyD

🦋 Helping modern women break free from autopilot and intentionally build a life that actually feels meaningful.

🧠 Her work blends the science of Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, and Lifestyle Alignment — making therapy a space for clarity, direction, and personal growth.

If you’re looking for…
💫a therapist who sees your potential — not just what’s “wrong”
🌀 tools to navigate burnout, emotional exhaustion, relationships, or unlearn patterns that no longer serve you
🌱 a stronger connection between your actions and what truly matters to you
🪞 a place to better understand your emotions — and yourself

🛋️ This space was made for you.

👩🏻‍💻 Telehealth Sessions

📍Chicago and Miami.

📅 Appointments available within a week.

Book yours today — link in bio.

12/07/2025

Let’s talk about something many of us were never taught: how to communicate our sexual needs without shame.

If you were raised to keep quiet, minimize your pleasure, or just “go with the flow,” you’re not alone—and you're not stuck.

S*xual communication isn’t aggressive or extra—it’s tender, respectful, and deeply powerful.

✨ Ready to find the words?
In this post, Sherraine Miller, LPC, ATR-P shares:
✅ Consent-forward conversation starters
✅ Scripts to express desires and boundaries
✅ Reframes for when fear or rejection creeps in
✅ Why direction is a love language

Your pleasure has a voice. Let’s use it.
Read more on the Balanced Awakening blog.
🔗

By Sherraine Miller, LPC, ATR-P

26/06/2025

Between-the-session magic — because therapists need little resets too. Showcasing our therapist Nicole Pratl!

20/06/2025

Small shifts. Big Signs. Erica Hartmus shares how to tell if therapy is actually working...

18/06/2025

A few ways our therapist Nicole Pratl pauses and resets between sessions. Little moments that make a big difference!

23/05/2025

Our free community & art making event is coming up on Thursday, May 29!

Click the following link to RSVP by Tuesday, May 27 https://bit.ly/4mquXfn

21/05/2025

If you're having a hard time selecting a therapist to work with, we can help!

Our Matchmaking Form asks a few questions that we'll use to help us match you behind the scenes with a therapist.

We love helping clients step into their best self and the process is as unique as each individual is. Our therapists are equipped to meet you wherever you find yourself along the journey of life.

Ready to complete your Matchmaking Form? Click here: https://bit.ly/4jfYw01

19/05/2025

"Imagine a moment of daydreaming, taking a test, recounting a story from your weekend, or searching for just the right word to describe how you’re feeling. You might even notice yourself just now, reading these prompts, as you tap into your imagination. In any of these examples, your eyes are involved in the process. You may find your eyes moving from one spot to another, fixated upward or downward, to the left or right. You may find it uncomfortable to keep your eyes open, or quite the opposite! In any case, your eyes are serving as an important tool in the thinking process.

In the same way our eyes scan the external world for important stimuli (danger, resources, safety, etc.), our eyes also scan our internal worlds when we engage with our brains."

Read the full post by Nicole Pratl, MSW to find out more about Brainspotting! Visit our website to read more https://bit.ly/3F2mTR5

15/05/2025

"Anxiety affects both the mind and body, often manifesting in physical symptoms such as muscle tension, irregular heartbeat, and headaches. However, in Western culture, there is a tendency to ignore bodily signals of anxiety. For example, intellectualizing is a common coping mechanism where individuals process emotions primarily through thoughts and analysis rather than experiencing them in the body. While this approach can create a sense of control, it often disconnects people from their physical and emotional experiences, leading to unprocessed stress and anxiety. Other common strategies to manage anxiety may include repression or avoidance of these feelings, which leads to overwhelm. Somatic therapy offers a more holistic approach to understanding and regulating the nervous system. By tuning into physical sensations and using intentional techniques, individuals can effectively manage anxiety and build emotional resilience."

Read the full blog post by Tess Brieva, MSW on our website https://bit.ly/4dhS2fT

01/05/2025

You're invited for an evening of Community & Art Making at Balanced Awakening

We hear a lot about the importance of building community but where does one start? It starts by simply showing up.

So we’ve decided to offer a space where folks can do just that. You’re invited to show up with us and play with some art!

We’ll have basic supplies available but feel free to bring your own as well. No art project is required to attend - if you’re just looking to connect with others, that’s encouraged!

This event is for ages 18 & up.

Thursday, May 29 6p - 7:30p at Balanced Awakening’s Lakeview Office
4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Suite 301

Scan the QR code to RSVP for this free event by Tuesday, May 27

We hope to see you there!

07/04/2025

✨ Get to know Lauren Schmalbruch, LCPC ✨

"You are the author of your own life. As your therapist, my role is to guide you in writing a story that feels authentic. Together, we will build awareness of the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you stuck and assess your readiness to begin moving forward.”

Lauren has several specialities:
Anxiety
Couples
S*x therapy
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Low self-esteem
Identity development
Life changes/transition
Family of origin exploration

Fun facts about Lauren:
✨ “I attended a year of graduate school in France and can still speak French fluently even though I don't get to practice nearly as much as I would like.”
✨ “I love to sing and am always thinking of my next karaoke song- suggestions welcome!”
✨ “I love spending time outdoors in any season and enjoy walking, running, biking, and skiing.”

Lauren offers in-person sessions at our Lakeview office located at 4043 N Ravenswood Ave. She also sees clients virtually.

Want to work with Lauren? Book an appointment with her on our website https://bit.ly/4loQ3Kz

04/04/2025

✨ Get to know Nishma Patel, LCPC ✨

"My goal is to empower you to embrace your most authentic self by providing consistent support and guidance. It’s easy to feel as though we have little control over our lives—whether it be due to school, work, family, friendships, or relationships. By working collaboratively, we can identify the control you do have and help you take the reins on your life.”

Nishma has several specialities:
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Stress Management/Burnout
Emotional Dysregulation
PTSD/Childhood Trauma
Autism Spectrum & Neurodivergence
Caregiver Fatigue
Multicultural Identity

Fun facts about Nishma:
✨ “I love to cook and love trying to make new foods! It all started when I made my brother the spaghetti tacos from the show I-Carly! (I'm also vegetarian but I hate salads so I'm forced into making new dishes!)”
✨ “I love to travel and hope to do more of it! I began doing solo trips as a way to get to know myself better!”
✨ “I tell everyone I have a brown thumb because all my plants die on me but I've managed to keep my peace lily alive for 2 years! It's an accomplishment!”
✨ “For some reason, people love to find out that I unfortunately am under 5 feet tall.”

Nishma offers in-person sessions at our Lakeview office located at 4043 N Ravenswood Ave. She also sees clients virtually.

Want to work with Nishma? Book an appointment with her on our website https://bit.ly/4hUFRWZ