The Family Institute at Northwestern University

12/09/2025

As this season of gratitude continues, it’s the perfect time to deepen how we express appreciation in our closest relationships. 💛

Research shows that when gratitude is specific and sincere, it increases emotional connection and relationship satisfaction — for both people.

Alexis Pandelios, Ph.D., offers 5 evidence-based ways to make your appreciation truly land:
1️⃣ Be specific
2️⃣ Highlight your partner’s qualities
3️⃣ Name how they’ve shown up for your needs
4️⃣ Slow down and share it sincerely
5️⃣ Write it out and read it aloud

Partners feel more seen and valued when gratitude goes beyond “thanks” and focuses on who they are, how they care, and the impact of their actions (Algoe et al., 2016; Park et al., 2021; Pandelios, 2025; Pandelios & Wong, 2024).

Try it with your loved one(s): write a quick note + read it aloud when you’re both present. ✨

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12/02/2025

This , we’re sharing powerful voices from our 2025 Gratitude Gala — board members and donors explaining why they support The Family Institute and its Bette D. Harris Clinic.

The Clinic provides no-cost therapy to more than 1,200 people each year, ensuring that children, teens, adults, couples, and families can access mental health care regardless of ability to pay.

✨ Your support today expands access to care throughout Illinois. Join us in making therapy possible.

Give the gift of therapy at: family-institute.org/give

11/27/2025

Today and every day, we’re thankful for the incredible community that surrounds The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

Whether you’re a client, supporter, student, colleague, or partner — your trust fuels our mission to strengthen and heal individuals, couples, and families through compassionate behavioral health care, education, and research.

Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving and a restorative holiday season. 🍁 ✨

11/25/2025

The holidays can be joyful — and stressful. If you’re navigating mixed emotions this season, you’re not alone.

In our latest Mental Health Tip of the Month, Jocelyn Nelson, LCPC shares five ways to practice what she calls “holiday hygiene”:

✨ Check in with yourself
✨ Honor your capacity
✨ Set boundaries
✨ Let go of perfection
✨ Schedule joy AND rest

A little intention and compassion for yourself can go a long way. Read Jocelyn’s full article and how-tos at the link in our bio 🔗

11/25/2025

Wondering whether your child’s distractibility or impulsivity is something more than typical behavior? 🧠

Join us December 10 from 12–1 p.m. CT for a free webinar: Is It Time to Evaluate Your Child for ADHD?

Our clinicians will help you understand:
➡️ Signs that may indicate ADHD
➡️ What an evaluation involves
➡️ How to collaborate with your child’s school
➡️ Support options for families

Whether you're just starting to wonder or are ready to take the next step, this webinar will offer clarity and confidence.

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3XHYS5X

We bring together a diverse group of leading therapists to provide behavioral health care to children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan.

11/23/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Chicago Bears General Manager — and our 2025 Gratitude Gala honoree — Ryan Poles selected The Family Institute and our Bette D. Harris Clinic for this year’s campaign.

During today’s Bears vs. Steelers game, Ryan is wearing a colorful, custom pair of Air Force 1s to help raise awareness for mental health access and the importance of strong, supported families.

We’re deeply grateful for his continued commitment to our mission and for using his platform to amplify the work we do every day. 🧡

Thank you, Ryan!

11/11/2025

When the world around us feels unpredictable — from rising costs to challenges in our communities — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Join The Family Institute at Northwestern University for a free, live webinar:

🧠 From Worry to Action: How to Manage Uncertainty in Today’s World
📅 Thursday, Nov. 13 | 🕛 12–1 p.m. CT

Our expert therapists will share tools to help you:
✅ Manage stress and anxiety in challenging times
✅ Strengthen relationships and communication
✅ Build confidence and take action when things feel out of your control

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3XHYS5X

10/31/2025

Good news! 🎉 Starting December 1, we’ll accept United Behavioral Health/Optum insurance plans in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield — creating opportunities for more individuals and families to partner with our 100+ therapists 💙

We also have options for out-of-network and self-pay.

Link in bio to learn more or get started 🔗

10/30/2025

💡 Wondering if your child might have ADHD?

ADHD can show up in different ways — some children struggle more with attention and focus, others with hyperactivity or impulsivity, and some with both. Staff therapist Stacey Austin, Psy.D., shares several key signs that it might be time to consider an ADHD evaluation for your child.

Remember: every child is unique. They don’t need to show all these behaviors to benefit from an evaluation or support. Watch to learn more about what to look for. 👀

✨ Dr. Austin, who recently joined The Family Institute, is accepting clients.

10/29/2025

Think you’ll really just start it later? 👀
That’s a “procrastination fib” therapist Jocelyn Nelson, LCPC, says we all fall for.

Her advice for breaking free:

🛑 Stop beating yourself up — self-compassion helps you move forward
🧠 Notice the discomfort and do it anyway
🌳 Ground yourself when the urge to quit creeps in

Read more of Jocelyn’s evidence-based tips in our latest article. Link in bio 🔗

10/28/2025

ADHD doesn’t end in childhood — it grows and changes with us. In adulthood, it can show up in daily routines, emotional regulation, and even in the spaces between partners.

As couples therapist Aaron Cohn, Ph.D. LMFT, a clinical lecturer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University reminds us, the work isn’t about “fixing” a brain — it’s about understanding how yours operates and finding new ways to stay connected, consistent, and supported.

With the right tools and partnership, growth is possible. 💛

🔗 Start your journey with us today: https://bit.ly/3FMMPxc

10/18/2025

During OCD Awareness Week, we’re reminded that anxiety and OCD can often overlap. But anxiety doesn’t always look like panic or worry — it can sneak into daily life through indecision, procrastination, irritability, or feeling disconnected. 💭

🎙️ Grace Schmidt, M.S.W., LCSW, staff therapist at The Family Institute, shares 4️⃣ ways that anxiety can sneak up in our daily lives. She specializes in anxiety disorders — including OCD — and is currently accepting new clients.

🔗 Link in bio to learn more or request an appointment