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

Inspire Counseling Center, 400 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth, IL (2025)

12/15/2025

Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays

When you're missing someone you love, the holidays can make grief feel overwhelming. 💛 You're flooded with memories, expectations, family dynamics, comparisons on social media, and all of those perfect-family Christmas movies--it's exhausting.

Often times, friends or family just don't understand their loved one's grief and want them to "move on" or "move forward."

If you're grieving, or supporting someone who is grieving, here are some simple things that can help.

🌟 Be patient. Either with yourself or with someone grieving, give your full presence
🌟 Be open. Free yourself from any pressure - let the day be the day.
🌟 Be gentle. Trust that whatever you choose is enough for now
🌟 Journal your feelings or write a letter to your loved one
🌟 Reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist

I don't know who needs to hear this today, but you're not a burden. You're a gift. Sharing your feelings is a beautiful thing with a safe person.

Grief is personal. One person experiences it totally different from another. And that's okay. Grief is a weird and complicated feeling. You deserve support this holiday season. 💌

12/11/2025

The holidays can be joyful… and challenging—especially for families navigating divorce or separated parents. 💛

You can create meaningful, joyful holidays even in a season of change. Protect your peace and prioritize what matters most—connection, presence, and well-being.

Here are some practical tips to make the season smoother for everyone:

For Parents & Co-Parents:
🗣 Communicate early & clearly about schedules, gifts, and logistics
🎄 Remember holidays don't have to happen on the actual day--you can create a magical experience on any day you choose!
📆Create a schedule & NEW traditions that bring joy
💛 Focus on the kids’ experience—avoid guilt or conflict
🤝 Present a united front—no negative talk about the other parent
🌿 Manage expectations & practice self-care

For Adults with Divorced Parents:
🗣 Talk to both parents respectfully to coordinate schedules
✋ Set boundaries around divorce talk or criticism
🎁 Plan your own joy—create new traditions and positive memories

General Tips for Everyone:
✨ Keep it simple—focus on connection over gifts
🌀 Be flexible—small changes can benefit the kids
🤗 Seek support from friends, therapists, or support groups

To read more, check out our blog post https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/families-navigating-divorce-holidays/

💌 Need support navigating holiday family dynamics? Our therapists at Inspire Counseling Center are here to help.

12/10/2025

✨ Meet Our Newest Psychiatric Medication Prescriber! ✨

We are thrilled to welcome Elliana Brody, DNP, PMHNP-BC to the Inspire team! Elliana is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides medication support for:
✅ Children
✅ Adolescents
✅ Adults

With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, Elliana brings warmth, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered in their healing journey. She believes that medications can be an important tool when symptoms are overwhelming, but also emphasizes that they are just one piece of the puzzle—most effective when paired with therapy and self-care.

Elliana earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Illinois Chicago, and previously worked on the Adolescent and Young Adult Behavioral Health unit at Endeavor Health in Highland Park.

Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and individualized. Together with her clients, she helps navigate medication options, ensuring choices align with what feels right for each person.

Please join us in welcoming Elliana to the Inspire family! 💛

📆Elliana is in-network with all of Inspire's insurances and accepting new patients. We're able to schedule fast, and get you taken care of going into the holidays!

To schedule, call or text (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

12/09/2025

✨ The holidays can be magical… and stressful. Between family, obligations, and endless to-dos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

One of the best ways to protect your mental health this season? Boundaries.

🕒 Protect your time
💰 Set spending limits
✅ Limit commitments
❤️ Say no without guilt
🏠 Protect your emotional space
💛 Honor your own limits

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re the tools that let you show up fully for yourself and the people you love.

Check out this blog post to read more ideas to protect your boundaries this holiday season -- so you can show up as your BEST SELF for those you love. We’re in this together. 👇

https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/setting-boundaries-this-holiday-season/

11/25/2025

🦃Navigating Eating Struggles During the Holidays

The holidays are often pictured as a time of joy, celebration, and… lots of food. For some, that’s fun — but for those with eating or body image concerns, it can also be stressful. Anxiety, guilt, or shame around meals can show up easily, especially with family gatherings, social expectations, and changes in routine.

Here are some gentle reminders to care for yourself this season:

✨ Give yourself permission to eat. Restricting often backfires — your body needs consistent fuel to feel safe and supported.

✨ Focus on connection, not control. Enjoy conversations, share memories, and be present with the people you care about.

✨ Set boundaries. It’s okay to redirect conversations about diets, weight, or calories with a simple, “I’m focusing on enjoying the day — can we change the subject?”

✨ Have a grounding plan. Deep breaths, journaling, or a short walk can help manage anxiety before it builds.

✨ Practice self-compassion. If a meal feels difficult, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.

✨ Reach out for support. You don’t have to navigate this alone — therapy can help you build a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

Remember: you deserve peace with food, your body, and within yourself this holiday season. 💛

📞 Call us at 847-919-9096
💌 Email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

📍 Offices in Evanston, Lake Forest, Kenilworth & Northbrook
👩‍💻 In-person & virtual sessions available

11/20/2025

🦃 Family Holiday Bingo: A Fun Therapist-Approved Way to Stay Grounded 🦃

We are officially ONE WEEK away from Thanksgiving!!

Let’s be honest — family gatherings can be… a lot. 😅 Between the opinions, the jokes that aren’t really funny, and the “When are you getting married?” questions, it’s easy to feel triggered or overwhelmed.

Here's a game us therapists use to help people avoid getting triggered and — instead get grounded and have a little fun!

🦃Family Holiday Bingo!🦃

Here’s how to play:
1️⃣ Before the holiday, make a bingo card with all the predictable family moments you might experience. (Think: “Uncle brings up politics,” “Mom asks about your dating life,” “Someone critiques the food,” “Sibling humblebrags.”)
2️⃣ During the day, notice when these things happen — and check them off your card.
3️⃣ Later, compare cards or text your “Bingo Buddy” when you’ve got a win! 🧡

It’s a lighthearted way to stay calm, grounded, and amused instead of reactive. The goal isn’t to judge — it’s to observe and laugh a little through the chaos.

By anticipating your triggers and make a little light of them, it will help you to stay grounded, positive and hopefully enjoy your holiday just a little bit more.

Because let’s face it — no family is perfect. But with curiosity (and a little humor), you can make this holiday a lot more enjoyable.

🤗Need help setting boundaries or managing holiday stress?
Our therapists at Inspire Counseling Center can help you prepare and feel more confident heading into the season.

📞 847-919-9096 | 💌 hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

🌐https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/making-the-most-of-thanksgiving/

11/19/2025

🦃 Thanksgiving Conversation Starters 🦃

Let’s be real — family gatherings can get interesting. Between the food, opinions, and old stories, it’s easy for tension or awkward moments to sneak in.

If you want to help guide your family toward more meaningful and uplifting conversations, try sprinkling in some of these (therapist-approved!) questions.

➡️Even better– put these questions in a bowl and pass it around the table! Everyone gets a chance to talk, share and add laughter and happiness to your dinner.

🦃What’s one of your favorite holiday memories?
🦃What’s something that made you laugh this year?
🦃What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year that surprised you?
🦃What’s a small moment from this year that made you really happy?
🦃If you could relive one day from this year, what would it be?
🦃What’s something you learned about yourself in the past year?
🦃What’s a family tradition you love — or one you’d love to start?
🦃Who’s someone who made a difference in your life this year?
🦃What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the new year?

Sometimes, one good question can turn a surface-level conversation into a truly heartwarming one. 💛

Wishing you connection, laughter, and gratitude this Thanksgiving season.

—
🧠 Need extra support managing holiday stress or family dynamics?
Our therapists at Inspire Counseling Center are here to help you prepare, stay grounded, and feel more at peace.
📞 847-919-9096 | 💌 hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

🌐 https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/making-the-most-of-thanksgiving/

11/17/2025

✨ Thanksgiving Reality Check ✨

We're in the countdown to Thanksgiving....and we're here for you!

The holidays are supposed to be full of joy and connection — but for many, they also bring stress, tension, comparison, and old family triggers.

If you find yourself feeling anxious before a family gathering (or dreaming of a “perfect” Thanksgiving that never quite happens), you’re not alone. 💛

This year, try approaching your holiday with curiosity and compassion — not perfection.
✔️ Expect imperfection.
✔️ Notice your triggers instead of reacting.
✔️ Shift the focus to connection.
✔️ Try fun tools like “Family Holiday Bingo” to stay grounded.
✔️ Use positive conversation starters to spark laughter and gratitude.

No family is perfect — but with the right mindset, you can create moments of peace, humor, and connection that truly matter. 🧡

Read our newest blog post for practical tips (and Thanksgiving conversation ideas!) to help you stay calm and centered this season.

👉 Visit ihttps://inspirecounselingcenter.com/making-the-most-of-thanksgiving/ or click the link in our bio.
📞 Need extra support this holiday season? Call 847-919-9096 or email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com
— we’re here for you.

11/13/2025

✨ Finding Gratitude This Holiday Season (Even When Life Feels Hard) ✨

The holidays can bring joy, connection, and celebration… but they can also bring stress, sadness, and reminders of what or who we’ve lost. 💛

If life feels heavier this season, you’re not alone. When emotions run high, it’s easy to lose sight of the good things in our lives.

That’s where gratitude comes in. 🙏

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about pausing to notice what is going well, even in the middle of challenges.

Try this: take a few minutes today to write down what you’re grateful for — your health, a loyal pet, your favorite cozy blanket, or a friend who checks in when you need it. Small acts of noticing can shift how your brain processes stress and reconnect you with hope. 🌟

Remember: your progress matters. Big leaps or tiny steps, you’re still moving forward. Be proud of yourself. 💪

Practicing gratitude doesn’t erase pain — but it can help you hold both joy and struggle at the same time, finding peace, perspective, and strength along the way.

This season, slow down. Reflect on the good in your life. Trust yourself and the process you’re in. You’re the author of your story — and this can be another chapter of growth, healing, and gratitude. 🍂

About the Author: Anthony Signa, MA, LPC, grew up in a large Italian family, which taught him the value of connection, loyalty, family and showing up for the people you love.

Anthony’s path to becoming a therapist is deeply personal. After losing a family member to su***de, he faced his own struggles with anxiety, OCD, and depression. Therapy gave him tools, hope, and healing that transformed his life, inspiring him to help others find the same sense of strength and freedom.

Anthony is accepting new clients in Northbrook or virtually, with weekday, weekend and after-school openings! To schedule, (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

—
🧡 Written by Anthony Signa, MA, LPC, Therapist at Inspire Counseling Center
📍 Northbrook + Virtual sessions available
🔗 Blog Post: https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/finding-gratitude-this-holiday-season/

11/11/2025

🍂 FALL in love with yourself this season!

Fall often reminds us of change — the slowing pace, the shorter days, and the quiet invitation to turn inward.

But sometimes reflection brings self-criticism or disappointment over what we haven’t done. This is where self-compassion becomes so important. 💛

Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a close friend. It’s not about ignoring mistakes — it’s about meeting yourself with patience, care, and perspective.

Just as trees release their leaves, we can let go of perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, and our harsh inner critic. 🌿

This season, give yourself permission to slow down and reconnect with who you are beneath all the busyness and “shoulds.” You deserve gentleness, growth, and grace.

Read the blog post for more ideas!

✨ Save this post as a reminder to show yourself compassion this fall.

About the author, Maddie DiModica, MA Before joining Inspire, Maddie gained diverse experiences as a Registered Behavioral Technician working with kids on the Autism Spectrum, a Psychometrician, administering neuropsychological assessments for individuals navigating ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional challenges, etc. and finally, working closely with sexual assault survivors at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.

Maddie’s path toward becoming a therapist is also deeply personal. She’s faced her own experiences with trauma, depression, and anxiety—both as an adolescent and as a young adult. She knows how difficult it can be to start therapy, and also knows how meaningful it is to feel truly heard, supported, and understood in that space.

Maddie is accepting new clients in Lake Forest and virtually with weeknight & weekend openings! Call (847) 919-9096 to schedule.

—
🧡 Written by Maddie DiModica, MA, Therapist at Inspire Counseling Center
📍 Lake Forest + Virtual sessions available
🔗 Blog Post: https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/fall-in-love-with-yourself-this-season/

10/31/2025

High Functioning Anxiety ...is a real thing.

High-functioning anxiety can be quiet, subtle, and even go unnoticed — but it can take a serious toll.

High-functioning anxiety can appear as:
💬 Overplanning or over-preparing for everything
💬 Constantly apologizing or seeking approval
💬 Feeling tense or “on edge” without knowing why

It can also show up as:
✨ Overachieving to prove yourself
✨ Avoiding conflict at all costs
✨ Obsessing over small mistakes or “what ifs”
✨Burnout disguised as “busy-ness”
✨Stress disguised as perfectionism
✨Emotional numbness disguised as “independence”
✨"Imposter Syndrome" disguised as confidence

Even if you seem calm on the outside, high-functioning anxiety is real — and it can be managed. 💛

✨ Our therapists and medication management team at Inspire understand high-functioning anxiety and can help you find calm, clarity, and confidence.
📍 In-person & virtual appointments available

10/28/2025

Insider Secret: Depression doesn’t always look sad.

Sometimes it’s quiet, subtle, and easy to miss — especially in people who seem like they’re “handling it all.”

Depression can show up as:
💬 Feeling exhausted even after sleeping
💬 Losing interest in things you used to love
💬 Irritability or snapping at loved ones
💬 Trouble focusing or remembering things

It can also look like:
✨ Overworking to avoid feeling your emotions
✨ Hiding behind humor or sarcasm
✨ Perfectionism or people-pleasing to mask inner emptiness

Even if it doesn’t look like classic sadness, depression is real — and help is available. You deserve to feel seen, supported, and understood. 💛

Take care of yourself. Take care of the ones you love. If you want to learn more or get support, we're here with wide open arms -- waiting just for you!

✨ Our therapists and medication management team at Inspire specialize in helping you uncover the hidden signs and find hope, balance, and healing.

📍 In-person & virtual appointments available
✅ Insurances Accepted
📲 Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096

Inspire Counseling Center

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