Rachel Dubrow, LCSW and Associates

01/24/2024

Starting a new role in your current company or starting a new job altogether? Check out our tips for establishing work/life balance from the start!

Tips for starting in a new job and having more work/life balance.

12/07/2023

Is your college-aged kid home for break? Check out some tips!

Your college kids are home for the holidays. They're spending time with friends, sleeping in, and working out. You feel like they aren't wanting to spend time with you as much and don't really know your "place" in their newly-independent identity. I get it. You worked so hard to raise kids that WANT...

08/02/2023

Experiencing the Sunday Scaries? Check out our 4 step approach!

Learn a 4 step way to work through the Sunday Scaries before the school year starts.

09/07/2022

Ready for back to school? Doug Tesnow, LCPC offers 3 great tips for easing into the transition. Check it out!

Learn 3 tips and tricks to make the transition back to school easier.

07/10/2022

Rainbows is an outstanding support-based organization. If you know of kids ages 3-18 who are struggling, check out the support groups being hosted below.

07/07/2022

Spending time in nature can be a necessary part of healing and re-centering ourselves. The Chicago Botanic Garden is offering free admission. Details are below.

In times of crisis, nature can be healing, a respite. To support our community, admission and parking to the Garden will be free for all from 3 to 8 p.m., starting Wednesday, July 6, through Sunday, July 10.

07/06/2022

Rachel is at Highland Park High School providing counseling to those in need. Therapists will be here until 9pm tonight and then 9am-9pm Thursday and Friday. Services are free. Feel free to pass along/share with anyone in need.

07/06/2022

Additional support groups are being hosted by Compass Health in the coming days. More information can be found here:

https://compasshealthcenter.net/blog/clinician-led-post-crisis-support-groups/?fbclid=IwAR2ZjkUrG2OwZ2Qvsm9mNL2akycinaf40sqq0jg0ia3sfIrVJWxQD_nTgts&fs=e&s=cl

In response to the horrific events that took place in Highland Park on July 4th, Compass Health Center is offering clinician-led, virtual post-crisis support

07/05/2022

Our colleagues at Plena Mind will be offering two additional parent support sessions that are open to all parents in the community throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Please join us at the following times and please invite anyone you know who may benefit.

Tuesday, July 5th at 7 PM

Wednesday, July 6th at 12 PM

Please email galina.lipkin@plenamind.com for Zoom links for these sessions.

07/05/2022

Things to consider as we all begin to process what's happened. We know this is lengthy.

Our kids need a listening ear. Listen to their questions, validate/accept their feelings, and just be there for them.

Answer their questions with simple, honest responses. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell them that you will do your best to find one and will share when you do.

Tell your kids the truth. Provide basic information in a simple way and then ask for questions. Your kids will help you regulate what you share based on the questions they ask.

Provide reassurance whenever possible. Tell them that you will do everything you can to keep them safe. Now is the best time to reassure your kids that they should feel safe at home, school, camp, etc.

Remember that kids will not be helped by being exposed to a lot of graphic images/media coverage.

Actively listen to your kids and your partner/family/friends. Know that whatever you feel is to be expected here and that having a community of support is necessary.

For anyone who asks what can be done to prevent this, talk about what you can do to keep yourselves safe in an emergency by having a plan, meet up place, etc. Know that we cannot 100% prevent this but we can help with support in light of the aftermath.

Kids and adults will all experience emotions. Some may make sense and others will not. For kids, blaming is a way for them to feel as if they can regain control of uncomfortable feelings and a sense of personal risk. Your kids may also show the opposite reaction to what they see in you and this is their way of processing it. For example, if they see you crying, they may laugh.

If you need immediate support, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you're connected with a therapist already, reach out to that person.

07/05/2022

Counseling professionals will be available today (7/5) for students, staff and community members at Highland Park High School (433 Vine Ave.) from 9:00 to 2:00. No appointment is necessary, but only the Vine Street entrance will be open. Anyone who wishes to take advantage of counseling services will need to have a valid driver’s license or student ID to be cleared to enter the school.

07/04/2022

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by today’s mass shooting in Highland Park.

We recognize that this event hits close to home both in geography and emotionally for many. This is a time when fear, confusion, frustration, sadness and hopelessness are to be expected.

Please reach out if you need resources or support. We will update this page with additional information about drop in crisis clinics in the area that will be available in the next few days.