Using Your Voice

By Concentric Counselor Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

We believe in the importance of using your voice.  We believe in the importance of honoring one’s needs and wants by giving oneself permission to be vocal in a constructive, productive way.  We believe in being authentic and congruent -- what you are saying is what you are feeling or thinking. 

Sure, there are times and situations where congruency is unwarranted, such as when an acquaintance in passing may ask, “Hi, how are you?”  and you give the proverbial “Fine” response when you are really feeling down and out.  We are not talking about these shop-talk situations, but situations and relationships that evoke something of more significance or meaning to you.  

In the recent months, we have heard many vocalize their needs and wants and subsequently -- Call To Action -- with the shooting of Laquan McDonald.  And just a few days ago, Chicago Public School (CPS) high school students used their voice to express their needs in the Are We Equal? – Chicago Public Schools video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tYBf3WA6WI

So, if you have been internalizing, containing your thoughts and feelings of late, we are giving you permission to honor yourself to be congruent and vocal.  Whether you are struggling with a family member, your loved one, friend or a larger system, such as your community or school, we encourage you to use your voice to share or advocate.  We just have one request:  Express yourself in a meaningful way that is mindful and productive.  Go ahead and give it a try.  We believe in you. 

Post Thanksgiving, Keep the Gratitudes Coming

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

Most of us have just returned from spending the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends who are far and near. The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us to reflect upon and express our gratitude to others as the Pilgrims did with the Native Americans over their 3-day feast.  The Native Americans helped the Pilgrims to adapt to a different habitat and culture by teaching them the fundamental skills for survival and living.  This type of relationship is analogous to other relationships, such as parents and children, teachers and students, mentors and mentees. 

If you have not already expressed your gratitude during Thanksgiving -- not to worry.  It’s never too late to express your gratitude to the people who have taken the time to teach you a thing or two or who have simply been there as a source of support.  Sharing your gratitude is not only a gift to the receiver, but also a gift to you as it promotes overall health and well-being.   This is good stuff not to overlook -- so go ahead and start gratituding.      

3 Tips to Transform Your Self-Care Regimen

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

Some parents have sent their children off to school.  And others are waiting eagerly or anxiously to send theirs in the upcoming days.  It is usually this time of the year I am eager to remind folks the importance of engaging in a good self-care regimen.  Many parents (and people in general) forget to prioritize one's needs and wants. 

Many of the clients I work with are adept at maintaining their work calendar, their children's school and extracurricular activities, etc.  And yet, usually these same individuals do not have a personal calendar and do not block off time for their personal needs and wants.  I suspect one of the reasons is that most companies require their employees to use their system calendar.  Many schools hand out calendars with posted events.  Nowadays many schools require parents to login into a portal to view their child's classroom and school events.  I suppose no-one really hands out or requires one to use a personal calendar.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I typically do not tell people what to do, but I rather encourage and guide.  Admittedly, I am passionate about self-care.  So, I do highly encourage you (ahem, telling you) to begin to use a personal calendar in effort to transform your self-care regimen.  You are worth it!

Want a little more information on how to transform your self-care?  Here is a short article I wrote earlier in the year which outlines 3 simple tips to transform your self-care.  You deserve it! 

Connections Can Be Made

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

On July 29th, I wrote a blog, "Can connecting with others through social media really work?"  I wrote this before Larson Counseling & Consultation kicked off its first "Let's Talk" series via Facebook during a specified one hour LIVE time-frame later that evening.

My colleague and I logged on.  The first 15 minutes were quiet -- quiet as a mouse.  Those 15 minutes felt particularly long because we did not know if anyone was present on the other side.  How would one really know when you are on Facebook?  Sure, you can see folks that are online and logged in, but it doesn't give you any more information than that.  It made me think that connecting with others via social media can be experienced -- or in our case during the first 15 minutes, not experienced.

After the lull, people started to 'message' us questions.  Good questions that pertained to the topic for that evening -- Let's Talk Therapy.  It was the first time where we 'connected' in this format.  I have to admit, somewhat reluctantly, that I felt a sense of a connection that took place.  By no means, does connecting via Facebook provide a comprehensive clinical or therapeutic connection, but nonetheless, there was a connection of sorts.  And I thought -- this is worth mentioning.

In the next 10 minutes or so, we are about to start our 2nd series, "Let's Talk Emotions" on our Facebook page. We hope to be able to engage and connect while providing some help. 

Disclaimer:  This 3-part "Let's Talk" Facebook series is not intended to give a diagnosis or provide treatment for a mental health disorder.  But, it may help to start an informal dialogue around possible symptoms associated with mental health disorders and to gather general information pertaining to personal, work, and/or family challenges.  Make sure you see your doctor or mental health provider if you think you may have symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Can Connecting with Others Through Social Media Really Work?

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

I am somewhat of a late-bloomer when it comes to certain things, and using social media for my business is one of them. 2014 marked the year for me to jump on the bandwagon and sign up with various social media forums. Folks in the field of psychotherapy and counseling have long shunned away from social media, such as Facebook, for various factors (and with good reason), such as concerns around confidentiality, the inherent barriers that exist with truly connecting to another, and so on.  

When working with my clients, I have long touted the benefits of generating and identifying as many viable options (solutions or coping tools) as possible when facing challenges and obstacles in life. Why not I, as a therapist, consider as many options as possible when it comes to connecting and helping others?

Just minutes away, Ashley and I are taking the first attempt at connecting with others via Facebook by offering a Q&A. It is the start of our "Let's Talk" 3-part series. Tonight, people can ask questions related to counseling and therapy. Examples, such as: Which issues warrant counseling?  What is the difference between individual, couples, child, and family therapy? What can I expect in therapy?  What will it be like for my child or teenager to experience counseling? What are the benefits?

Looking forward to discovering a different way to connect.  

Free "Let's Talk" Series via Facebook

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

Please join us for a free "Let's Talk" 3-part series that starts on Tuesday, July 29, 9-10pm CST. IT'S EASY! From your phone, computer, or any other device, 'like' us on Facebook. You ask a question and we provide an answer. For details on how to participate, please read the flyer. We look forward to talking!

Struggling with Infertility?

By Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC

It seems that so many women and men struggle with infertility.  There are so many contributing reasons and one of them is that people are having children later in life.  While there are many upsides to starting a marriage and family later in the life, there are most certainly some hurdles and struggles for some -- infertility and the difficulty in getting pregnant.  Fortunately there are many options out there to create a family, but do not be fooled, it's not always an easy feat or journey. 

Concentric offers compassion, empathy, and guidance during your journey.  Please let us help.