What is a ‘Trauma-Informed Therapist,’ and Why Does It Matter?
Wondering what trauma-informed therapy actually looks like? Here's what to expect and why it matters. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
June 26, 2026•13 min read
The Mind-Body Connection
When we think about improving our mental health, we often focus on our thoughts and emotions. While these are important components of our mental health, they’re only part of the story. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
The HERstory of Grace & Gratitude Counseling, PLLC
I am often asked how our practice came to exist. Not the boring parts like registering for a domain name or acquiring health insurance, but questions like "where did you get your name?" and "why did y... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
What to Do When You’re the Emotional Caretaker in Every Relationship
You’re the one everyone turns to. The listener, the peacemaker, the one who “just knows” what people need before they even ask. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Unmasking ADHD: Why So Many Women Are Receiving a Late Diagnosis
For years, women (myself included) have silently struggled with symptoms that were often dismissed as stress, anxiety, depression, or just "part of life." ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Where Does My Anger Come From?
Pretty much everyone has experienced a day when you want to snap at everyone and anyone who so much as looks at you the wrong way. You can’t understand why, but you’re just mad! The good news is that ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
Unlocking Healing: How Building Emotional Vocabulary Strengthens Relationships
Emotional trauma, especially in relationships, can leave people feeling confused, unheard, or distant from their own feelings. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
The Best Years of My Life?
For all of you teens and young adults living through a global pandemic for the past two years, the phrase “the best years of my life” might sting a bit. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Self-Care: Overcoming the Guilt of Caring for Yourself
For busy women, the idea of self-care can seem like a luxury you simply can’t afford. Between managing your household, caring for your kids, and juggling work or other responsibilities, finding time f... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
The Power of Gratitude: A Path to Greater Mental Health
As a therapist, I often hear clients describe the weight of everyday life—balancing careers, relationships, family responsibilities, and personal goals. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•8 min read
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
We hear a lot about Postpartum Depression. So much so, that it has become common nomenclature when talking about a period of difficulty a new mom might experience after giving birth. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
What Emotional Safety *Really* Means in a Relationship
Maybe you’ve felt it: the pit in your stomach before you speak up, the overthinking after you share something vulnerable, the fear you’ll be “too much,” pushing down difficult thoughts or feelings to ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•8 min read
Mastering Empathy: Strengthening Friendships Through Understanding and Connection
Empathy is one of the most powerful tools for building strong, lasting friendships. At its core, empathy is about understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings—not just feeling sorry for them, but... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
Navigating Teen Friendships: A Parent’s Guide
As a therapist who works with teen girls, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of friendships on a teen girl's emotional well-being. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kiddos: Post 4/8 "Building Social Skills"
Hey there, moms of neurodiverse kids! Today, we're diving into a topic that's super important – your child's social skills. We know that neurodiversity comes in many forms, but no matter the specifics... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Station 19 Showcases IFS Therapy Breakthrough!
Like many thirty-something moms, I have been catching up on Grey's and Station 19 this week (you know, in between chasing kids, making dinner, and working full time). So here I am, casually watching w... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kids: Post 3/8 “How to Lighten the Mental Load”
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the simple task of deciding what to cook for dinner? Do you ever sit down after your kids have finally gone to bed, only to find it difficult to relax due t... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kiddos: Post 5/8 "Responding to Sensory Overload”
Let's talk about sensory sensitivities – those quirks that can make neurodiverse kids unique and sometimes a bit overwhelmed. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
First Time in Therapy? Here's What You Can Expect
If you’ve scheduled your first therapy session, whether for yourself or your teen, reaching out for support is a brave and meaningful step. As with starting anything new, you may have some questions, ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Love Languages: A Path to Deeper Connection
If you have ever felt like you and your partner are not speaking the same language when it comes to love you are not alone. Learn how to bridge the gap for a more meaningful and fulfilling relationshi... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Navigating Grief: A Therapist’s Guide for Women
The loss of a loved one is a deeply personal journey, and navigating through it can be particularly challenging. Regardless of your personal relationship to that loved one, it’s important to remember ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Healing without re-traumatization: What does Gentle Therapy look like?
When we think of trauma, we often imagine a single, life-threatening event. In reality, trauma can be any experience (or experiences) that leaves you feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or deeply alone - ev... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•7 min read
Hidden Anxiety Series: Toxic Perfectionism
Atelophobia. I know - weird word. Right now you’re probably wondering where the heck this is going and what that could possibly mean. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kids: Post 6/8 “Positive Reinforcement”
Positive reinforcement is a parenting gem. It’s all about recognizing and rewarding those amazing behaviors your kids do, making it more likely they’ll do it again. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Reconnecting with Your Body: The Power of Trauma-Informed Yoga
Trauma is likely something we will all encounter to some extent throughout our lives. Unless we find a way to acknowledge, reconcile and work through the trauma we experience, it has the potential to ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Father's Day Tornado Leaves Mental Health Impact
As our community of western suburban Chicago navigates the aftermath of the Father’s Day Tornado, it has been weighing on me to speak from the perspective of a mental health professional. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Understanding Your Nervous System: How Polyvagal Theory Can Empower You
In our world today, we often find ourselves juggling the demands of work, family, and relationships among countless other obligations. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Merry and Mindful: Tackling Holiday Stress with Grace
As the holiday season approaches, do you feel a mingling of excitement and dread? The burden comes as a special kind of stressor for women. From holiday gatherings to gift shopping, it’s easy to get c... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
IFS Therapy Explained in Plain English and How it Helps You Heal
Have you ever felt like there are different voices, moods, or versions of you inside? The part that says I should be perfect, the part that says I’m not good enough, the part that’s so exhausted from ... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Why Self-Compassion Feels So Foreign (and Why It’s Worth Practicing Anyway)
Have you ever remembered an upsetting experience, and suddenly you’re swept away in a cycle of negative thoughts or feelings? Maybe you’re going through something incredibly hard right now, and you ca... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
We’re Not Just Talking About Your Past: How Therapy Helps in the Present
When people think about therapy, they often imagine spending a lot of time talking about childhood, old relationships, or experiences they would rather leave behind. A common worry is, “Are we just go... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Letting Go of the Helper Complex: Healing for Therapists, Teachers, and Caregivers
When helping becomes identity, not just behavior, it starts to cost you. In your work as therapists, teachers, and caregivers, the inclination to help others is often what drives us. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kids: Post 2/8 "6 Tips for Managing Mom Guilt"
Today, I want to talk about something that every mom faces at some point - that nagging feeling known as "mom guilt." Now, if you're a mom raising neurodiverse kids, you might be thinking, "I know tha... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
Self-Compassion: How to Be Kinder to Yourself
Self-compassion is one of those things that sounds simple, but in practice, it can be a little tricky. We all know how important it is to be kind to others, but when it comes to being kind to ourselve... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
How to Stop Abandoning Yourself While Trying to Keep the Peace
People pleasing might look like kindness - saying yes, staying quiet, smoothing things over, but it often comes at a painful cost: your peace. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
Moms of Neurodiverse Kids: Post 1/8 "Your Unique Challenges"
Being a mom is an incredible journey, but raising neurodiverse children comes with distinct challenges that require strength, resilience, and a strong support system. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•3 min read
Managing Stress and Anxiety in a Difficult News Cycle
In today’s world, it can feel nearly impossible to avoid a steady stream of unsettling news. Natural disasters, violent events, economic concerns, health crises, and political conflict all make regula... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Can you do IFS or EMDR in addition to "regular" therapy?
In the realm of mental health treatment, talk therapy has long been a cornerstone for addressing a wide range of psychological issues. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Anxious but High‑Functioning: Signs You’re Not Just ‘Too Sensitive’
You’re the one people admire: strong, capable, always seeming to have it together. Maybe you’re doing well in school or work, keeping up with your responsibilities, supporting others, and yet inside—i... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
Lately, many of us have found ourselves scrolling through social media or hearing headlines that make us pause, especially when they touch on something as close to our hearts as our children. Autism h... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
Beating the Winter Blues: 6 Ways to Boost Your Mood This Winter
By recognizing seasonal changes, we can better understand why we might feel “off” during the winter months and have a clearer plan to take care of ourselves. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Defining Your Values: Living Authentically and Purposefully
Defining your values creates a roadmap for how you want to live your life based on what truly matters to you, empowering you to live with intention. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
Comparison: Steal Back Your Joy
Have you ever been down the rabbit-hole of scrolling social media and you start to notice thoughts pop up like “I'm not pretty enough” ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•2 min read
Ask Us Anything! Real Therapists Talk "Boundaries & Family Drama"
Real Therapists Talk "Boundaries & Family Drama" ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•43 min read
Exploring Transpersonal Psychology: Connecting Body, Mind and Spirit
Have you ever had a moment where you felt deeply connected to the universe—like everything just made sense? ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
Attachment Styles Explained: A Path to Empowerment and Healthier Relationships
If you have ever asked yourself questions like: “Why do I push people away when I want to be close?” ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
8 Signs You’re Healing in Therapy
Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Am I really healing, or am I stuck in the same old patterns? ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•5 min read
You’re Not Broken — You’re Adapting: Reframing Emotional Struggles
Does life ever feel heavy? Like your emotions feel like more than you can carry? Anxiety heightens, sadness lingers, and frustration bubbles over the tiniest things. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•6 min read
You Don’t Have to Earn Rest: Boundary-Setting for the Chronically Over-Responsible
Learn to set boundaries without guilt when you're the go-to emotional caretaker in every area of life. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•7 min read
Why You Feel So Much (And Why That’s Not a Problem to Fix)
Explore why your emotional depth is a strength, not a flaw—and how therapy can help you embrace it fully. ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•4 min read
You’re Not Lazy — You’re Likely in Freeze: Understanding the Shutdown Response
You start your day with good intentions. You know what needs to get done. You want to do it. You might even make a list. But when it’s time to begin, your body feels heavy, your mind goes foggy, or yo... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•7 min read
Will Educators Recover from Pandemic Burnout?
I remember the feeling of tension in the school building exactly two years ago this week. I remember the fear in the air…the hushed whispers in the hallways, the slightly panicked glances between teac... ...more
trauma therapy for women in downers grove, IL
April 24, 2026•7 min read
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