Overcoming Feelings of Shame: A Path to Healing and Growth
Feelings of shame and guilt are profound emotions that can significantly impact our mental health and overall quality of life. While these feelings are natural and common, understanding their nuances and learning how to cope with them in healthy ways is crucial for personal growth and emotional well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the concepts […]
Understanding Depression: Signs, Types, and Treatment
In 2021 alone, an estimated 21 million adults and 5 million adolescents in the US experienced at least one major depressive episode. These people’s lives — and, indirectly, those of their loved ones — are touched by the complex and tragically prevalent mental health condition known as depression. Depression goes beyond just feeling sad or going through a […]
Nurturing Self-Love and Spiritual Growth in Your Personal Journey
In the tapestry of life, the decision to embark on the journey of self-discovery is a pivotal thread—a choice that promises a lifetime of personal joys, challenges, and growth. At Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago, we understand the significance of this individual journey and are honored to guide you through the transformative process of personal […]
Should You Run Your Life Like a Marathon or a Sprint?
by Stephanie Harris, M.A., LCPC / in Active, Self Improvement To state the obvious, marathons and sprints are similar in that they both involve running. However, the unique challenges that distinguish both aerobic activities encourage different running styles. For example, marathon running focuses on endurance and going at a steady pace so that the runner doesn’t stop prematurely due […]
New Family: How one can heal from a traumatic upbringing
Families can be a blessing. They can offer you unceasing love and a safe place to come home after contending with a world that’s in part marked by tragedy and malevolence. Families should offer this, and I hope most families do offer this. However, some people are born into families that do not offer the […]
Human Dignity: What Does it Mean to be Made in God’s Image?
“Like every other human being, I am a splinter of the infinite deity.” – Carl Jung “Grant, Lord, that I may know myself [so] that I may know thee.” – St. Augustine Introduction Devoutly religious people, particularly conservative Christians, often demonstrate their humility by professing their lowliness in relationship to God. For example, if one is […]
Cornerstone’s Statement on Anti-Asian Hate Incidents & Racial Injustice
Cornerstone continues to stand in lament and solidarity with Asians, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders throughout this pandemic and the recent surge of violence, discrimination and hate crimes. We condemn all racism, prejudice, inequality and injustice throughout our world and communities. We affirm our commitment to equality, social justice and anti-racism. Cornerstone will continue to work with […]
Your Year In Review
Over the past 4 years Spotify, a music streaming app, has featured “Spotify Wrapped—A Year in Review.” In December Spotify compiles the data of what you listened to on the app over the past year and produces a chart of your most played songs, favorite artists, and what genre of music you often frequent. I […]
Hope for Christmas: The Psychological Meaning of the Christmas Tree
Given that the Christmas season is upon us, I felt compelled to write a short piece on the meaning of the Christmas tree. Over time, certain traditional symbols have become so commonplace that we can sometimes forget to think about their meaning or origin. Like most symbols, the Christmas tree is polysemic, which indicates that […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder: What the Blues Really Mean
Summer days are gone. Autumn has begun. For many, this time of the year signals the launch of fall festivities, savory treats to indulge along with deliciously comforting fragrances that are sure to cozy you into the change in season with grace and poise – caramel apples, pumpkin spice donuts, mint hot chocolate, spearmint, eucalyptus. While […]