Newsletters | Articles
Chicago Christian Counseling Center publishes an e-newsletter every month. View past newsletters or individual articles by our therapists by topic.
Our therapists also post resources for mental health topics on our Facebook page.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Pressing On.
Articles
Abortion
- Why So Sad, My Soul? The Aftermath of Abortion by Lynne B. Scherschel, MS, LMFT
Abuse & Domestic Violence
- 6 Steps for Avoiding Toxic Dating Relationships by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Healing from the Brokenness: Domestic Violence by Debra A. Crockett, MSW, LCSW
Addiction
- A LOVE HATE Relationship With Your Addiction by Jerome Ford, MA LMFT CADC
- Coping When Your Loved One is in Active Addiction by Kathy Krentkowski, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- Dear Savior, These Handcuffs Feel a Little Too Tight by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- HELP ME - I Just Can't Stop by Suzanne Doctor, MS LPC CADC
- "I Can Stop Anytime, On My Own" by Doretha McBride, MA, LCSW, CADC
- My Alcohol Consumption Has Increased During the Pandemic... Should I Be Worried? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Process Addiction by Kim Pronoitis, MA, LCPC
Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
- Am I an Overwhelmed New Mom, or Is It Postpartum Anxiety? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Anxiety & the Power of Why by Vanessa Cruz, MA LPC
- Dear God, Deliver Me From Anxiety by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- How Do I Deal With the Anxiety of Infecting a Loved One With COVID? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- My Alcohol Consumption Has Increased During the Pandemic... Should I Be Worried? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Unshakable Hope: A Devotional for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) by Melissa Doogan, MA LPC
- What Just Happened?! | Panic Attacks by Melinda Hammond, PsyD LCPC
Blended Families | Stepfamilies
- Blended Families & Holidays by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Marriage Tips for Blended Families by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- Strengthening Stepfamily by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
Change
- Dear Potter, I'm Feeling Broken by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Dear Savior, These Handcuffs Feel a Little Too Tight by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Handling Change by Brian Smith McCallum, MS LPC
- Stop! Before You Make that Resolution! by Melinda Hammond, PsyD LCPC
- Unexpected Detours: I Didn't Sign Up For This by Matthew Potter, MEd, LCPC
- When Finances Change (For the Worse) by Joy Bocanegra, MA, LCPC
Children/Adolescents | Parenting/Single Parenting
- 6 Tips for Teaching Children Empathy by Jessica Parks, MSW, LCSW
- "13 Reasons Why" and the tragedy of teen suicide: CCCC Therapists Concern and Response
- A Hug is Not Just a Hug | building bonds by Marilyn Ciaramitaro, MSW, MA, LCSW
- ADHD - Part I: Some Myth Busters by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- ADHD - Part II: Adults & ADHD by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Adjusting to an Empty Nest by Brian Smith McCallum, MS LPC
- Am I an Overwhelmed New Mom, or Is It Postpartum Anxiety? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Blue Kids by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Bullying - Part I: A Christian Perspective by Doug Van Til, MSW, LCSW
- Bullying - Part II: Prevention & Change by Doug Van Til, MSW LCSW
- Child-Centered Divorce: 7 Ways to Protect Your Children by Melinda Hammond, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
- Christmas: Adding Some Spark & Sparkle by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Dad to Dad | Success at Home by Greg Rodriguez, MA, LCPC
- The Deep Impact of Attachment by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Discernment and Kindness: a call for parents to help teens redeem their use of technology by Jessica Parks, MSW LCSW
- Empty Nest: From a Single Parent's Perspective by Deborah Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Encouraging Creativity in our Children by Colleen Jackson, BFA, Clinical Intern
- The Family Ship by Kimberly Kooyenga, MSW LSW
- Got ADHD? Walk it Out! by Melinda Hammond, PsyD LCPC
- Grit it Out or Get a Grip? by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- The Idol of Acceptance by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Mommy and Daddy are Getting a Divorce by Anne Mirza, MSW LCSW
- Our Strength is Insufficient: Why It's Okay to Ask for Help by Katie DeYoung, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- Parenting Introverted vs Extroverted Children by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Parenting with Faith: The Legacy of Discipleship by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Patience and Grace: Parenting a Stubborn Child by Melinda Hammond, PsyD LCPC
- Play: An Essential Process of Childhood by Jessica Parks, MSW LCSW
- Preparing Your Child to be Fiscally Responsible by Lynne Scherschel, MS, LMFT
- Setting Boundaries with Adult Children by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- Single Parenting Stress by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- So You'd Like to Go Out With Someone... by Elizabeth Elgersma, MSW LCSW
- Struggle Together: Talking with our Youth about Suicide by Karen Krygsheld, MSW LCSW
- Teaching our Children Respect: Through the Eyes of Faith by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Teen Self-Injury | What Parents Need to Know by Jessica Parks, MSW LCSW
- The Significance of Social Skills by Karen Suppes, MA LCPC
- Thoughts on Mothering by Charlene Brouwer, MA LAMFT
- To Teens about Teens - An Honest Conversation by Gregory Rodriguez, MA LCPC
- When a Child Loses a Parent: Dealing with children's grief by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
Christians and Pain/Suffering | Sickness | Chronic Illness
- Coping with Chronic Illness by Debra A. Crockett, MSW, LCSW
- Dear Potter, I'm Feeling Broken by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Dear Emmanuel, I Feel so Lonely by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- How Do I Deal With the Anxiety of Infecting a Loved One With COVID? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- My Alcohol Consumption Has Increased During the Pandemic... Should I Be Worried? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Redeeming the Pain | Where is God in Suffering? by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Responding to the Storms of Life by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Singles Coping During COVID-19 by Debra A. Crockett, MSW, LCSW
- Suffering: Why Me? by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC, CAGCS
- What About Trauma? EMDR Therapy and How it Can Help by Lynne B Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Why Does God Allow Me to Suffer? by Melvin Jonkman, MDiv, former Executive Director
Christmas and Holidays
- Blended Families & Holidays by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Blue Christmas by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Celebrating His Birth...Don't Miss It! by Lynne B Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Christmas: Adding Some Spark & Sparkle by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Dear Emmanuel, I Feel so Lonely by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Give Yourself the Gift of Kindness by Joy Bocanegra, MA, LCPC
- Grief & Holidays: a therapist shares 9 ways to prepare by Lynne Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Holidays + Family = Stress? by Beth Elgersma, MSW LCSW
- Jesus, the Love Song of God by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- Less is More: De-Stressing your Holidays by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- Reflection: The Birth by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- OVERcommitment by Charlene Brouwer, MA LAMFT
Communication
- Assertiveness | A Biblical Way to Communicate by Jessica Parks, MSW LCSW
- CliffsNotes on Communication by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Communication: A Lesson from Ants by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- The Heart of Listening by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Listening Skills & the Virtue of Understanding by Marilyn Ciaramitaro, MSW MA LCSW
- Our Strength is Insufficient: Why It's Okay to Ask for Help by Katie DeYoung, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Counseling | Therapy
- The Anatomy of an Emotion by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Everyone Can Benefit from Therapy by Kim T. Pronoitis, MA, LCPC
- Going Back to Breakthrough: Why We Must Examine Our Past by Anne Mirza (Lockwood), MSW LCSW
- Marital Therapy...Alone? by Debi Mitchell MS LMFT
- So, What is Therapy Anyway? by Josephine Martinez, MSW LCSW
- Taking God to Therapy by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Therapy with Others: The Ins and Outs of Group Therapy by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- What Happens In There? by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- What Is Shadow Work? Unpacking the Unconscious Mind by Marijosephe Bradford MBA
- What is Therapy? by Kelsee Costanza, MS, LPC
Depressive Disorders/Depression
- Dear Comforter, Can I Trade My Down for a Quilt? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Depression Unveiled by Shawna Sapp, MSW LCSW
- Living with Bipolar by Kim Pronoitis, MA LCPC
- More than the Baby Blues: 4 Tips for Navigating Postpartum Depression by Karen Krygsheld, MSW LCSW
- Postpartum Depression by Melinda Hammond, PsyD
- S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- S.A.D. What to do with the Wintertime Blues by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- What is Depression? by Michael Geraci, MA LPC
Divorce
- Child-Centered Divorce: 7 Ways to Protect Your Children by Melinda Hammond, PsyD Clinical Psychologist
- Life after Divorce by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- Mommy and Daddy are Getting a Divorce by Anne Mirza, MSW LCSW
- Respect, Love, Care: Even After Divorce by Gregory Rodriguez, MA LCPC
Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders: It's More than Food by Marissa DeGroot, MSW LSW
- Healing Binge Eating: A Journey Toward Wholeness by Jessica A. Parks, MSW, LCSW
- Secret Struggles ~ Eating Disorders by Amy Stuart, MA LCPC
Emotions/Emotional Intelligence/Self-Awareness
- The Anatomy of an Emotion by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Anger is a Secondary Emotion by Kathy Krentkowski, MA, LCPC LMHC
- Boost your Self-Esteem by Veronica Grijalva, MA
- Burnout in the Workplace by Kathy Krentkowski, MA, LCPC LMHC
- Give Yourself the Gift of Kindness by Joy Bocanegra, MA, LCPC
- The Harms of Comparison by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA, LCPC LMHC
- The Idol of Acceptance by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Mental Health and Your Well Being by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- Practicing Self-Compassion by Kelsee Costanza, MS, LPC
- The Science Behind Your Thoughts by Gregory Rodriguez, MA LCPC
- Sympathy vs. Empathy: What’s the Difference and When Do I Use Them? by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Therapeutic Writing by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- What Is Shadow Work? Unpacking the Unconscious Mind by Marijosephe Bradford MBA, Intern
- When Hurry Slows by Joy Bocanegra, MA, LCPC
Forgiveness
- Dear Savior, These Handcuffs Feel a Little Too Tight by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Finding Freedom in Forgiveness by Rebecca Reuter, MA, LMHC
- How to Forgive by Lynne Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Is Bitterness Making You Sick? by Debra Crockett, MSW LCSW
- The Power of Forgiveness | Part I: Why? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- The Power of Forgiveness | Part II: How? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
Gratitude
- Do you have a reason to GIVE THANKS? by Mel Jonkman, MDiv, former Executive Director
- Keeping a Gratitude Journal by Lynne Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Savor Every Moment and Give God Thanks by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- The Power of GRATITUDE by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
Grief and Loss
- 7 Frequent Symptoms of Unidentified Grief by Anne Mirza, MSW LCSW
- Blue Christmas by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Grief & Holidays: a therapist shares 9 ways to prepare by Lynne Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Grief: Journey of Healing by Kim Pronoitis, MA, LCPC
- Helping your Child Battle the Grief-Monster by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- The Life That Could Have Been: Walking Through Miscarriage by Karen Krygsheld, MSW LCSW
- Toxic Positivity (Being Positive Isn't Always a Helpful Solution to Life's Problems) by Katherine DeYoung, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- When a Child Loses a Parent: Dealing with Children's Grief by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Why So Sad, My Soul? The Aftermath of Abortion by Lynne B. Scherschel, MS LMFT
Marriage
- Are You a Mindreader? by Duane Kapp, MA LMFT
- Choosing to Love: Radical Acceptance by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Combat is Optional by Paul Rhodea, MA LMFT
- Communication: A Lesson from Ants by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- Conflict: What Do Successful Couples Do? by Steve Augustus, MA LCPC
- Don't Wait | Save Your Marriage NOW by Steve Augustus, MA LCPC
- God's Design & Plan for Marriage by Doug Van Til, MSW LCSW
- Family Rules by Duane Kapp, MA LMFT
- Holidays + Family = Stress? by Beth Elgersma, MSW LCSW
- How Do I Know if This Is Who God Wants Me to Marry? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- I Hope to Never See You in My Office...About Marital Counseling by Deborah Mitchell, MS LMFT
- In-Laws are ALIENS by Melvin Jonkman, MDiv, former Executive Director
- Is Your Marriage a Priority? by Diane Kapp, MA LMFT
- Love and Marriage: How's Your Horse and Carriage? by Ashley Schehr, MA Clinical Intern
- Marriage...After Kids by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- Marriage and PTSD: What Is Happening to Us? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Marriage Tips for Blended Families by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- Marital Therapy...Alone? by Debi Mitchell MS LMFT
- New Beginnings: Empty Nesters by Kim Pronoitis, MA, LCPC
- Pray for Understanding and Wisdom by Marilyn Ciaramitaro, MSW LCSW
- What Language Does Your Spouse Speak? by Kimberly Kooyenga, MSW LSW
- Where You End and I Begin: An Invitation to Intimacy Through Healthy Boundaries by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- You Expected Something Else? by Duane Kapp, MA LMFT
- YOU First. No, I Insist. YOU First! by Duane Kapp, MA LMFT
Medication
- MEDS - Who Needs Them Anyway?! by Diane Kapp, MA LMFT
Mental Illness in the Family
- Coping With Mental Illness in the Family by Elizabeth Elgersma, MSW LCSW
- Living with Bipolar by Kim Pronoitis, MA LCPC
Mental Illness and the Church
- Mental Health and the Local Church by Rev. Mark Timmer
- Suffering in Silence: Mental Illness and Stigma by Kim Pronoitis, MA LCPC
Nutrition and Mental Health
- Body, Mind & Spirit all work together | Self-Care & Stress by Kim T. Pronoitis, MA LCPC
- Doing Weight God's Way by Katie DeYoung, MA LMHC LCPC
- Honoring God with our Bodies through Nutrition by Stephanie Shelton, PhD LCSW
- Honoring God with our Bodies through Nutrition: Mood Disorders by Stephanie Shelton, PhD LCSW
- Honoring God with our Bodies through Nutrition: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by Stephanie Shelton, PhD LCSW
- Honoring God with our Bodies through Nutrition: Psychosis by Stephanie Shelton, PhD LCSW
- Honoring God with our Bodies through Nutrition: Stress & Anxiety by Stephanie Shelton, PhD LCSW
- Mental Health and Exercise by Kim Pronoitis, MA LCPC
Parenting - See Children/Adolescents | Parenting/Single Parenting
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Just What is PTSD? by Diane Kapp, MA LMFT
- Marriage and PTSD: What is happening to us? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- What About Trauma? EMDR Therapy and How it Can Help by Lynne B Scherschel, MS LMFT
- Why So Sad, My Soul? The Aftermath of Abortion by Lynne B. Scherschel, MS LMFT
Relationships | Family | Community
- 6 Steps for Avoiding Toxic Dating Relationships by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Codependent (the disease of the lost self) by Kim Pronoitis, MA, LCPC
- Communication: A Lesson from Ants by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- The Deep Impact of Attachment by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- The Heart of Listening by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Help! My Family is Driving Me Crazy! by Lynne B. Scherschel, MS LMFT
- How Do I Deal With the Anxiety of Infecting a Loved One With COVID? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- How Do I Find Peace in a Fractured Friendship? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- How Do I Know if This Is Who God Wants Me to Marry? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- The Idol of Acceptance by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Jesus, the Love Song of God by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- Listening Skills & the Virtue of Understanding by Marilyn Ciaramitaro, MSW MA LCSW
- Live Your Own Life - Letting Go of Codependency by Charlene Brouwer, MA LAMFT
- Our Relationships: Feeling Pain When They Are Not Right by Melvin Jonkman, MDiv, former Executive Director
- Our Strength is Insufficient: Why It's Okay to Ask for Help by Katie DeYoung, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- Should We Confront Fellow Christians on Social Media? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- Unmet Childhood Needs and Your Adult Relationships by Linda Ostlund, MA, LCPC
- Where You End and I Begin: An Invitation to Intimacy Through Healthy Boundaries by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
Sexuality
- The "S" Word by Charlene Brouwer, MA LAMFT
Singleness (for Single Parenting, see "Children")
- How Do I Know if This Is Who God Wants Me to Marry? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- Singles Coping During COVID-19 by Debra A. Crockett, MSW, LCSW
- Single...Again. by Deborah Mitchell, MS LMFT
Spiritual Growth & Your Mental Health
- Beauty from Tattered Lives by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- The Body of Christ: Playing Unity's Song by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Dear Comforter, Can I Trade My Down for a Quilt? by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Dear Good Shepherd, I'm Feeling Sheepish by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Dear Lord, Enough is Enough! by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Dear Potter, I'm Feeling Broken by Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
- Emotional Fitness & Your Spiritual Life by Traci Noble, MSW LCSW
- Facing Fear by Kathy Krentkowski, MA LCPC LMHC
- Finding Spiritual Freedom | the 12 steps by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- God's Love Makes The Difference by Mel Jonkman, MDiv, former Executive Director
- The Mirthful Heart by Janet Irvine, PsyD
- Reflection: 4 Days by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- Reflection: The Baptism by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- Reflection: The Birth by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- Reflection: Desperation by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- Reflection: Do Not Cling To Me by Erin Davis, MSW LCSW
- Release the Burden of Regret by Kathy Krentkowski, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- Responding to the Storms of Life by Katie DeYoung, MA LCPC LMHC
- Savor Every Moment and Give God Thanks by Debi Mitchell, MS LMFT
- The Story of Your Life: Directed by... by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
- Unity With Christ by Lynne B. Scherschel, MS LMFT
- What Should I Do When Shame and Guilt Consume Me? by Katie DeYoung, MA, LCPC, LMHC
- Why Should I Go Back to Church if I Can Just Watch the Sermon Virtually? by Laura Goossens, MSW, LCSW
- Your Secret Weapon: The Armor of God by Kathy Krentkowski (Konrath), MA LCPC LMHC
Stress
- Am I an Overwhelmed New Mom, or Is It Postpartum Anxiety? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- Body, Mind & Spirit all work together | Self-Care & Stress by Kim T. Pronoitis, MA LCPC
- Less is More: De-Stressing Your Holidays by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
- Mental Health and Exercise by Kim Pronoitis, MA LCPC
- My Alcohol Consumption Has Increased During the Pandemic... Should I Be Worried? by Laura Goossens MSW LCSW
- OVERcommitment by Charlene Brouwer, MA LAMFT
- When Hurry Slows by Joy Bocanegra, MA LCPC
Suicide
- "13 Reasons Why" and the tragedy of teen suicide: CCCC Therapists Concern and Response
- Helping the Suicide Survivor by Deborah Mitchell, MS LMFT
- Struggle Together: Talking with our Youth about Suicide by Karen Krygsheld, MSW LCSW
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