SpringSource Psychological Center, PLLC

Dos & Don'ts. A quick guide on how to support a loved one with an eating disorder.

Welcome to the newest installment of our video series, “Meet Our Therapists,” which highlights SpringSource Psychological Center’s compassionate and experienced clinicians. This month, we are pleased to introduce our supportive and empowering clinician, Lindsey Williams.⁠ .⁠ Lindsey is passionate about supporting clients through interpersonal relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, family dynamics, and emotional struggles, As a sex-positive therapist, she ensures clients can freely express their thoughts and feelings without hesitation. Grounded in the Strengths-Based model, Lindsey empowers clients to cultivate inner confidence, refine communication skills, and foster self-determination. . Lindsey’s practice is trauma-informed and emphasizes harm reduction, promoting insight and authentic self-discovery within a supportive environment. Lindsey embraces a client-centered and collaborative approach. She integrates evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients achieve personal goals and deepen self-awareness. . #ChicagoTherapist #SpringSource #NorthbrookTherapist #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #SexPositiveTherapist #TraumaInformed #TraumaTherapist #CBT #DBT #MotivationalInterviewing #ACT #HarmReductionTherapist #HarmReductionModel #HarmReductionTherapy

Body shaming and negative attitudes about weight (weight stigma), peppered with plenty of diet talk, are sure to make their annual appearance during the holiday season this year. With the meteoric rise in popularity of the new weight loss drugs, we predict that talks surrounding food and diet may be even more intense. Creating safety for yourself, especially if you are recovering from an eating disorder, can, and we think should, be a top priority for maintaining mental health. . We have several tips that can help you prepare a plan of action to ensure you survive and enjoy your holiday experience. Read more in our article “Overcome Body Shaming & Weight Stigma to Reclaim Your Joy This Holiday Season.” https://lnkd.in/gkJU3Z3N . #BodyPositivity #DietCulture #DietCultureIsToxic #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #FoodFreedom #HAES #DietCultureDropout #FoodNeutrality #EatingDisordersAwareness #ChicagoEatingDisorderTherapist #ChicagoTherapist #EatingDisorderTherapy #EDRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #EatingDisorderRecovery ⁠

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT . We are now accepting referrals for our new hybrid IOP program for individuals over 30 with eating, mood, or anxiety disorders. The group can be attended in person at our Northbrook location or virtually. . Contact us at 224-202-6260 or email info@springsourcecenter.com . SpringSource Psychological Center Northbrook Location 899 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 300 Northbrook, IL 60062 . #IntensiveOutpatientProgram #EatingDisorderTreatment #MoodDisorderTreatment #AnxietyDisorderTreatment #ChicagoTherapists #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter

Why is Social Media So Dangerous For Teens (especially teenage girls & LGBTQ+ youth)? . Excessive screen time, in general, and hours on social media, in particular, can negatively impact the mental health of adolescents and is linked to several mental health issues. Comparison culture, FOMO, and validation-seeking are just a few ways social media causes these difficulties. . Read more in our recent article "Likes, Follows, and Anxiety: The Teen Mental Health Crisis and Social Media" https://lnkd.in/gwXbdPkG . #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #NorthbrookTherapists #ChicagoTherapists #MentalHealthMatters #TeenMentalHealth #TeenMentalHealthCrisis #AdolescentMentalHealth #FOMO #ComparisonCulture #SocialMediaMentalHealth #SocialMediaandMentalHealth

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder where individuals avoid or severely restrict certain foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and difficulties in daily functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body image or weight. . While Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can occur in both adults and children, there are several key differences in how the disorder manifests and impacts these age groups. . ARFID in children often stems from developmental issues such as sensory sensitivities, food aversions, or fear of negative experiences with eating (like choking). It is sometimes seen as an extension of “picky eating,” but much more severe, interfering with growth and development. . ARFID in adults may be a continuation of childhood patterns, but it can also emerge in adulthood. It may be driven by similar sensory aversions or fear-based avoidance. Adults also face more significant social and occupational ramifications, as restrictive eating patterns can hinder social interactions and behavior at work-related events. . Read more in our article “From ARFID in Adults to Anorexia: Chicago Therapists Explore Eating Disorders in Midlife & Older Adults.” https://lnkd.in/g4UBKDJr . #ChicagoTherapist #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #EatingDisordersInAdults #ARFIDinAdults #AdultARFID #EatingDisorderTreatment #EatingDisorderTreatmentForAdults #EatingDisorderTherapist #EatingDisorderTherapy #EatingDisordersInMidlife #ARFID #AvoidantRestrictiveFoodIntakeDisorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Exercises: DBT mindfulness exercises focus on increasing awareness and acceptance in the present moment. These exercises help individuals observe their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment, reducing emotional reactivity and promoting a sense of calm. . Our recent blog, "Treating Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD | Embracing DBT Skills Can Help," includes DBT mindfulness skills and exercises that can improve emotion regulation, reduce stress, and garner a stronger sense of inner peace. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gNZxpEij . #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #NorthbrookTherapists #ChicagoTherapists #DBT #DialecticalBehaviorTherapy #DBTMindfulnessSkills #Mindfulness #MindfulnessExercises #EmotionRegulation #DBTSkills

SpringSource Psychological Center was delighted to participate in the Inaugural Child & Adolescent Developmental Resource Fair at the Highland Park Art Center. We want to thank our Intake and Outreach Manager/ Staff Therapist, Ali Mayer, for her warm and compassionate representation of SpringSource. Thank you, Ali! . The fair was a wonderful opportunity to connect with parents and share our expertise. The event was designed to help parents discover valuable resources in their community and maximize connections between other parents and professionals. .⁠ To schedule a free 15-minute consultation or learn more about SpringSource Psychological Center, call 224.202.6260 or email info@springsourcecenter.com⁠ . #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #NorthbrookTherapists #ChicagoTherapist #AdolescentMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #ChicagoTherapists

Gender roles under patriarchy create an atmosphere where the responsibility of emotional labor will commonly fall squarely on the shoulders of women. Is it any wonder women are overworked and exhausted?! They are also under-represented in leadership roles, partly because the strain of solely bearing the obligation of emotional labor can be too overwhelming. The mental load, especially when externally enforced, can lead to physical illness and emotional burnout. . We want to be clear that emotional labor in and of itself is necessary and good for individuals and communities. The trouble begins when emotional labor is relegated almost exclusively to one gender or the helping professions and conflated with “women’s work.” . When we associate emotional labor as the domain of women, we are essentially consigning it (unfairly) to being undervalued and, most often, not even seen or acknowledged as real work. Emotional labor is necessary for functioning relationships, families, communities, and workplaces. If we don’t assign it the value it deserves and likewise spread out and share the burden, we can easily see how the mental & physical load becomes too heavy to bear and leads to compromised health and burnout. . Read more in our article “Emotional Labor & Gender Roles: Women Bear the Mental Load, and We Are Exhausted.” https://lnkd.in/gmxytiNM . #ChicagoTherapist #SpringSource #SpringSourcePsychologicalCenter #MentalHealthcare #EmotionalLabor #GenderRoles #WomensWork #TheMentalLoad #MentalLoad #EmotionalLoad #Burnout #EmotionalBurnout