One of the most common questions I hear early on in relationship counseling is, understandably, “Can you help us? Is there hope?” The feelings of fear and doubt are clearly present behind these questions, and the answer is never a simple “yes” or “no.” One of the biggest determinants of positive outcomes in couples therapy…
The Wildflower Blog
Venture into the heart of therapy with the Wildflower blog. We delve into topics that matter, blending therapeutic expertise with genuine stories of hope and transformation. *Please note that our blogs are designed to inform only and are not intended to diagnose or treat mental health disorders.
Conflict in Relationships: The Importance of Language
There is simply no way to avoid conflict in a long-term relationship with an intimate partner. Conflict is an intrinsic part of relationships. You are two different people who are spending a lot of time together. As you are each your own person, you are bound to find things about your partner that do not…
Focus on Values, Not Resolutions
The hope of change and renewal accompanies most of us as we part with one year and enter another. Some people feel confident and energized as they vow to exercise more, spend quality time with their children, learn to play an instrument, be kinder, change jobs. Others voice their aspirations more timidly or not at…
Therapist Spotlight: Rosemary Kelley, MS, LCPC, CADC
Rosemary is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Mills College and Master’s degree from National-Louis University in Addictions Studies. Rosemary is also a certified alcohol/other drug counselor (CADC). She has extensive training in mood disorders and trauma, and draws from a variety of clinical approaches including Cognitive Behavioral…
Therapist Spotlight: Rosa Figueroa, MA, LCPC
Rosalena (Rosa) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Human Services, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University in Chicago. Prior to coming to Wildflower, Rosa was a clinical director at a rape crisis…
Demystifying Gottman-Based Couples Counseling
We are inundated with relationships-focused books that offer a variety of often contradictory advice. The multitude of perspectives can be overwhelming. It is easy to feel paralyzed. Which advice is right? What will actually make a positive, sustainable difference in a committed relationship? The Gottman Method of couples therapy provides couples with accessible, evidence-based blueprint…
Understanding Premenstrual Disorders
In my practice it is quite frequent that I hear women reporting various levels of emotional and physical discomfort around their periods. Severity of symptoms may differ from cycle to cycle, and so does the ability to function at a regular, so-called base level. Indeed, during reproductive years women go through various hormonal fluctuations, not…
Therapist Spotlight: Victoria Stroz, MA, LPC
Victoria is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University and Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Villanova University. Victoria is an integrative therapist who calls on various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her clinical work. Prior to becoming a…
Therapist Spotlight: Marco Renzi, Advanced Clinical Intern
Marco is an advanced clinical intern at Wildflower for the academic year of 2019-2020. He is in the process of obtaining his Master’s degree in clinical social work at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. Marco works with individuals and couples and is receiving extensive training and clinical supervision from senior staff…
Why Mindfulness Matters in Relationship-Centered Care: Should You Care if Your Doctor or Therapist Meditates?
In all my years of supporting expectant parents as they navigate their pregnancy, birth and parenting, finding the right health care providers, the right therapists, the right doula has been front and center for them, and for those of us who are advocates. We’ve created guides and lists, and even healthcare personality quizzes to help…
