Speakeasy Therapy

In It Ends With Us, we see the complexities of love, trauma, and personal growth. But beyond the intense emotions and twists, there are powerful lessons about the values and traits that make relationships thrive. As a therapist, I believe healthy relationships are rooted in certain core traits, many of which we see in the characters’ evolution. Here’s what to look for: 1. Respect: This is foundational. In any healthy relationship, both partners honor each other’s boundaries, feelings, and opinions. 2. Trust: Without trust, a relationship cannot survive. 3. Communication: Open, honest, and empathetic communication is a lifeline. Effective communication allows partners to express their needs and frustrations in a way that fosters understanding rather than conflict. 4. Self-awareness: Healthy partners are self-aware and willing to grow. 5. Empathy and Compassion: Relationships thrive when partners practice empathy—recognizing each other’s feelings, even if they don’t always agree with them. 6. Boundaries: Healthy relationships require clear and respected boundaries. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or mental, knowing where one person ends and the other begins allows for mutual respect. 7. Support: A partner who encourages your personal dreams, provides emotional stability, and helps you be your best self is essential for a long-lasting relationship. By understanding these healthy character traits, we can work towards cultivating relationships that are nourishing, supportive, and full of love. #SpeakeasyTherapy #ParkRidge #HealthyRelationships

As a therapist, the It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us series by Colleen Hoover offers a raw and powerful lens into the complexities of relationships, trauma, and healing. These books don’t just tell a story—they explore cycles of abuse, resilience, and the strength it takes to rewrite your narrative. Lily’s journey is an emotional reminder that love can be messy and painful, especially when it’s intertwined with past wounds or unhealthy patterns. Her choices highlight the bravery required to set boundaries, protect oneself, and choose a path of growth—even when it’s the harder option. It Starts With Us beautifully complements this by delving deeper into healing, second chances, and what it means to find love that’s safe, supportive, and nurturing. It underscores the importance of self-worth and surrounding yourself with relationships that align with your values. As a therapist, I see these themes play out in real life. Many people struggle with breaking free from toxic cycles or finding the courage to pursue healthier connections. Lily’s story is a poignant example of how hard—and how necessary—it is to prioritize your well-being, even when it’s complicated by love and loyalty. Reading these books might stir up emotions or resonate with your own experiences. If they do, remember: you are not alone in this journey. Healing is possible, and there’s support available to help you rewrite your story, just like Lily did. Have you read the series? What was your biggest takeaway? #SpeakeasyTherapy #ParkRidge #HealingJourney #BreakingCycles #TherapistThoughts

I’m so thrilled to announce that our event just keeps getting better, and I owe it all to our amazing community partners. Not only have they generously contributed to our raffle, but they’ve also helped make our goodie bags extra special! A huge thank you to the following businesses and organizations for their thoughtful contributions: Deep Roots Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Meersman Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Crescent Moon Therapy, Greyzone, Luvvli, Level Up Health and Fitness, Symmetrical Artistry, Seen, Tarli Cosmetics, Family Tree Chiropractic, Ash and Willow and Spilt Coffee Studio. These local businesses and community partners have truly stepped up to make this event shine, and we can’t wait to showcase their contributions! But here’s the kicker—only 2 tickets remain! If you’ve been on the fence about joining us, now is the time to grab your ticket before they’re gone. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the content, the fun, and of course, those amazing raffle prizes and goodie bags! Can’t wait to see you all there! https://lnkd.in/gZsaPn2T

It’s that time of year when many of us start to feel our resolutions slipping. If you’re finding it hard to stick with your intentions, you’re not alone! Change is challenging, but it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Here are a few tips to keep going: Start Small: Break your goal into smaller, manageable steps. Success builds momentum! Reconnect with Your "Why": Remind yourself why this matters to you. How will it improve your life? Celebrate Wins: No victory is too small. Celebrate every step forward—it keeps you motivated. Be Kind to Yourself: Slip-ups happen. Don’t let one setback derail you; use it as a learning moment. How are you doing with the intentions you’ve set for yourself? Drop a 💪 in the comments if you’re staying strong, or share your challenges—we’re in this together! #SpeakeasyTherapy #NewYearIntentions #ProgressNotPerfection #KeepGoing

Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Night Road reminds us that sharing our pain, whether with family, friends, or support groups, can provide a sense of connection and understanding. Grief is overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and find solace in the midst of heartache. Here are a few additional ways to support yourself: 1️⃣ Talk about it – Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Saying it out loud can lighten the emotional load. 2️⃣ Create a ritual – Acts of remembrance, like lighting a candle, planting a flower, or journaling, can provide comfort and connection. 3️⃣ Be gentle with yourself – Healing is not linear, and there’s no “right” timeline. Give yourself grace on the hard days. 4️⃣ Move your body – Gentle movement, like walking, yoga, or stretching, can help release tension and ground you in the present moment. 5️⃣ Lean on your support network – Allow those who care about you to be there for you, whether it’s through a conversation, a hug, or simply their presence. 6️⃣ Limit overwhelm – Take small steps to manage your day. Focus on one thing at a time, and don’t be afraid to say no when you need space. 7️⃣ Seek professional support – Grief counseling or support groups can offer a safe space to share and process your emotions. 8️⃣ Practice mindfulness – Spend a few moments each day focusing on your breath or grounding yourself in the present. It can help ease overwhelming feelings. Remember, grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no “one size fits all” approach. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. #SpeakeasyTherapy #ParkRidge #GriefJourney #YouAreNotAlone

Grief is a deeply personal experience, and it doesn’t always look the way we might expect. For some, it’s quiet reflection—a time to sit with memories and emotions in solitude. For others, it may surface as intense anger, frustration, or even guilt. Sometimes, grief feels like a wave of overwhelming sadness that comes out of nowhere, catching you off guard. Other times, it’s a slow, lingering ache that quietly follows you through your days. In Night Road, we see how grief manifests differently for each character. Some retreat into isolation, needing time alone to process their emotions. Others lean on connection, finding comfort in the support of loved ones or a shared sense of loss. And for some, grief transforms into a quiet acceptance of a new reality—a way of carrying their love and memories forward while learning to live again. The truth is, there’s no “right” way to grieve. Your grief is as unique as your relationship with the person or thing you’ve lost. It’s okay to feel numb, angry, or anything in between. It’s okay if some days you feel like you’re moving forward and other days feel impossibly heavy. Grief is not a linear process—it’s a journey with twists, turns, and setbacks. What’s important is to honor your emotions, give yourself the space to feel, and reach out for support when you need it. Healing takes time, and there’s no rush or timeline to follow. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid. Whatever your journey looks like, it’s yours. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the many faces of grief, and remember: you’re not alone in this. #SpeakeasyTherapy #GriefJourney #GriefLooksDifferent #HealingTakesTime #YouAreNotAlone

As a therapist, one of the most profound things I encounter in my work is the way grief shapes our lives—how it lingers, transforms, and ultimately leads us toward healing. Night Road by Kristin Hannah captures this deeply human experience, reminding us of the fragile beauty of life and the complex ways we navigate through our pain. In this powerful story, friendship, love, and grief are interwoven in a way that resonates with anyone who has faced loss. The novel explores how relationships, both old and new, help us cope with the darkest of times, whether it’s the unbreakable bond between best friends or the transformative love that teaches us how to heal. Yet, at the heart of Night Road is grief—the kind that rips through your life unexpectedly, leaving you to pick up the pieces. The book reminds us that while we cannot control the moments that break us, we do have a choice in how we allow ourselves to heal. Sometimes, it’s through the support of others, sometimes it’s through moments of solitude, and sometimes it’s simply moving forward, one step at a time. As we walk through life, we often forget that grief isn’t something to get over—it’s something to be integrated, understood, and shared with those who truly see us. The relationships in Night Road reflect this: love, friendship, and grief are not isolated, but rather are forces that shape our identity and our future. For those who are grieving, remember: you are not alone, and healing is a journey, not a destination. #SpeakeasyTherapy #NightRoad #Grief #TherapistPerspective #JourneyThroughLoss

The holiday season can often feel chaotic, but it’s also a time to slow down and refocus on what truly matters—especially in our relationships. This season, I’m reminding myself (and you) of the importance of being mindful. Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and really see the people we’re with can transform our connections and reduce stress. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise. But simplicity and presence are gifts we can give to ourselves and others. Whether it’s putting down our phones, practicing active listening, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together—being present is a powerful way to deepen our bonds and nurture our well-being. Wishing you peace, simplicity, and meaningful moments this holiday season! 🌟 #SpeakeasyTherapy #HolidayIntentions #PresenceOverPerfection #HolidayPeace

As we wrap up this year, I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU. To our incredible providers, loyal referrals, and amazing community partners—your support means the world! Your trust, collaboration, and connections have made this year one to remember. As we head into the holiday season, I’m wishing each of you a joyful, peaceful, and hopeful time with loved ones. May the new year bring more opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive together. Here’s to more shared success, happiness, and community in the year ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey! #SpeakeasyTherapy #HappyHolidays #WishingYouWell #SeasonOfJoy #Gratitude #NewYearHope

Let’s bring in the end of the year with intention. For me, the theme this season feels like simplicity. In a world that often feels overwhelming and rushed, I’m choosing to embrace the beauty of slowing down and focusing on what truly matters. Simplicity means decluttering not just our spaces, but our minds, too. It’s about letting go of unnecessary distractions and commitments that don’t align with our values or goals. It could be as simple as saying “no” to things that drain our energy or making more time for quiet moments of reflection. Simplicity doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing more of what truly nourishes us, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, taking time for self-care, or appreciating the little things in life. The benefits of this intentional approach? Reduced stress, greater clarity, and more meaningful connections. Let’s finish this year with a renewed sense of focus, gratitude, and peace. #SpeakeasyTherapy #EndOfYearReflection #IntentionalLiving