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Shining the Light
Bright Light Counseling Center's Blog on all things Mental Health
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![Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Micaela Hernandez, LCSW](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_6129c854285949569cb3333cea7b8fac~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_6129c854285949569cb3333cea7b8fac~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Aug 1, 20247 min read
Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Micaela Hernandez, LCSW
Meet Micaela! Learn about her beyond the therapy room and what she enjoys in her free time.
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![The ADHD Octopus: Navigating a Sea of Symptoms and Comorbidities](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_8070753ee6284730822a4b0a6a8e1dbe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_8070753ee6284730822a4b0a6a8e1dbe~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jul 27, 202410 min read
The ADHD Octopus: Navigating a Sea of Symptoms and Comorbidities
ADHD is more than just a collection of symptoms – it's a fundamental difference in how the brain operates.
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![Post-College Depression: The Signs and Symptoms Explained](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b5523e19642d4d5ba21db1b3494f0666.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/b5523e19642d4d5ba21db1b3494f0666.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jul 9, 20244 min read
Post-College Depression: The Signs and Symptoms Explained
Many recent graduates experience a sense of unease as they step into the unknown territory of post-graduation life.
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![What to Know About High-Functioning Depression](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_1bc065d7e2b148d6a5e808a3fcfe1772~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_1bc065d7e2b148d6a5e808a3fcfe1772~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 26, 20245 min read
What to Know About High-Functioning Depression
People with high-functioning depression often mask their symptoms due to social expectations, fear of stigma, and not wanting to be a burden
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![6 Ways to Manage Anxiety without Medication](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/568c0c3dd19d4b1696accc660ccc162b.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/568c0c3dd19d4b1696accc660ccc162b.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 13, 20243 min read
6 Ways to Manage Anxiety without Medication
Learn how to manage anxiety without medication with these 6 effective strategies.
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![Men and Divorce: How to Handle the Emotional Stages of Separation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a286c314dea4e8cb59fa14007a64b1a.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/5a286c314dea4e8cb59fa14007a64b1a.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 22, 20243 min read
Men and Divorce: How to Handle the Emotional Stages of Separation
The reality is you’re bound to go through several emotional stages throughout your separation. It’s important to acknowledge those emotions.
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![Practical Approaches to Dealing with PTSD Triggers](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2743398b7ab4a6ca5a7c6328e60c22f.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/e2743398b7ab4a6ca5a7c6328e60c22f.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 16, 20243 min read
Practical Approaches to Dealing with PTSD Triggers
Coping with PTSD triggers is challenging, but the good news is there are practical approaches and strategies that can help.
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![Más allá de lo clínico: Una mirada a nuestros terapeutas dentro y fuera de la sesión: Kate Morales, M.Psy., LPA](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 15, 20246 min read
Más allá de lo clínico: Una mirada a nuestros terapeutas dentro y fuera de la sesión: Kate Morales, M.Psy., LPA
Kate es una terapeuta en nuestras oficinas en Austin, Texas. Brinda terapia en persona y en línea a residentes de Texas.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_cfa8800bd02d4c9a90bcf4e0600f073c~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2ecde8_cfa8800bd02d4c9a90bcf4e0600f073c~mv2.webp)
![Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Rian Richardson, MS, LPC](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_cfa8800bd02d4c9a90bcf4e0600f073c~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_cfa8800bd02d4c9a90bcf4e0600f073c~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 15, 20248 min read
Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Rian Richardson, MS, LPC
Get an exclusive look at, Rian, a therapist in Chicago. From gaming to travel, discover the personal side of this compassionate counselor.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5bf144f8ae764a70ad76808589f02c12~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_5bf144f8ae764a70ad76808589f02c12~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
![From Blues to Depression: Navigating the College Experience - When Sadness Becomes a Concern for Students](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5bf144f8ae764a70ad76808589f02c12~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_5bf144f8ae764a70ad76808589f02c12~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Apr 30, 20246 min read
From Blues to Depression: Navigating the College Experience - When Sadness Becomes a Concern for Students
Navigating the college experience can be tough, especially if sadness turns into depression. Learn the signs, risks, and steps to seek help.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4938347647555947557451~mv2_d_3084_2056_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_4938347647555947557451~mv2_d_3084_2056_s_2.webp)
![Sleep Deprivation and Anxiety: Understanding How Lack of Sleep Impacts Mental Health](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4938347647555947557451~mv2_d_3084_2056_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_4938347647555947557451~mv2_d_3084_2056_s_2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 26, 20246 min read
Sleep Deprivation and Anxiety: Understanding How Lack of Sleep Impacts Mental Health
Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is crucial in managing anxiety symptoms and promoting overall mental well-being.
![Man Up: The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Male Emotional and Social Functioning](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a5a3675496343f083e10f1d29ae0d78.png/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/4a5a3675496343f083e10f1d29ae0d78.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 13, 20246 min read
Man Up: The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Male Emotional and Social Functioning
With boys adopting male gender stereotypes, this often perpetuates loneliness and isolation.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_fc233a95676c4c5690e0c62b1077ef0d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_fc233a95676c4c5690e0c62b1077ef0d~mv2.webp)
![Exploring the Different Attachment Styles and Their Impact on Relationships](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_fc233a95676c4c5690e0c62b1077ef0d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_fc233a95676c4c5690e0c62b1077ef0d~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Nov 10, 20236 min read
Exploring the Different Attachment Styles and Their Impact on Relationships
Discover the impact of different attachment styles on relationships. Explore secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized styles.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.webp)
![Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Kate Morales, M.Psy, LPA](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_6573dcedd2784e8aab082e6f9d621a9d~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Nov 7, 20237 min read
Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Kate Morales, M.Psy, LPA
Discover the real faces behind Bright Light Counseling Center's therapists. Get to know Kate Morales, personally and professionally.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_57745275594a3245504d41~mv2_d_3456_5184_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_57745275594a3245504d41~mv2_d_3456_5184_s_4_2.webp)
![You've Got that Summertime, Summertime SADness](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_57745275594a3245504d41~mv2_d_3456_5184_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_57745275594a3245504d41~mv2_d_3456_5184_s_4_2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Sep 3, 20236 min read
You've Got that Summertime, Summertime SADness
Summertime SAD is often characterized by loss of appetite, trouble sleep, poor appetite, weight loss, irritability, and anxiety.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b69c58da0689488984aef8e1d219e0d1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_b69c58da0689488984aef8e1d219e0d1~mv2.webp)
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Bright Light Counseling Center
Aug 14, 20237 min read
From Pandemics to Politics: Managing Uncertainty in a World of Constant Change
We share 5 tips that can help you cope with uncertainty in a world of constant change. You can develop resilience and a sense of control.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5dce333e011d4353bee6b5e37637d6c3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_5dce333e011d4353bee6b5e37637d6c3~mv2.webp)
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Dr. Beth Marnix
Aug 8, 20237 min read
Supporting Your Partner's Mental Health: A Guide to Navigating Depression in Relationships
Learn to support a partner with depression through effective strategies, communication, and self-care.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_1ac3d9aaff564cbd8adb5d538d44cd09~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_1ac3d9aaff564cbd8adb5d538d44cd09~mv2.webp)
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Bright Light Counseling Center
Jul 24, 20234 min read
5 Things an EFT Therapist Wants You to know About Emotion-Focused Therapy
When working with an EFT therapist, you and your therapist will work to recognize, label, and deepen emotions that come up during session.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8781e0359d9c47ff9b3d491054b7d2c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_8781e0359d9c47ff9b3d491054b7d2c1~mv2.webp)
![Demystifying Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): A Comprehensive Guide](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8781e0359d9c47ff9b3d491054b7d2c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_8781e0359d9c47ff9b3d491054b7d2c1~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jul 7, 20235 min read
Demystifying Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): A Comprehensive Guide
Transform relationships with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Explore emotions, attachment, and secure connections for deeper intimacy and
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_ef4fbbcb0d2c4bcf8b9b79a94dbcb0ae~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_ef4fbbcb0d2c4bcf8b9b79a94dbcb0ae~mv2.webp)
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Dr. Beth Marnix
Jun 28, 202313 min read
10 Warning Signs You May Be Ignoring Your Depression Symptoms
Discover the hidden signs of depression you may be ignoring. Take charge of your mental well-being with practical strategies and insights.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_9606c0a008714de7a265bfeef1bb4c47~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2ecde8_9606c0a008714de7a265bfeef1bb4c47~mv2.webp)
![Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Julie](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2ecde8_9606c0a008714de7a265bfeef1bb4c47~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2ecde8_9606c0a008714de7a265bfeef1bb4c47~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 9, 20235 min read
Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Julie
Julie is a counselor in our Chicago, IL office. She provides therapy in person as well as online to residents of Illinois.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_394a314e754a3744677a34~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_394a314e754a3744677a34~mv2.webp)
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Bright Light Counseling Center
May 30, 20237 min read
What Is Gender Affirming Care and Why Is It So Important?
Discover the importance of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, addressing mental health challenges and promoting wellbeing.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_ec1d27c82c494428a7196d9b82e2a0bc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_ec1d27c82c494428a7196d9b82e2a0bc~mv2.webp)
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Bright Light Counseling Center
May 18, 20237 min read
5 Things a Mental Health Professional Wants You to Know About OCD
Unmasking the truth about OCD: Discover the real challenges, misconceptions, and hope behind this misunderstood mental health disorder.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b9aabb5b64e541c5b80de27b1b35e70f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/11062b_b9aabb5b64e541c5b80de27b1b35e70f~mv2.webp)
![Single is NOT a Four Letter Word](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b9aabb5b64e541c5b80de27b1b35e70f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_292,h_219,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_b9aabb5b64e541c5b80de27b1b35e70f~mv2.webp)
Bright Light Counseling Center
Apr 1, 20234 min read
Single is NOT a Four Letter Word
Are you tired of feeling like being single is a bad thing? Let's debunk that myth! Don't miss out on the opportunity to invest in you!
Let's rediscover your Bright Light.
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