Be real. Be truthful. Live authentically.
Set a time limit. Then make the decision. This is something I have had to learn for myself as an overthinker. There is value in being thoughtful. We should consider our options, gather information, think about potential consequences, and make informed decisions. But there can also come a point when thinking something through is no …
Continue reading "When Thinking It Through Becomes Overthinking"
By Kerry Francis-McLachlan, LCPC, I/ECMH-C Originally published in the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) Summer 2026 Newsletter Some articles are written because we have something to teach. Others are written because something reminds us why we chose this work in the first place. When the Weight of the Work Feels Heavy was inspired by …
If we see a child as being in distress, we instinctively move toward empathy, understanding, and connection—because distress signals a need for immediate care.
In today’s emotionally charged climate, feelings of anxiety may be heightened, and the relentless news cycle and social media feeds can activate our nervous systems in ways that create ongoing stress. It’s important to take intentional steps to care for your emotional and mental well-being.
It’s the holiday season, and there is often much jubilation in the air. Everywhere you go, there is some reminder that this is a time of festive celebration. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with festive celebrations during this time, we hold space for others who may be experiencing this time of year differently. The …
Winning an argument in a marriage is child's play because if one of you loses, you both lose in marriage. Adults, however, have hard conversations to clarify misunderstandings and apologize for wrongdoing. The goal is always to move forward together.
Effective discipline requires work and is often a family affair. Clear, consistent messages across caregivers is a must. Identifying problematic behaviors, establishing corrective action, follow-through, and reinforcement cannot be done in a vacuum. Effective discipline, however, is more than withholding privileges and doling out punishment. Discipline that is intentional is an avenue to teach children …
When everything becomes filtered through the lens of pain, it distorts our view of people and the world.
Some of the greatest lessons are learned not by the wins we have in life but by how we recover from a loss.
Self-care is more than self-indulgence. It is not getting a mani-pedi or shopping sprees. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with either of those things, if we reduce self-care to our ability to afford a little pampering, then the rewards are fleeting and very short-lived. Self-care is being attuned to your body, knowing your limits, …
Kerry McLachlan 