Mental Health and Wellness News - InnerVoice Psychotherapy & Consultation

1. As we close out summer and welcome September, fall is in the air. Ever since early childhood and back-to-school days, we have been conditioned for September to be the start of a new year. We may feel a mix of anxiety and excitement, along with grief and denial, as we trade comfortable flip flops and sundresses for sweaters and boots. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common during this time. You might be experiencing feelings of restlessness or powerlessness as if you are “supposed” to be doing something or that something needs to change to make this feeling go away, all which may or may not be true. At InnerVoice, we are also in a place of transition and growth as we are welcoming new team members and bringing back a new and improved newsletter. If you find yourself needing extra support during this time, know you do not need to go at it alone. We have trained clinicians with diverse backgrounds to help with whatever you may need. We hope that the blogs and tools shared in this newsletter will also be a resource for you this fall and throughout the year. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read our newsletter.

2. I V P C T H E R A P I S T S P O T L I G H T MEET IVPC THERAPIST Substance Abuse Counseling Anxiety Disorder Mood Disorders Co-Occurring Disorders Stress Management PTSD/Trauma LGBTQ+ Affirming Interpersonal Communication Self-Esteem Issues Work/Life Balance Holistic Health Samantha Michelli LPC, CADC, CCTP, NCC she/her/hers Samantha has a history of working with individuals with a variety of challenges, primarily treating those who suffer from dual diagnoses. Previously, Samantha has worked in a residential setting as well as an outpatient setting providing IOP, family, couples, and group therapy services. InnerVoice: What would you tell someone considering therapy for the first time? Samantha: I always thank my clients for sharing their space with me and trusting me, for being vulnerable. For even getting in my office. I know the process to get here was not overnight. First you might think about going to therapy and ruminate on that for awhile. Then you might look up therapists, you might even call one after the links sit in your tabs for a week or two. I ask clients to show up ready to be engaged and open to whatever the journey looks like. It looks different for everyone. TAKE A SNEAK PEAK AT OUR NEW THERAPISTS HERE READ SAM'S SELF-CARE LIST AND THE REST OF HER INTERVIEW HERE I V P C B o o k s h e l f

3. IVPC Shop ORDER NOW IVPC Philanthropy InnerVoice values and supports organizations which advocate for equal rights for all human beings across the globe. Human rights are inherent and universal regardless of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, class or any other status. See more orgs IVPC supports here. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth, a day that honors the end of slavery in the United States, officially became a federal holiday. This year, Juneteenth or June 19th, was observed on Monday June 20th. To commemorate the holiday this year, IVPC decided to donate all of the practice proceeds collected from the day to a black-owned business whose mission is to advance the black community. IVPC staff was asked to suggest organizations that they felt were deserving of the contribution. We received so many wonderful suggestions it was hard to just pick one. In the end we selected Sister Afya Community Mental Wellness, an organization centered around supporting the mental health and wellness of black women. Read more about Juneteenth here: What Is Juneteenth?

4. Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness is a social enterprise that provides low-cost mental wellness care that center the experiences of Black women. We have a community support approach to mental wellness. We believe that community support for people living with mental health conditions can foster healing, growth, freedom, and self-actualization. LEARN MORE HERE Check out a few other suggestion from the team below Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression Young, Black & Lit Brave Space Alliance Coffee, Hip-Hope & Mental Health The Conscious Kid InnerVoice Psychotherapy & Consultation Chicago Loop 180 North Michigan Avenue #531 Chicago, IL 60601 United States (312)-523-9959 Skokie Location 4905 Old Orchard Center, Suite 426 Skokie, IL 60077 United States (312)-620-1420 © 2015-2023 Innervoice Psychotherapy & Consultation