General Information

Parenting with your Ex post-divorce :: How to Successfully Co-Parent – Written by Rosalind Sedacca

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry tells us children of divorce do best when both of their parents continue to be actively involved in their lives. It’s the ongoing connection that makes the positive difference for these children, minimizing the fact that their parents no longer live together. That’s why co-parenting is universally

The Advantages of Co-Mediation for the Divorce Process – Written by Ellen Feldman

The Advantages of Co-Mediation for the Divorce Process Mediation is gaining popularity as a strategy for divorcing couples.  Mediation provides the opportunity for resolution of all of the issues required to be decided under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act in a neutral setting, with the assistance of an objective impartial mediator.  Once the couple

Beat Stress With UB’s Comprehensive Guide to Stress Management – Written by Joyce Marter, LCPC, Psychotherapist & Co-Owner of Urban Balance, LLC

Stress Overview: Some stress is good as it can sharpen our awareness and motivate us. But too much stress has a negative impact on our minds and bodies and can cause emotional, relational, and medical problems. Avoid negative ways to reduce stress that may actually cause more harm (i.e. drinking, smoking, over-eating, compulsive shopping, gambling,

Successfully Navigate Life Transitions – Written by Joyce Marter, LCPC

by Joyce Marter, LCPC Life is everchanging. Times of transition can exacerbate stress, even if they are positive transitions, like starting a new job, falling in love, or having a child. Life transitions can include changes in: Employment (new job, promotion, job loss, career change) School (starting, ending) Relationship status (starting a new relationship, going

Manage Conflict Better Today With The UB Guide to Conflict Resolution – By Joyce Marter, LCPC

What Defines Conflict? The struggle between incompatible impulses, desires or principles. Myths About Conflict Harmony is normal and conflict is abnormal. There is only one right way to handle conflict. Good people don’t have disagreements. There is no conflict in healthy relationships. In conflict, somebody always gets hurt. The Truth About Conflict It is a

Considering Couples Counseling?

  All couples can benefit from therapy or counseling to reduce stress, conflict, negative interaction, and improve relationship strengths as well as increase intimacy and happiness. It is a common misconception that seeking couples therapy means your relationship has serious problems or is doomed. All relationships have issues and conflict and we have professionals who

Marriages & Partnerships: The Petri Dishes Where We Rework Our Issues – Written by Joyce Marter, LCPC

As part of human nature, we unconsciously gravitate towards partners who help us rework our issues from our families-of-origin or other earlier life experiences. We all gravitate to what is familiar, which is why so us are reminded of aspects of our parents when we look at our mates. This recreation of old relational and