Counseling Hub
How to Prepare for Your SAP Evaluation
Facing a SAP evaluation can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're unsure what to expect. With abeen-there-done-that perspective, I'm ready to arm you with the know-how you need to take on the challenge ahead. First things first, let's gather all the relevant...
Navigating the DOT Return to Duty Process Effectively
Ever felt like you're up against a wall trying to get back on track after a setback? The return-to-duty process can feel just like that. Whether it's due to substance abuse issues or failing a DOT drug test, this path is all about making things right and getting you...
Spotting Common Warning Signs of Relapse
Spotting the common warning signs of relapse is a critical step on the road to recovery. Knowing what to look out for can make all the difference in maintaining sobriety and steering clear of addiction's tight grip. We'll dive into how missing therapy sessions,...
How Nature Can Benefit Addiction Recovery
When we talk about the road to sobriety, how nature can benefit addiction recovery is a conversation worth having. Picture this: lush greenery around you, a serene environment that breathes life into your healing process. It's not just about kicking an addiction; it's...
What Happens to Your Brain When You Stop Drinking?
Ever wondered what happens to your brain when you stop drinking? It's not just a break for your liver; it's like hitting the reset button on your mental health. Kicking the booze can kick-start some major positive changes upstairs. Let’s talk about this because...
What Is Wet Brain? Understanding Alcohol's Harsh Reality
Imagine your brain not getting the nutrients it needs to work right. That's essentially what Wet Brain is—a scary but real condition tied to heavy drinking and poor nutrition. Let's dig into why this happens, because knowing could save a life. This isn't just about...
Understanding the Financial Cost of Alcohol Abuse
Ever stared down the barrel of a $249 billion problem? That's the staggering financial cost of alcohol abuse, and it's bleeding our society dry. Think about that number for a second – it’s like every man, woman, and child in America writing a check for 750 bucks. You...
Staying Safe: How to Avoid a DUI During the Holiday Season
Ever wondered how to navigate the minefield of holiday cheer without wondering about how to avoid a DUI during the holiday season? You're not alone. We've all heard stories of joyous celebrations turned sour by one too many festive cocktails. We can almost taste the...
7 Strategies to Control Anger and Regain Emotional Balance
Anger, an emotion that can be challenging to handle - particularly when experienced habitually - necessitates comprehension of how it operates and what strategies we can use to restrain it. It’s important to understand how anger works and what strategies we can use to...
Can a Drug Test Lead to a False Positive?
Types of Drug Testing Drug testing is becoming increasingly common during the job application process, as part of random workplace drug testing, and as a condition of probation. Individuals who have not used illicit substances occasionally find themselves subjected to...
Overcoming Workplace Depression: Strategies for Coping and Finding Help
Many of us experience depression in the workplace. Signs and symptoms can be hard to recognize, but if you know what to look out for, there are steps you can take towards managing your mental health while at work. Read on to find out more about the causes of workplace depression.
How Drug and Alcohol Evaluation Can Save A Person from Addiction
Drug and alcohol use is a major health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as the leading risk factor for disease and disability worldwide. It has been found that about one-third of adults all over the world have used drugs or alcohol at least...
The Link Between Serotonin and Drug Use
People who use drugs have lower levels of serotonin than people who don’t. At least, that seems to be the consensus among scientists who study addiction. But what exactly does that mean? What is serotonin, and why does it seem to be linked to drug use? The discovery...
Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test In Illinois?
If you are operating a vehicle after drinking alcohol, it is important to know your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the possible consequences of driving under the influence. If you are pulled over or arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, law enforcement may...
What Employees Need to Know About US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug testing for a variety of reasons. Anyone who holds a job that can impact their own and the public’s safety is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. These are known as safety-sensitive positions...
Five stages of grief: Is that all there is?
“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11 I have always been fascinated with the work of Elizabeth Kubler Ross even before I became a Christian. She devoted her life...
U.S. Psychological Hardship Evaluation for Immigrants
Immigrants living within the United States often wish to stay in the country. More often than not, leaving the U.S. would constitute a hardship for both the immigrant and for their family member/s. However, in order for the immigrant to remain in the U.S. an extreme...
What to Expect at Hardship Evaluation in Counseling Center of Illinois
At the Counseling Center of Illinois, we provide clients with the opportunity to undergo a thorough hardship evaluation. During this assessment, the client’s experience is evaluated across many areas. The process typically consists of two interview sessions, during...
Clearinghouse Role for Substance Abuse Professionals
The Clearinghouse is an online database that provides real-time information on drug and alcohol program violations for commercial driver's license and learner's permit holders. It identifies drivers who have committed violations while working for one employer and...
What Happens at a DUI Evaluation?
A DUI evaluation is an in-depth clinical assessment that will determine what level of care is needed for court-mandated treatment as a result of a DUI arrest. This evaluation is performed by a counselor. During the assessment, clients are asked to answer questions...
The Role of Immigration Psychologist in an Immigrant's Case
Many immigrants come to the United States seeking a better life. Although it can be difficult to become a permanent resident, the hardship evaluation can help prove that deportation of the immigrant would cause extreme hardship on that person’s resident spouse or...
Reflecting on My Psychology Internship Experience at CCI
As an intern at CCI, I really felt that I was able to explore more thoroughly certain clinical aspects of assessing clients, completing evaluations, and running educational courses. It was most definitely a valuable learning experience because I was speaking with...
Preparing for the Hardship Evaluation Process
The hardship evaluations completed at Counseling Centers of Illinois are thorough biopsychosocial reports that look at the impact of relocation of a family member or loved one on a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. Our comprehensive biopsychosocial...
What You Need to Know About Chronic Anger Syndrome
Chronic anger syndrome affects children, adults and entire families. Anger is one of the most powerful emotions that come from hurt, annoyance, frustration and disappointment. It’s a natural feeling that we all feel at some point and it can range from irritation to a...
Environmental and Bodily Factors that Affect BAC
One factor that is considered to determine whether a person is legally intoxicated is their blood alcohol content or BAC. This is the amount of alcohol that is found in their blood as a result of their consumption over a specific amount of time. However, there are a...
The Psychological Benefits of Praise as a Parent
Kids who get lots of praise from their parents are more likely to face negative psychological effects, but there are ways to set them up for long-term success.
Are Breathalyzers Actually Accurate?
Motorists whom law enforcement officials suspect might be operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or some other substances could be subjected to a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop. If said examination yield results confirming the examinee's...
Practicing Forgiveness When You Tend to be Angry
Being angry is something we can all identify with, whether it’s a situation with a family member, friend, a store clerk, or a representative on the phone who doesn’t give you the kind of customer service you feel you deserve. Many of us are great at managing our...
4 Ways to Bring in More Fun with the Family
Life is short. We need to enjoy the time we have with the people we love, especially our family. However, there are times when spending time with the family falls flat. It can be hard to keep everyone's energy up, especially if you're dealing with preteens and...
The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Addiction
While it may not be too surprising to find that there is a correlation between DUI (driving under the influence) and addiction, it is worth noting that a similar relationship also exists between addiction and domestic violence. When someone is struggling with an...
The Purpose of Anger Management Counseling Classes
Anger can easily be one of the most destructive emotions. When someone loses their temper, when they give in to that particular dark emotion, they lose control of themselves, causing damage to their environment and pain to those around them. For those that are...
Family and Friends Will Always Aid An Alcoholic Seeking Treatment
Alcoholism is considered amongst the most serious and prevalent forms of addiction in the United States today. Statistics compiled by the Center For Disease Control (CDC) claim that nearly 90,000 people per year die to alcoholism and related illnesses. That said, the...
Understanding The Cycle of Anger And Proper Emotional Management
As a subject close to a lot of people; anger shapes our everyday lives and damages the relationships of those around us. It can be the little things in life that start it. The big things we cannot change also cause it. Anger can wreck our lives and directing it can...
How To Let Go of Anger And Have Your Emotions Under Control
This is a short and simple guide for anyone who wants to learn how to let go of their anger and have better control over their emotional state.
Tried and True Science-Based Parenting Tips
Adults looking for parenting tips have no shortage of sources. Relatives, neighbors, books, parenting classes, teachers, and online experts all believe they have the answers you so desperately need to raise a healthy child. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to...
Uncovering Depression That Is Disguised As Anger
In recent years, mental illness has loomed large in the public imagination. People are becoming more cognizant of mental health issues, and more open about discussing mental wellness and seeking treatment. However, under the spotlight of mainstream awareness, the...
Family Anger Issues and What You Can Do About It
There are plenty of people who struggle with anger management issues. They may have a short temper or be part of a dysfunctional family. Family gatherings may rarely happen because simple misunderstandings turn into heated arguments. You may be walking on egg shells...
How to Build Your Brand as a Mental Health Professional
Building a brand and a positive professional reputation for yourself or your business is no longer restricted to mega corporations today. Instead, developing a brand is optimal for almost any professional, entrepreneur, or company owner looking to increase their...
How to Attract Clients to Your Substance Abuse Program?
There are many types of niches in private practice, and it takes time and effort to develop your niche.I have done that several times in my business beginning with one niche and then adding another one or phasing one that was no longer financially rewarding,One of the...
Do it Yourself Brand Building in 10 Days!
DAY 1 What is a brand? Brand is not just a logo or advertising even though most people think it is. It is meaning behind what you do or want to do. What do people think about you? What do they say? What do they feel? What do they say about you as a counselor? Do you...
How to Begin Fee for Service Private Practice
Many therapists dream of having a fee for service private practice but are hesitant to venture into it. Some rely too heavily on insurance reimbursement and do not believe that they can generate enough income by charging clients directly. Others do not think that they...
How to Market Your Substance Abuse Professional Services (SAP)
What is a SAP? The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation defines the Substance Abuse Professional as a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow up...
How to Open a Dui Program
Credentials requirements Anyone can open a substance abuse treatment program provided they have appropriate credentials that are required by your particular state, and they can prove to the appropriate licensing agency they are capable of running such operation. If...
Common Myths About Opening Private Practice
Many counselors dream of opening a private practice, even when they are still at school. Unfortunately, they don’t find much understanding and support anywhere. Their teachers don’t encourage them to pursue their goals and quite often discourage them from seeking...
The Importance of Niche in Private Practice
Success in private practice is not only defined by financial gains but also by our fulfillment. Many counselors do not consider counseling practice as a business and believe that it is mainly their passion. It is important that they love what they do, but they also...
From an Intern to a Private Practice Practitioner
If you have some specific vision about the type of clients or a niche you want to work in be intentional in finding the right internship. Don’t rely on school’s directory of possible internship sites. Be creative and first ask yourself a question. Where...
Here Is How You Can Bounce Back After a DUI Conviction
Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can have life-changing consequences for you and your family. Even if you have not consumed much alcohol, if a police officer has probable cause, they can pull you over. Having a DUI conviction can have a huge impact...
Five Important Points to Look for in Finding the Right Internship!
Most graduate students are not really sure what type of internship they would like to choose. They do usually know what type of internship they would not want to engage in. Unfortunately, what they like or don’t like is not often grounded in reality simply because...
Holidays and Social Anxiety
By CCI Team Most people see the holiday season as a festive time in which there are multiple gatherings with friends and family. On the flip side, for some others, the same holiday season can be stress, anxiety and even depression provoking. Per a recent...
Treating Addiction with Medication
By CCI Team The process of treating addiction is not easy, and while psychotherapy is an important part of the process in order to explore the roots of the issue, medication is also often involved. Science Daily recently posted a release regarding the Washington State...
Is Psychiatry a Religion?
By CCI Team, According to Merriam-Webster.com, religion is defined as: a) the service and worship of God of the supernatural, b) commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and...
A Different Perspective on Addiction
By CCI Team Even without going into the science of addiction, I’ve found that many still have a hard time grasping the concept of a drug, alcohol, or substance related addiction, let alone society’s addiction to media. In conversation, many have responded to my face,...
Is Psychiatry Killing Your Children?
By CCI Team We have previously discussed Dr. Lawrence Klemenson, MD’s Mad in America article Psychiatry’s 12-Step Program for Producing Heroin Addicts in which he attempted to drew parallels between Psychiatry’s “brain disease” to the 12 step program. In a recent...
Difficulties in Deprescribing
By CCI Team As a developing counselor, I’ve considered the implications of deprescribing a patient, especially when I am coming from a “less experienced” background. More-so, this critical thinking has enabled me to study and prepare for encounters as such. If I am...
Do Antidepressants Work? Or is it All in Your Head?
We recently discussed the prominence of depression as well as some of the risks involved in the use of antidepressants. Depression and anxiety can be debilitating mental disorders, and it’s no wonder that one would go to a multitude of means to try to...
Negative Evidence to the Longitudinal Usage of Antipsychotics
Like science, society continues to grow, expand our thinking, and come up with new ways to improve life around us all. However, like science, sometimes we are unsure if the new ideas, growth and “improvements” are always best for everyone. An article done by Bernalyn...
The Salvation of Psychiatry
By CCI Team A human’s relationship with another human is a fascinating component of life. The act to which we form a bond with another individual is a beautiful thing. Whether people require daily contact or are content with once a week, people need each other and the...
What Are You Feeding the Fishes?
Did you know that the U.S. is the third largest consumer of fish and shellfish behind China and Japan? This amounts to a total of 4.8 billion pounds of seafood, or approximately 15.8 pounds of fish and shellfish consumed per person (both wild-caught and farmed),...
Exercise and Depression
Exercise is one of those aspects of life where we as humans choose to put ourselves through physical pain in order to make ourselves bigger, faster, stronger, or at least that’s the idea. Moreover, exercise is popularly used to shape one’s self to what our culture...
Are Antidepressants the Real Killer?
Science and technology continues to be a progressive movement where the improvement of people, places, and things is inevitable. This includes the science behind mental health and the biological studies done on medication in hope to find the means of a cure for...
Depression Is…All Around Us
Big Think’s recent article The Most Debilitating Disease in the World Isn't Just in Your Head discussed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement that Major Depressive Disorder, more commonly known as depression is now the leading cause of poor health and...
Secrets of Sex Appeal
We live in a day and age where sex appeal is everything. However, it is up for discussion for how it is defined. In today’s society, the media tells us how to alter our physical appearance, increase muscle tone, what clothing style is “in”, and how one should wear...
Is Psychiatry to Blame for Rising Drug Dependence?
By CCI Team We live in a world where information is easily attainable, and various sources are available to not only supply the information we are seeking, but also supply support for our views, whatever they may be. While it would be easy to search only for sources...
The What’s… and When’s… of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) Usage
By CCI Team So, you’ve been found to be Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and your license has been suspended, now what? The good news is that most states, Illinois included, allows first time DUI offenders to drive with the installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition...
The Batman Killer
By CCI Team Many of us are aware of the Colorado movie theater shooting that took place back in July 2012. As one of the worst shootings recorded, murderer James Holmes was later tested for a series of mental disorders. As a result, these diagnoses later lead...
Words and Their Impact
By CCI Team We all grew up hearing the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, this statement isn’t entirely true. No matter the intention or meaning, words do have impact whether we like it or not. When it comes to...
What is a DUI Evaluation?
By Anna Jankowska MA LCPC Whenever you are arrested for a DUI whether it is in the state of Illinois or in any other state, you have to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine the degree of the person’s alcohol and/or drug...
The Importance of Duty to Warn / Duty to Protect
Diving deeper and examing the Dangerous Patients – Duty to Warn / Duty to Protect article for what it entails.
The Question of Assisted Suicide
Assisted Suicide is a questionable procedure and we look into the story of Adam Maier-Clayton.
Desperation: You’re Not Alone
By Brendan Cole - Graduate Intern Recently, many are aware of the death of singer Chester Bennington, who committed suicide this past month. From heartfelt social media posts to concerts dedicated in his name, the loss of the singer impacted the music world majorly....
Do Mental Health Practitioners Report Relationship Abuse?
By Megan Zerfahs - Graduate Intern Typically, mental health professionals are not mandated to report past incidents or suspicions of adult violence towards another adult—domestic violence included. However, some states have laws requiring practitioners to take action...
I Want My Illinois Driver’s License Back!!! – How to Prepare for Hearing
By Steven R. Roach As stated in my previous article, the keys to a successful Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearing are preparation and consistency. While at the Secretary of State Formal Hearing Offices, I often find myself observing many...
Brad Pitt’s Recovery from Drug Addiction and Divorce
By CCI Team A few months after his divorce with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt was reportedly struggling to quit alcohol and drugs, in addition to recovering from the split. His story was featured in an exclusive interview with GQ magazine. He described the period...
The Benefits of Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
More often than not, first-time DUI offenders get off with light sentences. Unless they were involved in a mishap that killed or seriously injured someone, people convicted of a DUI for the first time are usually just meted stiff fines, community service, probation or...
How to Prepare Yourself for a Hearing
By Anna Jankowska MA LCPC Driver’s license reinstatement is a lengthy process and requires adequate preparation. There are certain things that need to take place in order to ensure that your preparation will be smooth. You need to obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation...
15 Signs to Know that Somebody is Using Drugs
Substance abuse is an issue that is more prevalent than many people think, and it can affect anyone, including adults who are employed. A 2011 survey found that eight percent of adults who work full time and 10 percent of adults who work part time have a drug problem....
Why Was I Denied my Driver's License at the Hearing?
By Anna Jankowska MA LCPC Many clients believe that they cannot get the driver's license back because it costs a lot of money and it's very difficult. Some of the clients simply give up because they have received prior denials and they simply don’t know how to even...
Why Does the Fifty Shades Movie Look Like Domestic Abuse?
By CCI Team To those who aren’t fully familiar with Fifty Shades of Grey, the book and film may come across as just some woman’s fantasy of meeting a rich, good looking man, who looks after their every need. However, it goes much deeper than that. The...
Commercial Drivers Held to a Higher Standard When It Comes to Driving Under the Influence
Drivers with a commercial driver’s license have much stricter regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the minimum standards for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), but the issuance and administration of the CDL remains a function of...
Creating Harmony: Balancing the Demands Between Work and Home
By Caleb Anderson People who hold high-powered positions or are required to work substantial overtime often struggle to find the time to pursue personal goals or devote the attention to their families that they deserve. The stress that comes from trying to provide for...
Best Ways to Deal with Stress Natural Ways
Did you know that nearly a quarter of all Americans are under varying amounts of extreme stress? According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 85,605,500 people rated their stress levels at a level eight, nine or 10 on a 10-point scale in 2011....
3 Ways Humans Deal with Anger
By CCI Team Anger is a reaction to a threat or insult that can be all-consuming and sometimes, difficult to deal with. While anger is a normal human emotion, how we deal with it is important for mental health and a sense of peace. If not handled well, anger can become...
3 Ways Domestic Violence Trauma Can Impact Your Life
By CCI Team There are many ways that domestic violence affects the lives of victims as well as abusers. These damages often go far beyond the physical injuries. Addressing psychological and emotional traumas that come from abusive situations is a necessary step for...
13 Signs of a Cheating Partner
Most of us have been cheated on at some point or another. In fact, up to around 60% of married couples have engaged in cheating. This is an alarming statistic but rings true if you suspect your partner is cheating on you. If you have a tingling feeling they are being...
How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After Revocation
By Steven R. Roach DUI Charges in the Illinois Court System In Illinois courts, the greatest fear for most people facing DUI charges is the question of whether they are going to jail or not. The question as to whether the Illinois Secretary of State revokes their...
Them’s Fightin’ Words: Changing the Tone of Your Relationship from Conflict to Co-operation
By CCI Team Even the best relationships run into trouble from time to time, but the when an already bad relationship starts to go south things can get ugly very quickly. That’s when it may be time to call in the help of seasoned professionals. Counseling and mediation...
In-Person DUI Classes vs Online DUI Classes
By CCI Team While it’s causing a bit of a controversy, it’s now possible to take the required DUI classes through various online venues. It costs extra, but it saves you from having to beg a ride from a friend to fulfill the requirements necessary to earn back your...
6 Reasons Parenting Classes Create Healthy Families
Professional parenting classes can teach you everything you need to know about children as they progress through each stage of development. Healthy families are made from loving and informed parents who foster good relationships. Here are six ways parenting classes in...
Learning about the Immigration Hardship Evaluation Process in Chicago
By CCI Team Moving to a new country is always challenging. People do it for better opportunities, safer living, or to earn enough money to support family still living in their home county. Adjusting to the new life may be particularly difficult for those families...
How to Help a Loved One Manage Chronic Pain and Addiction
By Caleb Anderson When I was little, my favorite uncle was injured on the job and prescribed a prescription painkiller. He’d suffered back pain for years and finally decided he’d accept the extra help to manage the pain. Though he was eventually able to return to work...
What You Need to Know About Court Ordered Drug and Alcohol Evaluations in Chicago
If you get caught partying and end up in front of a judge for your Friday-night antics, you may just find yourself facing a drug and alcohol evaluation. If you’re caught driving under the influence in Illinois, you’ll have to be evaluated before the judge will even...
Trump and Immigration
By Lawyer Christopher Kurczaba While campaigning for President, Donald Trump pledged to increase enforcement of immigration laws. After the election, surrogates claim Trump will have more moderate views. No one is sure what will happen, but given a...
TRUMP I IMIGRACJA
By Lawyer Christopher Kurczaba W trakcie ubiegania się o urząd Prezydenta, Donald Trump zapowiadał zaostrzenie egzekwowania prawa imigracyjnego. Zastępcy oraz współpracownicy Trumpa twierdzą, że po wyborach będzie miał bardziej umiarkwane poglądy. Nikt nie jest pewien...