Dr. Nicole L Thompson CEO at Bethesda Behavioral Health Services, LLC

Happy Memorial Day!!! Let us remember our soldiers both on and off the battlefield. Those who died in combat in other countries as well as in our own fighting for our rights to various freedom.

Hello BBHS Followers,

I am honored to highlight SunShine Ballentine in the Bethesda Behavioral Health Family! She has been here for almost a year and has been amazing part of the team! You can click the link below to check out her Psychology Today profile and make your first appointment.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sunshine-ballentine-elmhurst-il/951564

Benefits of Using Gestalt Therapy to Treat Trauma

Trauma can be related to an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s overall functioning which includes: mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being”.
From this trauma is created what are called wounding messages, which are the underlying messages (typically developed in childhood) from one or multiple experiences that filters how we interpret, make contact, or attempt to get our needs met.

These wounding messages create the shattered self. Shattering of self is the process of disowning parts of the self that are vulnerable, taught that was “bad”, or misunderstood to feel safe or fit in. A disconnection of the mind, body, and soul (emotions/feelings). When individuals operate from the shattered self, they change their contact with themselves and others. Which can create problems in communication, relationships, the ability to think or focus, parenting, sexuality and affection, and conflict resolution just to name a few.

Why use Gestalt therapy?
• Increases authentic contact with self, others, and their environment.
• Allows people to identify coping skills to address core emotional issues.
• Provides a framework for understanding functional and dysfunctional behaviors that stem from wounded messages.
• Increases compassion for self and others.
• Creates a deeper language and sense-making framework for the personality trait-based approach.
• Positions individual experiences, patterns, and behaviors within current and historical context.
• Helps couples/partners and families to identify underlying motives for destructive verbal and non-verbal behaviors or forms of contact that may be negatively impacting their relationship.
• Enables the couple/partners and families to move beyond a pattern of blaming conflict on “personality differences”.
• Reduces judgement and criticism of partners/family while building understanding and respect for personality differences.
• Provides a framework for making sense of and resolving conflict and challenges.
• Increases understanding of how each person attempts to self-protect, make connections, and their needs met.
References
Cron, I.M. & Stabile, S. (2016). The road back to you: an Enneagram journey to self-discovery.
Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.
Mayer, G. (2014, January 27). Gestalt therapy simplified. Coaching, counseling, dept psychology, and
spiritual awareness. https://gwynnemayer.com/2014/gestalt-processes-simplified/
(n.d.). Defining Trauma. Trauma-Informed Care: Implementation Resource Center. https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/what-is-trauma/
O’Leary , E. (2013). Gestalt Therapy Around the World. Wiley

Hello All! I am currently the President of the Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling (IACFC), - for those of you who may not be familiar with us, is a division of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). We are hosting our first annual conference on April 28, 2023, and wanted to extend the invitation to you.

IACFC is excited to announce its upcoming ANNUAL CONFERENCE!

When: Friday, April 28, 2023 (Please see the attached Flyers for more details)

Theme: Nourishing Families in Crisis: From Devastation to Unification

Where: Loyola University - 6339 N Sheridan Rd Chicago, IL 60660

Conference Times: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Networking Event: 4pm-6pm (includes cocktails and appetizers hour)

In Person
· IACFC Members $120.00
· Non-Members $150.00
· IACFC Student Members $75.00
· Non-Student Members $85.00
Virtual Price
· IACFC Members $110.00
· Non-Members $140.00
· IACFC Student Members $60.00
· Non-Student Members $70.00

You can register for the conference 3 ways:
1. Using the QR code on the attached flyer
2. Clicking the following link https://www.ilcounseling.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1699183&group=
3. OR typing www.ilcounseling.org/ ---- Go to Calendar---- Scroll down to April 28, 2023

Dear Valued Community Mental Health Workers,

I am currently the President of the Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling (IACFC), - for those of you who may not be familiar with us, is a division of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). We are hosting our first annual conference on April 28, 2023 and wanted to extend the invitation to you.

For more information or to register for the conference click the following link https://lnkd.in/g2Rnf2Fu


If you have any questions please feel free to message me or email me at [email protected].

ATTENTION PLEASE!!! I am honored to introduce my first two contracted clinicians Toyin Ogunsola and Jamesa Pruitt to the Bethesda Behavioral Health Team!! Both individuals have a variety of clinical talent and I am so excited to work with them. You can click the link below to check out their Psychology Today profile and make your first appointment.

Jamesa Pruitt : https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/944473
Toyin Ogunsola : https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/944048

I am pleased to announce the opening of my new practice Bethesda Behavioral Health Services, LLC.

Location: Telehealth

Telephone: 773-985-3857

New Clients and Referrals are Welcome!

Dr. Nicole L Thompson CEO at Bethesda Behavioral Health Services, LLC updated their business hours.

Dr. Nicole L Thompson CEO at Bethesda Behavioral Health Services, LLC updated their address.

Dr. Nicole L Thompson CEO at Bethesda Behavioral Health Services, LLC updated their website address.

Social distancing (although very important) should not stop you from getting the help that you want! I am now offering teletherapy services. You can also visit me at the website below to learn more about the services that I provide.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/281942
For more information or to schedule an appointment you can call me at 1-773-985-3857

Nicole Thompson, Counselor, Chicago, IL, 60601 | Psychology Today Nicole Thompson, Counselor, Chicago, IL, 60601, (773) 985-3857, I am a psychotherapist who is interested in working with clients who are striving to become their authentic/best selves. The counseling process is one that looks the holistic needs of the individual (i.e. society, family, personal narra...

"The Dynamic of Shared Experiences In and Around the Counseling Profession"

November 7-9, 2019

Holiday Inn North Shore
5300 W Touhy Ave
Skokie, Illinois 60077

2019 Conference Info - Illinois Counseling Association Illinois Counseling Association | PO Box 367, DeKalb, IL 60115 | PH 877-284-1521 | FAX 815-787-0505EMAIL [email protected] | WEB www.ilcounseling.org