Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center

12/19/2025

MEET RICARDO J. HURLEY, LSW

“Unlock your full potential and let go of past regrets, allowing the scars of yesterday to fade into a brighter tomorrow.” ~Ricardo Hurley

Ricardo J. Hurley is a therapist and licensed social worker at the Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center. He specializes in mental health, working with teens, young adults, adults, individuals, and couples as he is being trained in the Couples Synergy model by Dr. Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian.

As a young man growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Ricardo had a desire to help others in any way he could, whether it was through community service or being that one person you could rely on for good advice and encouragement. He comes from a long line of family members who dedicated their lives to serving their surrounding community in some way or fashion. The strongest and most honorable person in his family is his grandmother, Adelia “Mama” Hurley, who founded two day cares and after-school programs in Chicago on the south and west sides of the city, as well as being in the National Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. She inspired him to find my own way of knowing how he could find a need in his culture and community and what he could do to serve others.

Ricardo has over 7 years of experience in the social work field, ranging from youth residential care, school-based clinician, and his current position as a psychotherapist. He has worked under many clinicians, social workers, and youth care workers, learning aspects of crisis management, trauma care, life coaching, and anger management.

Ricardo’s greatest success with clients thus far has been being able to step in to help a young woman who was at risk of self-harm. During this time, the woman’s support group had started to drift away, and his services became the only ones consistent in her life to help her manage her past and present trauma. In this, he was not only able to help her, but was also reminded why he chose this path of work for a career.

“Lighthouse is an amazing place with a truly amazing, professional, down-to-earth staff that has aided me in learning and allowed me to be myself as a person and professional. Dr. Ray and Jean have truly created something here that works for individuals and couples alike.”

“If you are currently reading this wondering if counseling is for you, my question for you would be, “Why not? We all have problems, we all need someone to talk to, and we all need to have a safe place free of judgment while also being held accountable.”

VIEW RICARDOS FULL BIO: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/ricardo-hurley-lsw/

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RICARDO
CALL TEXT: 847-253-9769
VISIT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com

Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, founded by Couples Synergy with Dr Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian, provides professional counseling services for individuals, couples and families. In addition to providing a unique and more successful approach to working with couples and families called, Couples Synergy and Family Synergy Therapy, The Lighthouse provides services such as: marriage counseling, relationship counseling, family therapy, individual counseling, divorce counseling and personal development workshops.

Learn more at www.LighthouseEmotionalWellness.com

12/19/2025

EVERYONE HERE AT LIGHTHOUSE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS CENTER WISHES YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sometimes the Holidays can also heighten anxiety, depression or cause extreme stress. Our team of experienced therapists can help if you experience any of these emotional conditions.

We offer professional support tailored to your needs:

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Get one-on-one support to manage personal stress and mental health challenges.

COUPLES THERAPY: Navigate relationship pressures, holiday expectations, and communication hurdles.

FAMILY THERAPY: Address family dynamics, conflict, and grief to make the season smoother for everyone.

We can help you find peace and balance this Holiday Season!

Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment:

CALL: 847-253-9769
VISIT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us
EMAIL: info@lighthouseemotionalwellness.com

LEARN MORE:

ANXIETY: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/anxiety

DEPRESSION: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/depression

STRESS: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/stress-management

12/16/2025

NEED SOME TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY?

Whether its during a Holiday Season or in just day-to-day life. Murween Rose has the top tips for reducing Anxiety: TIP ONE

Hi everyone! One tip that I would want to suggest that is very practical, that you can use over the holiday is what I call a component. What that looks like is where you can get a weighted blanket. You can get scented candles, you can get citrus ball and you create a space within your home so that when you feel the anxiety coming on, you can go in that corner and utilize those items and it can serve to help with the anxiety.

I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday!

VISIT MURWEENS FULL BIO: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/murween-rose-lpc/

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT
You don’t have to manage holiday anxiety alone! Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center can help.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: CALL (847) 253-9769
https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, founded by Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian, provides professional counseling services for individuals, couples and families. In addition to providing a unique and more successful approach to working with couples and families called, Couples Synergy and Family Synergy Therapy, The Lighthouse provides services such as: marriage counseling, relationship counseling, family therapy, individual counseling, divorce counseling and personal development workshops. Learn more at www.LighthouseEmotionalWellness.com

https://youtu.be/yZ06vWx4lN0?si=X_cot5b1ML8ATema

NEED SOME TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY?Whether its during a Holiday Season or in just day-to-day life. Murween Rose has the top tips for reducing Anxiety...

12/16/2025

MEET MURWEEN ROSE

"Growth isn't found in avoiding discomfort, its discovered in the strength to move through it"

Murween Rose is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She believes that life is a journey with good and bad moments. Coping with these challenges can be done through sharing your story. Therapy is a great place to process, explore and adapt with the aim to re-author your story.

Murween has a passion for working with couples and individuals with relationship concerns in conflict, anger, and communication issues. Also with individuals experiencing stress-related issues, anxiety, self-esteem, work life balance, and grief. Her clinical focus is to help individuals to identify what may be the immediate problem and develop those goals for the desired outcomes. Murween finds joy in helping clients to gain a sense of renewed hope for their lives. She has a warm, interactive and empathetic style in working with clients. She utilizes an integrative approach in her practice based on Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Solution Focused brief Therapy.

In her free time, Murween enjoys writing books, journals, listening to spiritual music, engaging in mediation/devotion and spending time with her family.

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.” – Helen Barry

SEE MURWEENS FULL EXPERIENCE
https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/murween-rose-lpc/

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:
Call: 847-253-9769
Visit: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

VIEW MORE INFORMATION ON ANXIETY TREATMENT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/anxiety

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS CENTER:
Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, founded by Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian, provides professional counseling services for individuals, couples and families. In addition to providing a unique and more successful approach to working with couples and families called, Couples Synergy and Family Synergy Therapy, The Lighthouse provides services such as: marriage counseling, relationship counseling, family therapy, individual counseling, divorce counseling and personal development workshops. Learn more at www.LighthouseEmotionalWellness.com

12/15/2025

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANXIETY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

EDWARD ORIOLE LCPC of Lighthouse Emotional Wellness center gives some quick tips on how to deal with Anxiety during Holidays.

"When we get into the Christmas season, we always experience a mixture of joy and anxiety. What I've learned to do during the Christmas season is think my way out of that. Emotions are temporary. Logic is permanent. When you start to feel, anxiety start to overwhelm you. You have a choice. You can react to the anxiety or you can think your way out of the problem. For example, everybody's going to be at the party. They're all going to be judging me whether I'm gaining weight, whether I'm dressed right. You choose between them. So what I would advise is you would think your way out of it because between stimulation and response, you have a choice."

View Edwards full experience and expertise: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/edward-l-oriole

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:
Call: 847-253-9769
Visit: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

VIEW MORE INFORMATION ON ANXIETY TREATMENT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/anxiety

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE EMOTIONAL WELLNESS CENTER:
Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, founded by Dr. Ray and Jean Kadkhodaian, provides professional counseling services for individuals, couples and families. In addition to providing a unique and more successful approach to working with couples and families called, Couples Synergy and Family Synergy Therapy, The Lighthouse provides services such as: marriage counseling, relationship counseling, family therapy, individual counseling, divorce counseling and personal development workshops. Learn more at www.LighthouseEmotionalWellness.com

12/14/2025

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANXIETY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and magical, but for many people it can be one of the most anxiety‑producing times of the year. Full calendars, financial pressure, family dynamics, grief, and the expectation to feel happy can create a perfect storm for stress and overwhelm. If you’re feeling anxious during the holidays, you’re not alone—and there are practical ways to care for yourself through it.

WHY HOLIDAY ANXIETY IS SO COMMON:

The end of the year brings change and reflection. Routines are disrupted, boundaries are tested, and emotions tend to run high. You may be managing:

Increased social obligations
Family conflict or unresolved relationships
Financial strain and gift expectations
Grief or loneliness
Pressure to meet traditions or make everything perfect
Understanding that these stressors are real—and common—can help reduce the shame that often accompanies anxiety.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

One of the biggest drivers of holiday anxiety is the belief that everything has to look a certain way. Perfect meals, perfect decorations, perfect gatherings. In reality, aiming for perfection only adds pressure.

Give yourself permission to simplify. Traditions can change. Not every event needs your attendance. A meaningful holiday does not require exhaustion.

CREATE AND PROTECT BOUNDARIES

Boundaries are essential during the holidays. This may mean limiting time with people who drain you, declining invitations, or leaving events early.

You do not need to justify your boundaries. Simple statements like “I won’t be able to stay long” or “That doesn’t work for me right now” are enough. Protecting your energy is not selfish—it’s necessary.

GROUND YOUR BODY WHEN ANXIETY AROUSES

Anxiety often lives in the body before it shows up in our thoughts. Grounding techniques can help calm your nervous system in the moment.

Try slow, intentional breathing by inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding again for four. Gentle movement, stretching your shoulders or jaw, or stepping outside for fresh air can also bring relief.

Even a short walk or a few minutes of stillness can help reset your stress response.

SCHEDULE DECOMPRESSION TIME:

Many people pack their holiday schedules without allowing time to recover. If possible, build quiet time into your calendar just like you would any other commitment.

Plan space before and after gatherings to rest, journal, read, or simply be alone. Anxiety often eases when your nervous system knows rest is coming.

PREPARE FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS:

Family gatherings can bring up sensitive topics or long‑standing tensions. Preparing a few neutral responses in advance can help you feel more in control.

Examples include: “I’m focusing on taking things one day at a time.” “I’d rather not talk about that today.” “Let’s change the subject.”

You are allowed to redirect conversations or step away when needed.

WATCH WHAT FUELS ANXIETY:

Certain habits can intensify anxiety, especially during the holidays. Excess caffeine, alcohol, and constant social media scrolling can heighten nervous system activation.

Try to notice what increases your anxiety and gently reduce it where possible. Limiting news intake and comparison on social platforms can also make a noticeable difference.

MAKE ROOM FOR MIXED EMOTIONS:

The holidays can bring joy and sadness at the same time. You may feel grateful and lonely, connected and grieving, calm one moment and overwhelmed the next.

All of these emotions are valid. Allowing yourself to acknowledge what you’re feeling—without judgment—can be incredibly grounding. You don’t have to force happiness to honor the season.

USE A SIMPLE GROUNDING QUESTION:

When anxiety spikes, pause and ask yourself: “What is one thing I can control in this moment?”

Focusing on a single, manageable action—such as taking a breath, stepping outside, or choosing not to engage in a stressful conversation—can help interrupt the anxiety cycle.

GENTLE REMINDER

Taking care of your mental health during the holidays is not a failure. It’s an act of self‑respect. This season does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. Small moments of calm, honesty, and care matter more than any tradition or expectation.

If this holiday season feels heavy, be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can.

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT

You don’t have to manage holiday anxiety alone! Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center can help.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: CALL (847) 253-9769
https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/



https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/do-you-suffer-from-anxiety-during-the-holiday-season/

12/14/2025

MEET EDWARD L. ORIOLE:

A LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL & CERTIFIED ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR

"It is not external events themselves, but rather our beliefs about those events that lead to our emotional and then behavioral responses. Therapy can assess those beliefs" ~ Edward Oriole

Edward L. Oriole is a nationally certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Edward is an associate on the staff at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center.

Eddie can help you determine if the patterns in your personal and work life are useful or counter-productive. For example if your thinking patterns often result in anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts or fears, Eddie can help you identify the thinking errors. This realization leads to guidance toward a change in thinking habits and a change in behavior.

VEIW ED'S FULL BIO: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/edward-l-oriole

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ED: Call 847-253-9769 or visit https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness team is highly trained in counseling in the context of a range of disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, bipolar and trauma, as well as loss and grief. Our Personal Coaching services also address the following issues:

Anxiety
Anger Management
Depression
Greif
PTSD
Self-Esteem
Stress Management
Communication
Pattern of unhealthy relationships
Intimacy
Conflict avoidance
Shame
Vulnerability
Expressing emotions
Power and control
Strengthening boundaries
Empathy
Trust

11/11/2025

Thank you to Jean Kadkhodaian for her service to this country on this Veterans Day and her service to our clients

11/07/2025

Listen to Dr. Ray and Jean discuss ANGER WITHIN RELATIONSHIPS:

Because anger is a very common emotion it's more than likely going to come up in your relationship. It's sort of like the check engine light in your car. It's an indicator. It's a secondary emotion, which means something else is going on underneath the hood. When anger happens for us it's a sign we are out of balance. Most of the time it comes up as my partner is the one out balance, not as you being out of balance. Anger works as a protective measure. We don't want to feel this vulnerable primary emotion. And so anger comes in to protect us from that. And typically it is going to respond by either fighting, running or freezing. That's really the three responses when we are faced with a threat. And so it doesn't really help us navigate the real problem. It just indicates that there is a real problem. Its important to realize that this is touching something inside of you that is painful, or coming up for healing or out of balance, or maybe a boundary that you've set, that you've let people violate, whatever it is, it's something very important, and it's a great opportunity for healing and for renegotiating things in your relationship.

It's a natural response for us to be angry at someone who we think or feel and perceive that they are a threat. They're trying to hurt us in some way. How do you regulate your emotions, your anxiety and your anger so that you can find that balance in your brain between your prefrontal cortex of logic and reason and problem solving and taking responsibility and balance that with that hindbrain that's in fear and feels defensive and attacked.

Anger can become quite an addiction. It can be a very dysfunctional cycle within a relationship where couples get really mangled up in their own anger, and they stew in it. And once they get into that place, it's really hard to get out of it.

Lighthouse Emotional Wellness can help you with Anger Management in relationships.

CALL: (847) 253-9769
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

View the full Ep 320: Why Are You So Angry? - Understanding the Role of Anger in Relationships.
https://www.youtube.com/live/CAULykf0...

11/05/2025

THE HOLIDAYS CAN BRING JOY...AND SOMETIMES STRESS!

Don’t let anger steal your holiday spirit. Learn healthy ways to manage emotions and strengthen relationships this season.

Visit https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/anger-management/ to learn more about Anger Management and how our EXPERIENCED Counselors can help you keep peace this Holiday Season!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: 847-253-9769
VISIT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

Learn more about Anger in Relationships by Dr. Ray and Jean https://youtu.be/V6j20zZ5-T0?si=qw-gSQUz_ev3ywm6

08/22/2025

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANXIETY?

An estimated 301 million people worldwide have an anxiety disorder, making it the most common of all mental disorders. At Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center we have Specialized Anxiety Counselors ready to help you recover from any kind of Anxiety disorder. Some signs you maybe suffering from Anxiety include:

EMOTIONAL & MENTAL SIGNS

* Excessive Worry
* Feeling Restless, Tense, or On Edge
* Sense of Impending Danger, Panic, or Doom
* Difficulty Concentrating
* Irritability
* Fear of Losing Control or "Going Crazy"
* Unwanted and repetitive thoughts, often negative or catastrophic

PHYSICAL SIGNS

* Increased Heart Rate/Pounding Heart (Palpitations)
* Rapid Breathing (Hyperventilation) or Shortness of Breath
* Sweating: Often cold sweats, or excessive sweating
* Trembling or Shaking
* Muscle Tension or Aches
* Fatigue or Weakness
* Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep (insomnia), or restless sleep
* Digestive Issues: Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
* Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady
* Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines
* Cold, Sweaty, or Tingling Hands or Feet: Due to changes in blood flow
* Constant Dry Mouth
* Numbness or Tingling: Often in the extremities

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS

* Avoidance: Avoiding situations, places, or activities that trigger anxiety
* Difficulty with Daily Activities
* Restlessness: Being unable to sit still or needing to constantly move
* Compulsive Behaviors
* Seeking Reassurance: Constantly asking for reassurance from others

Our Experienced Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Professionals Can Help!�

CALL: 847-253-9769

MAKE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT: https://lighthouseemotionalwellness.com/contact-us/

05/01/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Our staff are giving out green ribbons for Awareness