Bergen Counseling Collective

12/19/2025

I've been a therapist for over 20 years, and every November and December, the same conversations start showing up in my office.

"I'm dreading Christmas with my in-laws."
"I love my family, but being around them exhausts me."
"Why can't I just enjoy the holidays like everyone else seems to?"

Here's what I tell my clients: if the holidays feel hard and you dread going home, you're not ungrateful or a bad son/daughter. You're responding normally to a genuinely difficult situation.

Going home often means stepping back into old family roles we've long outgrown. The successful professional who feels like a teenager again the moment they walk through their parents' door. The person who has done years of personal growth work, only to feel it unravel within hours of a family dinner. These experiences are incredibly common.

I just updated our holiday survival guide with practical strategies for what actually helps. Not surface-level wellness tips, but real tools for setting boundaries without guilt, managing your own reactions when you can't control others, and staying grounded when family gatherings feel overwhelming.

The guide covers boundary setting (with actual examples of what to say), managing expectations around things you can control, navigating difficult conversations, supporting yourself through grief during the holidays, and taking care of your wellbeing when the season feels like too much.

The holidays don't have to be perfect. They don't have to match anyone else's expectations, including your own. They just have to be navigable. And with the right strategies, they can even hold moments of genuine connection.

If you're struggling this season, you're not alone. And if you need support beyond what a blog post can offer, we're here. We work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, family stress, relationship challenges, and all the complicated feelings the holidays can bring.

Read the full guide here: https://www.bergencounselingcenter.com/holiday-survival-guide/

Wishing you moments of peace this season.

Bergen Counseling Collective | Ravenswood, Chicago | In-person and online therapy throughout Illinois

Struggling with holiday family stress? A Chicago therapist shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing expectations, and protecting your mental health this season.

10/24/2025

Take a breath. Notice where you are. You don’t need to chase peace — it’s already here. 🌸

At Bergen Counseling Collective, we provide compassionate, professional counseling to help you navigate life’s challenges.
📍 Now accepting new clients – in-person and virtual sessions available.
👉 Learn more or schedule an appointment link in bio

10/17/2025

Let’s break the stigma. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's okay to ask for help. Whether you're struggling or supporting someone who is, remember—you're not alone. Be kind, check in on each other, and speak up. Together, we can create a world where mental wellness is a priority for all.

At Bergen Counseling Collective, we provide compassionate, professional counseling to help you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply need someone to talk to, our experienced therapists are here to support you.

📍 Now accepting new clients – in-person and virtual sessions available.
👉 Learn more or schedule an appointment link in bio

06/27/2025

Watch Bergen’s founder, Jeremiah, talk about what makes a "good" therapist.

Get to know Jeremiah in this interview series as he talks about a variety of topics. A question for Jeremy? Let him know!

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, navigating trauma, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

📍Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation📱

06/22/2025

Taking a break from screens can do wonders for your mind and body! 🌿 A digital detox helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost creativity. Step away from the constant notifications and reconnect with the present moment. Try it for a day or even just a few hours – your mental health will thank you. 💆‍♀️✨

Bergen Counseling Collective is located in Chicago, IL
Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

06/17/2025

Get to know Morgan in this interview series as she talks about a variety of topics. A question for Morgan? Let her know!

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, navigating trauma, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/22/2025

Watch Bergen’s founder, Jeremiah, talk about a challege he faces as a therapist.

Get to know Jeremiah in this interview series as he talks about a variety of topics. Have a question for Jeremiah? Let him know!

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, experiencing unpleasant emotions, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/18/2025

Watch staff therapist, Sophia, talk about a challenge she faces as a therapsit.

Get to know Sophia in this interview series as she talks about a variety of topics. A question for Sophia? Let her know!

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, navigating trauma, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/17/2025

Watch staff therapist, Morgan, talk about a challenge she faces as a therapist.

Get to know Morgan in this interview series as she talks about a variety of topics. A question for Morgan? Let her know!

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, navigating trauma, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/16/2025

Watch staff therapist, Sophia, talk about what she loves about being a therapist.
Get to know Sophia in this interview series as she talks about a variety of topics.

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, navigating trauma, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/15/2025

Watch staff therapist, Morgan, talk about what she loves about being a therapist
Get to know Morgan in this interview series as she talks about a variety of topics.

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, experiencing unpleasant emotions, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.

04/14/2025

Watch Bergen’s founder, Jeremiah, talk about what he loves about being a therapist.

Get to know Jeremiah in this interview series as he talks about a variety of topics from what he loves about being a therapist to common misconceptions of therapy.

We understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and truly seen. Whether you're exploring relationships, experiencing unpleasant emotions, or reconnecting with yourself, we're here to support you with compassion and care.

Located in Chicago | Offering inclusive therapy for individuals and relationships
Interested in getting started? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.