Cityscape Counseling

02/20/2026

In any relationship, it can be possible that you would reach a point of feeling like you know everything about your partner. When this mindset creeps up, it’s important to remember that there are whole aspects of your partner that you never see, understand, or aren’t privy to because they haven’t happened in front of your eyes. Here are 50 questions that are designed to re-invigorate stale relationship conversations and bring some spark to your communication.

For any couple, no matter the length of the relationship, here are 50 questions for couples to maintain curiosity about each other.

02/20/2026

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a form of therapy designed for young children. At the heart of CCPT is the belief that children have an innate capacity for growth and healing if given the right environment.

A typical play therapy session may include toys, art supplies, role-play items, and sensory materials. The therapist helps the child use these as tools to express emotions and act out inner thoughts, fears, and wants.

If you’re wondering if your child could benefit from CCPT or want to learn more, read our blog on cityscapecounseling.com or reach out to get connected to a child therapist on our team!

02/18/2026

February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month. Challenge diet culture with these eating disorder therapist-approved tips!

02/17/2026

When most people think of play therapy, they often picture children using toys and games to express emotions they can’t yet put into words. But did you know that play therapy for adults is not only possible—it can be incredibly effective? If you’ve ever wondered, “Can adults do play therapy?” the answer is yes.

In fact, adult play therapy is gaining recognition as a powerful, evidence-based approach. This type of therapy is effective for healing emotional wounds, especially in those who have experienced trauma. Creative, experiential techniques include art, role-play, sand tray, and therapy games for adults. This therapy allows individuals to explore emotions and patterns that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy.

Check out our new blog that explores Does Play Therapy for Adults Actually Work? on our website!

Discover how play therapy for adults works and its benefits. Learn why it’s a powerful tool for healing trauma, anxiety, and emotional blocks.

02/16/2026

This week’s Cityscape Therapist Spotlight is on Caroline Quintanilla, LCSW! Caroline works with adults and adolescents on mood disorders, Eating Disorders, EDs among Athletes, Relationship Issues, Sexuality Concerns and Sexual Trauma, Race/Diversity Concerns, Substance Use/Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, and Life Transitions

To learn more about Caroline and her practice, check out her profile on the Cityscape Counseling website:

Caroline Quintanilla, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a sincere, energetic, and progressive in-office and online therapist in Chicago.

02/13/2026

“Did I cause my anxiety?” is a question that runs through the heads of many people who struggle with anxiety. While the experience of anxiety is common, the origins behind its onset are multifaceted. Blaming yourself is neither productive nor accurate. The truth is that many factors contribute to the development of anxiety and it’s often a combination of biology, genetics, environment, and psychology. So to better answer the question, “Did I cause my anxiety?” let us look at some common contributors to anxiety in this blog on our website.

To best answer the question, "Did I cause my anxiety?" let us look at some common contributors to anxiety.

02/11/2026

TIPP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation) skills are commonly taught by therapists using a DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) approach. 🛋️

With time and patience, these tools can be key to feeling more grounded during life’s difficult moments. Use these in a quick pinch when you feel revved up by your emotions.

1️⃣ Temperature: Tip your body’s temperature. Think holding ice, splashing your face in cold water, or taking a hot shower. In Chicago during the winter, you can just step outside! ❄️ This snaps your brain from the intensity of your emotions to the present moment.

2️⃣ Intense Exercise: Brief, intense physical activity like running, holding a plank, jumping jacks, marching in place can redirect focus and calm down your body. 🏃‍♂️

3️⃣ Paced Breathing: Inhale for a count of 4, gently hold at the top of the inhale for 4, and exhale for a count of 4. Work to make your exhales longer than your inhales, repeating the process and releasing for 5, then 6, all the way up to 8. Pacing your breathing slows down your heart rate and clams the to create a sense of calm in the body. 🧘‍♀️

4️⃣ Paired Muscle Relaxation: Draw your attention to your body. Focus on tensing and relaxing each muscle group for a few seconds, starting with your toes and feet all the way up to your neck, jaw, and eyes. Breathe slowly and deeply through the exercise. PMR releases tension in the body and connects you to the present moment. 💪

Remember to like and save this post for future reference and follow Cityscape Counseling for more tips from licensed therapists!

02/10/2026

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood. For some people, it shows up as visible routines or repeated behaviors. For others, it lives almost entirely in their thoughts. These differences can make OCD hard to recognize, especially when symptoms do not match what people expect.

This is why many people begin asking a simple but important question: What are the 4 types of OCD? Understanding the main OCD subtypes can help bring clarity to confusing thoughts, urges, and behaviors that feel difficult to control. This article will explore what those 4 types of OCD are.

What are the 4 types of OCD? Learn the main OCD subtypes, how they differ, and when it may be time to seek professional support.

02/09/2026

This week’s Cityscape Therapist Spotlight is on Colleen Mahoney, LCSW! Colleen works with adults on Addictions, Depression, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD, and Grief.

To learn more about Colleen and her practice, check out her profile on the Cityscape Counseling website:

Mary “Colleen” Mahoney, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, is a compassionate therapist in Chicago.

02/06/2026

If you are someone who avoids scheduling routine dental visits due to anxiety, you are not alone. This is undoubtedly a common experience, but why does going to the dentist cause people so much anxiety? Some people experience panic symptoms before or during dental visits such as increased heart rate, sweating, or nausea. They may also experience anticipatory anxiety days in advance or difficulty sleeping the night before the appointment. There are numerous reasons as to why someone becomes fearful of the dentist. This blog looks into a few factors that could potentially contribute to why going to the dentist causes people so much anxiety.

https://www.cityscapecounseling.com/post/why-does-going-to-the-dentist-cause-people-so-much-anxiety-2/

02/03/2026

When children struggle with overwhelming emotions, behavioral challenges, or life transitions, they often can’t fully express their experience. That’s where child-centered play therapy (CCPT) comes in. Rooted in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, CCPT provides a safe, supportive space for children. They can communicate, process feelings, and develop coping skills without the pressure of verbal explanation. This article looks at What Is Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)- check it out on our website!

Discover how child-centered play therapy helps children heal and grow through play. Learn how CCPT works and if it's right for your child.

02/02/2026

This week’s Cityscape Therapist Spotlight is on Samantha Kay, LCPC! Samantha works with adults and adolescents, in person and virtually. Her specialties include: Anxiety/Mood, Trauma, Disordered Eating, Interpersonal Relationships, Adjustment Issues, and EMDR

To learn more about Samantha and her practice, check out her profile on the Cityscape Counseling website!

Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who offers in-office and virtual sessions in Chicago at Cityscape Counseling.