Rivier Counseling Group, PLLC

11/06/2025

Following through on an earlier post about starting before things are perfect — we’ve been putting that into practice!

🍁 In September we used our not-quite-finished conference room for a trauma training! Led by Taylor Krull, LCPC, our certified Brainspotting Practitioner & Ashley Southcomb, LPC, our Trained EMDR Practitioner.

🌱Between setting up our new space and keeping our clinical skills sharp, we’ve been busy doing what matters most: caring for clients first, creating a comfortable space second, and catching up on social media update sometimes a month or so late 😉.

11/04/2025

Men’s Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk Men's Mental Health

Men face unique mental health challenges — and often stay silent. Here’s what you need to know 👇

Mental Health Risks:

Men die by suicide 4x more than women.

Men are 2x more likely than women to meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.

Chronic loneliness is more common in men.

Male-Dominated Jobs:

These may include Construction, Transportation, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Maintenance.

Risk factors for mental health issues include: workplace cultures that discourage admitting struggles, physically demanding work with long hours, and fewer supportive coworker relationships.

Men in these industries are often less likely to seek mental health help due to stigma.

Why Men Struggle:

Men’s stress and sadness often go unspoken due to the “tough it out” norm.

Many cope through alcohol, overworking, or other socially accepted outlets, while symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and withdrawal may go unnoticed.

How We Can Help:

Encourage men to share feelings without judgment

Show that vulnerability is strength

Promote mental health-friendly workplaces

Break stigma by fostering connection and safe access to support

💬 Men’s mental health matters. Let’s break the stigma.

11/01/2025

🕰️ Sometimes, it’s better to START than to wait until everything is perfect. Especially now, when food insecurity is reaching a high with the pause on SNAP benefits beginning November 1st.

📦 Our NEW FREE FOOD PANTRY is a simple plastic bin right now — but it’s a start. In the next month or two, we’ll be building something sturdier and more permanent. For now, it’s here to serve anyone who needs it.

📈Just like in therapy, growth doesn’t happen because everything is perfect — it happens because we take the first small step.

❤️ Take what you need, leave what you can. We are all in this together.

🌱Rivier Counseling Group

10/31/2025

🎃 This Halloween, we’re all about treating yourself kindly — no tricks! 🍬

Remember:
🧠 Self-care isn’t selfish
💬 Talking helps
😴 Rest isn’t laziness

Have a safe and spooky night!
🌱 Rivier Counseling Group

10/28/2025

🌱 What to Expect in Therapy: The Beginning, Middle, and End

Beginning therapy can feel unfamiliar, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect along the way:

🪴 The First Session:
Our first meeting is about getting to know you. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’d like to work on, and different aspects of your life. You don’t need to have it all figured out — it’s okay to simply show up as you are. Our role is to listen, help you feel comfortable, and begin building a foundation of trust.

🌿 The Middle Phase:
As therapy progresses, we start exploring patterns, emotions, and experiences more deeply. This is where insight and change start to take shape. You might notice new ways of thinking, relating, or coping. Sometimes, it feels rewarding — other times, it can feel challenging. Both are signs of growth.

🌼 The Ending Phase:
As your goals take shape and you begin feeling more grounded, we’ll start reflecting on progress and preparing for what life looks like beyond therapy. Ending therapy isn’t a “goodbye” — it’s a celebration of your growth and a transition into applying what you’ve learned in daily life.

Therapy is a journey, not a straight line. Every phase has its own rhythm, and you get to move at a pace that feels right for you. There is a different timeline for everyone.

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, this is your sign — it’s okay to begin.

10/23/2025

🌱Wanting therapy but need it on your terms?

Telehealth is an amazing option: Sandy is available and ready to help!

🕗 Wide open availability Monday-Thursday, limited Saturdays (will book fast, text our admin today!)

Some ways our clients have worked telehealth into their busy lives in the past:

🏠 After work: no need to leave the house again
🚗 In the car waiting for your kiddo at practice
😴 During your baby's naptime
🥪 Over lunch
🪴In the comfort of your own space

We know that sometimes coming into the office just is not in the schedule. Let us support you in the way that works best for you: over the phone or via video.

10/12/2025

🌱 Meet Delphia! One of our extremely qualified interns with 40 years of experience!

🙋‍♂️ One of the best questions we get is "are interns qualified?" At Rivier Counseling Group, we only partner with interns who come from accredited universities and have experience in the field on top of their schooling.

Delphia has worked in the following areas of the field over the last 40 years:
-Group homes
-Mental health department
-Personal care homes for senior citizens
-Church counseling
-Public schools
-Group facilitator for the court system
-Will County Co-op for Special Education

Text (815) 258-3228 if you think Delphia could be a good fit for you!

09/30/2025

Some strategies to help you cope, if these tragic events have been weighing on your mind. ❤️🧠🌱

APA offers resources to help those suffering stress and anxiety from constant news reports about the shootings in communities around the world.

09/28/2025

Cornfest Parade 2025! 🌽☀️🌱🧠

It was about 1,000 degrees out (give or take 😉), but our crew still showed up in a big way—kids, families, and all. Nothing says mental health support like practicing deep breathing while you’re melting on Liberty Street.

So proud of our little family business and our amazing team for bringing the smiles (and all the snacks). 💛 Thanks to everyone who cheered us on—we felt the love!

Now excuse us while we go drink a gallon of water and dream about making a float for next year. 🥵😂

09/08/2025

Mental health 🤝 Nutrition

"Today, fortunately, the burgeoning field of nutritional psychiatry is finding there are many consequences and correlations between not only what you eat, how you feel, and how you ultimately behave, but also the kinds of bacteria that live in your gut". -Eva Selhumb MD, Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

🌱Interested in exploring how food and nutrition could be contributing to your mental health? Schedule with Tara Ward, RD, LDN! Text "Schedule with Tara" (815) 258-3228.

09/06/2025

🍂 As the days grow shorter and sunlight fades, many people notice shifts in their mood, energy, and motivation. This can be more than just the “winter blues.” It may be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often showing up in the fall and winter months.

💡 The good news? Evidence-based strategies can be practiced right at home to support your mental health:

✅ Light Therapy: Sitting near a light therapy box (10,000 lux) for 20–30 minutes in the morning can mimic natural sunlight and improve mood.

✅ Movement: Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise or yoga, boosts endorphins and helps regulate sleep.

✅ Sleep Routine: Aim for consistent sleep and wake times — this helps balance your body’s circadian rhythm.

✅ Stay Connected: Schedule regular check-ins with friends or loved ones, even virtually, to reduce isolation.

✅ Mind-Body Practices: Mindfulness, meditation, or journaling can help you process emotions and stay grounded.

🌱 Small daily habits can make a big difference. If you notice symptoms interfering with your daily life, reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to face this alone.