We're Here to Serve During COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing stress and anxiety throughout our community, and we remain committed to providing service and support during this time. Please see our COVID-19 information page for the latest updates.
We provide caring, confidential, personalized counseling in a private office environment. Our experienced staff of licensed psychotherapists work with children, teens, adults of all ages, couples and families. We offer counseling in Spanish as well as English. Read about our services »
Our services are affordable and are covered by most major insurance plans. We use a sliding scale to ensure that quality care is available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. We offer convenient, flexible hours, including day and evening appointments. Find answers to your questions »
Youth & Family Counseling is a nonprofit organization dedicated to filling an unmet need for affordable mental health services in the diverse Lake County community. We open doors to mental healthcare so people can cope, heal and thrive. Learn about our impact »
With your help, we can enable all community members to overcome barriers to treatment and receive professional counseling when they need it.
Recently, I spent two weeks enjoying both the men’s and women’s March Madness competitions. But it was different this year. During March Madness, I am usually on vacation in Florida and enjoy watching games at one of the local sports bars, enjoying seafood and sometimes a beer. However, COVID-19 has brought home a new reality: no large gatherings. Safety calls on us to show discretion and avoid big groups. So, I watched these games with family instead. And I enjoyed seafood of all varieties—shrimp, grouper, scallops, oysters, and calamari. Since I rarely drink, I did not miss my occasional beer. Overall, I found a way to have fun without a big group in a bar.
As weeks in isolation drag on, one thing is clear - the COVID-19 quarantine is taking a toll on our collective mental health. While some might find this time valuable for reflection and growth, almost all of us are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression. And for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, the added uncertainity of COVID makes their stability even more fragile.
In a world turned upside down by the coronavirus, it’s crucial that we find ways to help our children feel safe. Sheila Ciesil, LCPC, a YFC therapist who specializes in child therapy, offers these tips for parents hoping to do just that:
First and foremost, regulate your own emotions. Children look to their parents for information about how to interpret ambiguous situations. If your children observe that you handle difficult emotions well, then it sends them a message that they can do so too.
Parenting these days is not for the faint of heart, particularly in light of the upheaval caused by COVID-19. If you’re looking for useful roadmap to better family connections,YFC therapist Marianny Arribas recommends the book Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham. Read Marianny's review to learn why she describes this book as a practical guide to raising happy kids.
In her book entitled “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting,” Dr. Laura Markham describes a practical guide to raising “happy kids” based primarily on fostering connection rather than teaching new tricks and bribes to discipline a child.
COVID-19 is causing much stress and anxiety throughout our world, and you're not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed. But here's some reassuring news -- YFC will continue to offer help and support to those who need it during these uncertain times. As your community counseling agency, Youth & Family Counseling remains committed to our mission of opening doors to mental healthcare to all who need it, regardless of ability to pay.
We will continue support clients and provide treatment as best we can, and to maintain our high standards of care. Some points to share with you:
It seems wherever we turn these days, stories about the coronavirus are dominating the news cycle. Updates are ubiquitous, and the virus cacophony feels inescapable. No wonder our collective mental well-being is at risk. So how do we stay informed while protecting our mental health? Consider these tips:
Youth & Family Counseling
1113 S. Milwaukee Ave., #104
Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone: (847) 367-5991
Fax: (847) 367-5997
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