Depression Therapy & Depression Counseling – Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Depression Therapy & Depression Counseling – Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

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Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines – Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

Anxiety Therapy & Anxiety Counseling – Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Anxiety Therapy & Anxiety Counseling – Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

Watch Our Video

 

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines – Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

Gifted Test For Children – Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Gifted Test For Children – Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

Watch Our Video

 

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines – Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy – Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy – Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

Watch Our Video

 

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines- Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

Psychologist Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Counseling Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

Watch Our Video

 

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines – Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

Counseling Des Plaines

When you work with our team of dedicated professionals, we promise to work diligently and earnestly to provide you with the support and tools you need to regain your peace of mind and psychological well-being.

 For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Call (847) 909-9858
To Request an Appointment,
Click Here

Counseling Des Plaines

When you use our counseling and psychiatry services, you can be assured that you and your family will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

 

Watch Our Video

 

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. is a Provider Group dedicated to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We have been providing high quality behavioral healthcare for the entire family since 2000. We treat most types of emotional or behavioral problems and specialize in working with family issues and relationship concerns.
Services We Offer:
  • Des Plaines – Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Therapy
  • Des Plaines – Psychotherapy
  • Des Plaines – Individual Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Counseling
  • Des Plaines – Child Therapy
Des Plaines – Affordable Counseling
We accept most major insurance plans and are one of the few for-profit clinics in all of Illinois to offer a discount on psychiatric medication management.
If you’re seeking Chicago and Suburbs Counseling, discover how we are able to help today!
(847) 909-9858 – FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
4001 W. Devon Avenue, Suite 506, Chicago, Illinois 60646
FOR OFFICE DIRECTIONS CLICK here

 

When Anger is a Positive

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

There are many misconceptions about the emotion of anger. One of those misconceptions is that anger is a negative thing and that being happy is its opposite. Another misconception is that, when people become angry, violence will most likely ensue. While these thoughts are sometimes true, they are also missing the other aspect of anger – the positive side.anger management

There is a way to display anger in a proper manner that is actually helpful rather than hurtful. While constructive anger has no exact definition since it varies from one situation to another, there are some common elements (1).

  • Constructive anger is controlled. Instead of immediately expressing anger when first instigated, take time to think about the situation and determine whether your anger is appropriate (2). Thinking about your response first will help you avoid destructive anger.
  • Constructive anger is justified. Do you actually have a reason to be as angry as you feel, or could you be overreacting to the situation? Did you do anything that could have contributed to the problem? Is the level of anger you feel proportional to the situation? Considering these questions will help you avoid regretting your anger later.
  • Constructive anger is shared (3). If you are expressing your anger and the object of your anger isn’t even present, you are wasting your breath and most likely just working yourself up. If you have a legitimate reason to be angry, it should be discussed face to face with the person. In addition, the other person should be given a chance to explain, share his perspective, and eventually apologize without being attacked further.

anger managementNot only can constructive anger help an immediate relationship or situation, it can have positive effects on the future as well. Studies have shown the repressed anger is more likely to result in violence than immediately expressed anger (3). The following are a few of the positive aspects of anger.

  • Resolves. Constructive anger results in a situation being resolved, which in turn strengthens the relationship rather than hurting it.
  • Motivates. Anger is an excellent motivator. If you feel wronged about something, it can motivate you to do something about it. This can work to your advantage in the workplace, politics, health and fitness, etc. (1)
  • Helps. Constructive anger can help you learn something about yourself and the other party that you may have never known before. It has been said that, in conflict, you will see a person’s true colors. This is true for others as well as yourself. In a relationship, learning these intimate details about each other can bring you even closer together (3).

Although anger can be difficult to control, especially for people who have long-term anger issues, anger can be used constructively to benefit you and your relationships rather than harm them.

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. provides counseling, psychological testing, and psychotropic medication management in Mount Prospect and Chicago – serving surrounding Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties. They accept most insurance and offer extremely affordable sliding scale rates. Call (847) 909-9858 for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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Sources:

  1. When Anger’s a Plus, Aspects of constructive anger, 2003, http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar03/whenanger.aspx
  2. Anger – How It Affects People, Characteristics of constructive anger, 2014, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Anger_how_it_affects_people
  3. The Upside of Anger, Benefits of constructive anger, 2015, http://www.spring.org.uk/2012/03/the-upside-of-anger-6-psychological-benefits-of-getting-mad.php

Expectation vs. Performance

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

performanceThe Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term “expectation” as “a belief that something will happen or is likely to happen”; It defines “performance” as “the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request; something accomplished.” We have expectations in every aspect of life: for our kids, our marriages, our careers. In some areas, we set our own expectations; in others, they are set for us.

Our performance shows whether or not we fulfilled those expectations. For example, if you are asked to write a report by a specific deadline, you will be expected to fulfill this. The level of your performance may be determined by the quality of the report as well as your timeliness and accuracy. In general, if we meet all of the expectations we create for ourselves or are given, we might consider ourselves “successful.”

Expectation Mindset

expectationsThe expectations that you set for yourself and your life can be determined by your overall attitude. If you are an optimistic person, you will most likely have high expectations regarding the outcome of your life, career, and family. You imagine everyone at his best. If you are a pessimist, you might have low expectations or have doubts that you can fulfill expectations in those areas, reasoning that you will be pleasantly surprised if it turns out better than expected but prepared if it does not. These views are not necessarily wrong or right, just different.

Expectation Level

  1. High Expectations. Setting high expectations for yourself or for others can provide great motivation to perform. In sports, if a coach puts great trust in you and expects you to be a team leader, you will be very motivated to prove to him that you are capable of doing so. At work, setting high expectations makes you work harder to achieve that goal. However, setting your sights too high can be detrimental to your success. If the bar is set too high and you are not able to reach it, you may feel disappointment or inadequacy. You might feel embarrassed if you do not perform the way that you were expected to.
  2. Low Expectations. If your expectations are too low, the performance might be too easy. If there is no challenge, then there may be nothing to work for. Instead of having a drive to succeed, you may get comfortable in your position and reach a plateau.
  3. Realistic Expectations. Set expectations for yourself and others that you know will be motivational and require hard work but that will also be achievable. This will give you something to work for and then provide great satisfaction when you accomplish it.

Expectation Failure

We have all failed at something or fallen short of the expectations. Instead of letting this get you down or giving up, use it as motivation to improve or change what is needed to perform the way you are expected to.

Whether your performance succeeds your expectations or not, it’s important to keep in mind success is reached through trial and error. In all aspects of your performance, try-try-again!

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. provides counseling, psychological testing, and psychotropic medication management in Mount Prospect and Chicago – serving surrounding Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties. They accept most insurance and offer extremely affordable sliding scale rates. Call (847) 909-9858 for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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Sources:

  1. Expectation, Definition, 2015, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation
  2. Performance, Definition, 2015, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance
  3. High Hopes and Happy Homes, Mindset of Expectations, 2004, http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep04/highhopes.aspx

 

Newly Single? How to Cope.

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Single CounselingThe majority of people have experienced at least one break up. In fact, a study in 2011 showed that 37% of people ages 18 to 35 had been through at least one break up in the past 20 months (1). Regardless of the circumstances or the length and seriousness of the relationship, breaking up is hard to do. The mental and social side effects can sometimes be devastating. What can you do to make it easier on yourself?

Emotional

After a break-up, you will most likely be swarmed with emotions – anger, resentment, depression, heart-break, etc. These emotions need to be addressed, not repressed. When trying to get your feelings out, make sure it is done in a productive way. Yelling and venting to a friend is not going to be very beneficial. Instead, many experts suggest writing as a means of therapy (2). When you write, you take time to form your thoughts instead of thinking and speaking irrationally. Writing also gives you the chance to go back and analyze your feelings and to see how far you have come from where you were immediately after the break up.

Another way to cope with these feelings is to stay active. Not only is physical activity beneficial to the mind and body, staying active will keep you busy, which means you will have less time to dwell on the break up. Another helpful idea is to find someone to confide in. But don’t pick just anyone – make sure it is something that you trust to give you sound advice and comfort.

Socially

Depending on where you met your significant other, the social aspect may be a problem. You may have mutual friends, making it difficult and tense to be around those friends. You may work with him, making work more stressful and awkward. However, this problem may give you a chance to branch out; meeting new people and trying new things may be just what you need.

Personally

Because relationships can give a person meaning and purpose, a break up might cause you to feel less satisfied with your life. Discontentment can lead to bitterness and will not have any positive outcome, so do your best to avoid it. A person’s reaction to a break up can greatly affect the future. Those who have a positive outlook and desire to look for someone new are less likely to be affected by depression and low self-esteem. Remember also that a break up can actually benefit you in many ways. Being newly single gives you a chance to re-evaluate your life and what is important, and it can help you find your identity as an individual. Finding the positives in a break up can make your future relationships even stronger.

No matter how you deal with a break up, there is one essential: do not let your break up define you.

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. provides counseling, psychological testing, and psychotropic medication management in Mount Prospect and Chicago – serving surrounding Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties. They accept most insurance and offer extremely affordable sliding scale rates. Call (847) 909-9858 for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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Sources:

  1. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Statistics and effects of a break up, 2011, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21517174
  2. Break Ups Aren’t All Bad, Ways to cope, 2009, http://www.apa.org/research/action/romantic-relationships.aspx

 

 

Coping with Shared Custody

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Family CounselingWith over 35 percent of all U.S. marriages ending in divorce according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shared or split custody of children is becoming part of the norm. (1) But how do parents cope with shared custody of their children?

It goes without saying how challenging it is to go from seeing your child(ren) on a daily basis to half the time with shared custody. Oftentimes these periods when the child is in the opposite parent’s care, can lead to sadness, depression, and loneliness. To help you better transition to a shared custody lifestyle, here are a few tips for coping thorough shared custody.

  1. Stop with the “what ifs.” When you’re lonely and sad because you miss your children it can be easy to get caught up in the “what if” game but you should stop while you’re ahead. Asking yourself about what may or may not be different if you had only stayed married won’t change or help the situation now. What is, is.
  2. Soak up your time. When it is your turn to care for the child be sure to soak of every moment of your time with them. Get all your moneys’ worth, if you will. Whenever you have the chance be spontaneous with them and enjoy each other’s company.
  3. Document it. Like with kindergarteners who bring a family photo to school for when they may feel homesick, you should document your favorite times with your children and display them in your home. This means hanging photos of you and your children or displaying their artwork. Having small mementos of them will help make them feel more a part of the home even when they are not physically present.
  4. Invest your time. Often times parents of shared custody children find themselves with empty time on their hands. Though you may not be sure what exactly to do with your new found free time, sulking alone in your home is not the answer. Instead invest it into something enjoyable and that you are passionate about. Learn something new, join a team, or volunteer.
  5. Seek support. People need support for all sorts of life challenges including shared custody. Seek support in loved ones, friends, or even a professional to help. With the support you need you can openly discuss your feelings and any challenges you may have while embracing any aid they may offer you.

With an increasingly high divorce rate, it’s obvious why we have so many families living with shared custody. While shared custody offers the benefit of the child being able to spend time with both parents separately, it does leave room for sadness, depression, and loneliness to develop in parents while the child is away. Better cope with shared custody by keeping these 5 tips in mind and applying them to your daily life.

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. provides counseling, psychological testing, and psychotropic medication management in Mount Prospect and Chicago – serving surrounding Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties. They accept most insurance and offer extremely affordable sliding scale rates. Call (847) 909-9858 for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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Sources:

  1. Marriage and Divorce, Number of divorces statistics, 2014, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm
  2. Child and Family Coping One Year After Mediated and Litigated Child Custody Disputes, General topic information, 1994, http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/fam/8/2/150/
  3. Preparing Your Child for Back-to-School http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/school-rush.aspx