Integrative Counseling
Major life-stage transitions can be emotionally overwhelming and physically draining. The stress of an illness can weigh heavily on individuals going through diagnosis and treatment and in some cases, slow their recovery.
At NorthShore, we offer integrative counseling and stress management services to empower patients to access their own ability to heal from physical and emotional health-related changes. Our psychotherapists integrate mind-body techniques, including energy psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, visualization, journaling and guided imagery to help patients more effectively manage their stress. They may also recommend acupuncture and integrative massage as part of patients’ stress relief strategies.
Therapeutic writing can help individuals release their emotions by providing a vehicle for expressing feelings, worries, fears and memories. Some studies have suggested that writing releases emotions on the cellular level, which can improve the immune system. NorthShore offers therapeutic writing groups at Skokie Hospital and at Evanston Hospital’s Kellogg Cancer Center. These small group, theme-based writing groups give patients the opportunity to heal emotionally by writing about their health or life-related challenges. No writing experience is necessary.
When appropriate, our counseling specialists regularly include family members in stress relief strategies.
Integrative Counseling and Stress Relief Strategies Specialists