Who Can Benefit

Diagnoses are clusters of symptoms that serve as jumping off points to inform us where to place our attention—but they are not the end all, be all. Mind Body Connections counselors look to symptoms as guideposts that direct us to discovering the underlying root cause/s of the symptoms. At Mind Body Connections, we view the mind and body as being connected and in constant dialog. When that circuit gets disrupted, or the body is communicating a problem, we serve as interpreters and advise you on how to proceed. Below are some examples of challenges you might be facing. Whatever your symptoms or issues, we are confident of our ability to join you as co-collaborators in your recovery process.

Mood Disorders

Depression
Anxiety/panic attacks
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bi-polar disorder

Trauma

Traumatic life events
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional/Verbal Abuse
PTSD

Disordered Eating/Eating Disorders:

Creating a healthy relationship with your body and food
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge eating disorder
Obesity
Body Image

Phase of Life Issues

Parenting Responsibilities:

Birth
Toddlerhood
Early school years
Adolescence
Step-parenting

Childhood through Young Adult Issues:

From early elementary to high school to college and beyond
“Growing Pains”
School anxiety
Bullying issues
Identity Crises

Relationship Management:

Sustaining healthy relationships
Transforming difficult relationships
Sexuality issues and sexual orientation
Marital and premarital issues
Family therapy

Empty Nest Syndrome:

Figuring out life after the kids leave home

Sandwich Generation:

Managing stress while raising children and caring for aging parents

Grief and Loss:

Divorce
Losing a loved one
Loss of job

Menopause:

Tapping the wisdom within and embracing life after menses

Other Life Challenges:

Chronic Pain
Emotional Disturbance
Spirituality
Second careers

Stress Management

External and Internal Stressors:

Balancing a busy life
On the job restorative techniques
Learning breathing, grounding, and relaxation techniques

Emotional Regulation:

Learning to tolerate strong feelings
Learning to manage feelings and emotions, i.e. anger management
Learning healthy self-soothing techniques and coping skills

Therapy Testimonials

An inner journey that I could never have imagined

“I came to Stacey because I had lost control of my eating behaviors and had become quite overweight. Using skill, extraordinary insight, and an arsenal of powerful techniques, Stacey guided me on an inner journey that I could never have imagined. I became aware of previously unknown parts of myself that were frightened, angry, overprotective, demanding, you name it. With love in our hearts (not so easy sometimes), never judging, always looking to understand, comfort, and heal, we addressed each part.

With Stacey as my guide, I was able to bring light to the dark places and release the terrible memories. I uncovered strength, energy, and wisdom that I had no idea I possessed. The interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit became clear in ways I never expected. For a guy who just wanted to lose some weight, this was mind-blowing stuff. My life is becoming healthier every day, from eating and exercising, to how I interact with my fellow man, to my spiritual life.

My time with Stacey is winding down. Challenges and problems will always be there; that’s the way life is. But because Stacey has trained me well, I need her guidance less and less. A miracle has occurred in me, and I will be forever grateful to my good friend and teacher.”

Dan Urban

Direction, challenging redirection, compassion and sense of humor

“I had the amazing opportunity to have Stacey Hurst as my professor, then direct work supervisor, and then ADTR supervisor over a 5 year period. Stacey has a most attuned and insightful approach to simultaneously guide both professional and personal development. Her direction, challenging redirection, compassion and sense of humor helped me grow immensely as a DMT and as a person. I completely credit Stacey with honing in on my strengths and weaknesses and challenging me to grow into my own professional self. My DMT and life lenses are shaped directly by my positive experiences under her supervision.”

Dawn Penney, LPC, R-DMT

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, MA DMT GRADUATE

Mind Body Connections saved me when I was on the brink

“I don’t think it’s too dramatic to say that Stacey saved me when I was on the brink. She not only listened to me when I was having trouble communicating but she also heard me. While my own work was, at times difficult and painful, her caring and supportive nature carried me through. There are many times in my daily life that I hear her voice, or remember some of her observations, reminding me of what is truly important. This helps me stay on track. It is because of her that I am now the mother, woman and friend that she, and I, knew I could be.”

L.A.R. (psychotherapy client)

We used many different avenues of transformation

“The [body image] group quickly became cohesive and supportive, and I witnessed each group member taking risks and begin to challenge her own belief systems regarding body image. One reason that the group was so successful; we used many different avenues of transformation, including writing, psychodrama, movement, art and group discussion. The group was also successful because Stacey was able to quickly assess and address each group member’s individual needs. Since participating I’ve noticed a big difference in how I talk to myself about my body. If you look at your own body and think critical and judgmental thoughts, I recommend [Mind Body Connections].”

Body Image Group Testimonial

Get in Touch

To get started as a new client, visit the Getting Started area where you can review our fees and fill out a new client form.