Mindful Living

Ian has experience in treating adults and teens with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, personality, LGBT, and dual-diagnosis matters.  As well, he has experience utilizing play therapy techniques with children. Ian has 5 years of clinical experience while working in telephonic, hospital, vocational rehabilitation, and private practice settings. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in interpersonal and organizational communication form Western Illinois University and his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University. Ian’s approach clinical approach is strength, cognitive, and resiliency based. Ian’s areas of interest are: Dual Diagnosis (Addiction and Mental Health) Depression Anxiety LGBT Vocational and work matters Ian@kettlemorainecounseling

Many of us were not raised in an environment where we got securely attached to our caregivers, and felt loved and supported.  When we become securely attached to our caregivers, we know that our needs will be met and we can count on our caregiver to be there for us.  If we were not raised in such an environment, our brains become wired in looking for whether we are loved and cared for or not; and if we find evidence to the contrary (often read into situations) we become very anxious and often "act out" our anxiety over the potential loss of love (often imagined).  For example, adults with insecure attachment styles will look for perceived threats, and often will overreact to them.  Your boyfriend doesn't call or text you as much, you perceive this as rejection, and you get angry and lash out.  Because anger is a much easier emotion for most of us to feel and also express, it tends to be the emotion that we rely on the most, although behind that emotion is hurt and anx