Heading back to school can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially for LGBTQIA+ kids—so it’s important for parents to have open conversations, update school records, and ensure safe, affirming spaces like restrooms and locker rooms are in place. Keep checking in throughout the year, and if you need extra support, therapists at Mind Chicago are here to help.

Supporting our LGBTQ+ kids with love and affirmation is a beautiful beginning, especially during the ups and downs of adolescence. But we’re also invited to go a little further—into accompliceship—where we show up, speak out, and stand with them in everyday, wholehearted ways.

“Rachel did it,” I, at three-years-old, insisted when my parents asked why there was blue ink on our ecru walls and white couch. I was informing them that my sister, their devious daughter, was to blame. After a booming count to three (my father’s timeframe to “come clean”), I was punished for vandalism – and lying.

PCIT empowers parents of young children with ADHD through real-time coaching, helping them build stronger connections and manage behaviors with consistent, positive strategies. By focusing on parent skills rather than child-only therapy, PCIT improves attention, reduces stress, and strengthens family relationships.

Starting college marks a thrilling new chapter—but for students with ADHD, the transition can come with added hurdles, especially when it comes to managing time. Time Blindness, a common but often misunderstood aspect of ADHD, can make it feel like you're always running behind, despite your best intentions. In this blog, we’ll unpack what Time Blindness really is and share practical, ADHD-friendly strategies to help you navigate college life with more clarity, structure, and self-trust.

Feeling stuck in a cycle of constant correction? You're not alone—and you're not doing it wrong. But lasting change doesn't come from more correction... it comes from deeper connection. 💛

In the world of parenting, communication is everything. Yet, when things get elevated—your child slams a door, talks back, or melts down at the grocery store—calm, effective communication can feel almost laughable. Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based approach that helps parents foster more helpful behaviors in kids and reduce challenging ones, all the while building a strong connection between parent and child.

Dealing with tricky behaviors at home? As silly as the term sounds sounds, Special Time may be the golden ticket to reconnecting with your child and improving their direction-following skills.

If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, you already know that too much emotional dysregulation can get in the way of their relationships, play, learning, and more. Learn how Emotion Coaching can help!

One of the critical components (arguably the most important element) of PCIT is the use of praise to reinforce positive behavior. In PCIT, praise is categorized into two types: labeled and unlabeled. Understanding the differences between these two types and their importance can help parents effectively encourage desirable behaviors in their children.

We are all unique, and that is something to be excited about! Yet, sometimes, our environment—from social spaces to classrooms—can make our differences feel less exciting. For kids who are neurodiverse, it can sometimes feel downright uncomfortable, stressful, and isolating. Luckily, there are many ways that grownups can support neurodiverse kids so they feel more connected and successful.

As we navigate the world, it's important to have tools that help us feel prepared and secure, especially when facing difficult moments. In therapy, one of those important tools is a safety plan.

Whether you’re a kid or a grownup, important conversations about big topics can be awkward and “cringy.” Yet, we know that honest, brave, and supportive conversations prior to your child’s first session can help them feel less worried and more invested in the experience.

Does your kid, teen, or college student mention TikTok trends you’ve never heard of? We're here to demystify two recent hashtags and debate the science behind the trends.

One of our favorite approaches to supporting parents more effectively in managing their child’s behavior, parenting in ways that align with their personal goals and values, and building their relationship with their child is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Communicating with teens can be tricky - and attempting to do so over text can be even trickier! That’s why we’re here with a few tips to help you improve your teen texting skills!

Sh!t, school starts Monday! Get real about what you can do this weekend!

When kids become young adults, it becomes tricky to know when to scaffold emotional support – let alone stop subsidizing their daily expenses. Learn more about when NOT to give your young adult money.

April 2023 will be a month of religious and cultural significance for many communities worldwide. Whether you're planning a trip or simply enjoying some time at home with your family, it's important to take care of your mental health during this time. As DBT and ACT therapists, we offer gentle reminders to help you make the most of your holiday season and/or spring break.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that can help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation. DBT originated as therapy for adults but has long been adapted for effective use with kids and teens. When kids are often stuck in certain ways of thinking, have difficulty managing strong emotions, or struggle with relationships, DBT might be the therapy for them.