Creating Inclusive Mental Health Spaces: Freelife Behavioral Health and Affirming Therapy for Queer Men in Chicago
Navigating Relationships: A Journey Through Affirming Therapy with Freelife Behavioral Health in Chicago

Navigating Relationships: A Journey Through Affirming Therapy with Freelife Behavioral Health in Chicago

In today's society, relationships come in many forms, reflecting the diverse spectrum of human connection. From traditional monogamous partnerships to polyamorous configurations and everything in between, individuals are exploring the depths of their relational dynamics. However, within this landscape, there exists a need for supportive environments where people can explore their identities and relationships without judgment or stigma. Enter Freelife Behavioral Health, an affirming therapy space in Chicago, where individuals of all backgrounds are welcomed and supported on their journey to understanding and nurturing their relationships.

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We Do This For Survival: How We Come To Be The Way We Are

We Do This For Survival: How We Come To Be The Way We Are

"I don't know why I am like this." "Why can't I get past this?!" "Am I really this stupid?" I've heard phrases like these from many a frustrated or even panicked client. Perhaps those phrases even remind you of some behavior of your own that you just seem to keep coming back to, even though you know it's not your best self. These patterns, while incredibly frustrating and upsetting at times, once served a crucial purpose: they enabled your survival.

Across development, and especially during childhood, we are completely bound to the environments that we exist within. As such, we develop tools to best survive within those environmental systems. As time goes on, we continue to use the tools that provide us with the best outcomes.

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Life After Coming Out: How do we learn to heal ourselves and build communities?

Life After Coming Out: How do we learn to heal ourselves and build communities?

Gay and queer men’s experiences growing up in a culture steeped in homophobia and toxic masculinity lead to a wide range of social and emotional challenges for these men. Coming out is often only the first step to developing a good relationship with the self, others, and the feelings gay men have been taught to forget.

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Non-Traditional Relationships

Non-Traditional Relationships

Like their traditional counterparts, non-traditional relationships vary considerably in their dynamics. Two of the more common umbrella terms for non-traditional relationships are Non-Monogamy and Polyamory, although the definitions under each umbrella can differ quite a bit from person to person, community to community, and even relationship to relationship.

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Medication or Therapy?

Medication or Therapy?

Mental illness, emotional concerns, and symptoms of neurodivergence vary greatly from person to person, so it stands to reason that its treatment can vary as well. Some benefit greatly from psychiatric medication; some feel satisfied with therapy alone; and still others may find medication works best for them when accompanied by therapy, or vice versa.

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Exploring Non-Monogamy with Couples

Exploring Non-Monogamy with Couples

Many couples seek couples therapy to get support in exploring whether consensually non-monogamous relationships could be right for them. Lots of people these days are somewhat familiar with terms like open relationships, polyamory, and ethical non-monogamy, but struggle to articulate what about exploring these relationship dynamics is so important to them and how to discuss that with their partners.

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Self-Care for the Holidays: How to juggle being present with family while staying attuned to our own emotional needs
Ian Bonner Ian Bonner

Self-Care for the Holidays: How to juggle being present with family while staying attuned to our own emotional needs

The holiday season can be a time of joy and excitement, connection and community. The holiday season often means spending significant portions of time with family members. For some, this is a welcome tradition that brings warmth and togetherness. For many, extended time with family can also bring stress, anxiety, and feel like an enormous burden.

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