Holy Anxiety - Fr. Ed Foley 7.17.22

Financial security, families, health, relationships, work, our communities - we may have anxiety over some of these subjects at any point in our lives.  This is a clear sign that it’s because these subjects are very important to us and it’s only natural to want to find ways to limit or get rid of unwanted stress. The challenge is then moving beyond reducing anxiety only for ourselves.  How can we come to care just as much about the welfare of those around us and find ways that our gifts can relieve anxiety for someone else?  Today, Father Ed Foley examines anxiety and gives us ideas on how to use it to create joy for others!  Note:  This episode addresses the general topic of anxiety for self-help purposes and should not substitute the advice of mental health professionals.  Please seek guidance from your health care provider should you be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, major depression, PTSD, or have other mental health concerns.   If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please dial: 988Help Is Available!  The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Includes information on finding your local crisis center. Phone: 988 - Website: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.orgOld St. Pat's Parish Counselor, Sarah Thompson, is another resource that can help anyone seeking counseling for anxiety.Info On Sarah ThompsonIntegrating client values and spiritual beliefs into the counseling process, Sarah works with individuals and couples as they seek to understand and grow through the various challenges life brings. Sarah’s therapeutic process is rooted in the values of openness, acceptance, and collaboration. She believes that accessing what genuinely exists inside ourselves helps us to know who we really are. She draws from various therapeutic approaches, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection, to illuminate underlying issues, free up blocks, and heal old wounds. Sarah began her professional life in the corporate world and has an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. She transitioned to entrepreneurial and non-profit work before starting her journey to become a therapist.Sarah is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She began practicing in 2015 and, along with years of work/life experience, has additional training in grief, trauma, Gottman couples counseling, is a certified Prepare-Enrich relationship facilitator, and an Illinois certified domestic abuse advocate. Sarah and her husband have been married for 35+ years and have four children. Her enjoyment as a recreational triathlete and endurance sports participant has drawn her focus towards the biopsychosocial approach to one’s overall health and wellbeing.This continues to be a mentally challenging time for many due to the pandemic and our changing society.  People seek counseling for a variety of reasons, including:anxiety and/or depressionpremarital counselingdifficulties in relationshipsrecent or unexpected life changesfeelings of loss, sadness, or grieffeelings of isolation, emptiness or meaninglessnessdifficulties in achieving goalsLGBTQ+ affirmative counselingIf you think you could benefit from Sarah’s services please contact her at 773-234-9630 or at [email protected] to set up an appointment. She offers in-person counseling at 711 W. Monroe (must be fully vaccinated) as well as virtual and hybrid. Sarah accepts most Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO insurance plans.