RECENT ARTICLES
NEWS
Each week, we post the latest articles and new blog content across a variety of categories. Browse our latest.
Managing Back-to-School Anxiety for Students
At Stenzel Clinical, we know that the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and worry for students and families. For some children and teens, those worries become intense enough to interfere with learning, friendships, and sleep. This guide explains what back-to-school anxiety looks like, why it happens, and most importantly practical, science-backed steps parents, students, and schools can take to make the transition easier. [...]
Bent Toward Positive Thinking
Positive thinking extends far beyond simply a bright outlook—it's a potent force for significantly enhancing mental health and overall well-being.Our past experiences, especially those involving setbacks or criticism, can train us to identify threats, sometimes leading to a negative outlook. For example, repeated failures in one area might condition us to anticipate more setbacks there. However, consciously recognizing our strengths or recalling a recent success can shift our perspective positively, [...]
Becoming Wired for Optimism
Optimism is frequently highlighted as crucial for a fulfilling and successful life, evidenced by numerous accounts of individuals surmounting challenges through positive thinking. What inherent power does optimism possess? Is it possible to cultivate greater optimism, and if so, what are the neural implications? Additionally, are there potential drawbacks to excessive optimism? Optimism, defined as the general expectation that good things will unfold in the future, transcends a simple [...]
Signs You’re Emotionally Dependent and Ways to Grow Independence
Emotional dependence happens when you rely too much on someone like a friend, partner, or family member to feel happy or secure. You may think this is normal or even loving, but when emotional dependence takes over, it can hurt your well‑being. At Stenzel Clinical, serving Wheaton, Naperville, and surrounding communities, we help people recognize these signs and build healthy emotional independence through proven techniques and caring support.What Is Emotional [...]
What Is Play Therapy and How It Helps Children Heal
Every child deserves a safe place to express themselves, especially when they face difficult emotions or experiences. That’s exactly what play therapy provides. Let's explore what play therapy is, how it works, and why it’s an effective way to help children heal with insight from Stenzel Clinical. Understanding Play Therapy Play therapy is a type of psychological treatment designed especially for children. Instead of using words to talk through feelings, [...]
Setting Boundaries in Marriage and Family Relationships
Establishing clear, healthy boundaries is an essential skill for nurturing strong, respectful marriage and family relationships. Boundaries define where one person ends and another begins, helping everyone involved understand expectations, protect personal well‑being, and foster genuine connection. In this article, we’ll explore why boundaries matter, common obstacles to setting them, practical steps for establishing boundaries in marriage and family life, and how Stenzel Clinical Services can support your journey [...]