When my houseplants died, I felt relieved. Here’s why.

Houseplants are common in a lot of households, but for some, they are hard to maintain and keep living. Cheryl Rampage, Ph.D., therapist and clinical associate professor, explains to The Chicago Tribune the reasons why some people might feel relief when their houseplants die. Read Article Read More

The Evolution of the Desire to Stay Friends With Your Ex

Should you remain friends with someone after you've recently broken up? Alexandra Solomon, Ph.D., LCP, licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor, spoke with The Atlantic about whether you should stay friends with your ex. Read Article Read More

Psychiatry at The Family Institute

In the pursuit of mental health, we know that some issues may require a combination of therapy and medication for treatment. The Family Institute is pleased to welcome Smita Gautam, M.D., Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, to see clients at our Chicago and Northbrook locations. Read More

Support for mind and body: Partnering to help postpartum mothers with critically ill babies

The Family Institute at Northwestern University is pleased to announce our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana!    Read More

6 Ways Your Relationship Can Improve As Empty Nesters

Thinking about or facing the reality of an empty nest can leave some people uneasy about their relationship. Allen Sabey, Ph.D., therapist and core faculty member in the Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy program, spoke with Prevention about how to strengthen your marriage as empty nesters. Read Article Read More

Pregnancy Mood Swings Are Normal — But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Easy

Pregnancy mood swings are not uncommon. Nikki Lively, LCSW, director of the transitions to parenthood program, explains to Refinery29 that while pregnancy mood swings are normal -- it doesn't mean they are easy. Read Article Read More

Should you Combine Finances With Your Partner?

Deciding whether or not to combine your finances with your partner can be a difficult decision. Anthony Chambers, Ph.D., ABPP, chief academic officer and Board Certified Couple and Family Psychologist and director of Northwestern University's Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, spoke with The Sunday Edit about the benefits of combining finances with your partner.  Read More

Marriage Counseling Becomes Divorce Counseling If You Wait Too Long

The average couple waits six years prior to seeking help for their marriage and for many that is too late. Neil Venketramen, LMFT, spoke with Fatherly about the importance of not waiting too long when it comes to seeking help for your marriage. Read Article Read More

Want a Truly Happy Marriage? Learn How to Stop Being So Defensive

Marriage is about connection. Anthony Chambers, Ph.D., ABPP, chief academic officer and Board Certified Couple and Family Psychologist and director of Northwestern University's Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, warns not to let defensiveness get in the way of that connection in this article for Fatherly. Read Article Read More

12 Things To Do If You Wake Up Feeling Anxious

Anxiety can creep in at any time of the day. Dr. Mark Driscoll, licensed clinical psychologist and staff therapist, provided tips for keeping anxiety at bay when you wake up with it in this article for Huffpost.  Read Article Read More

Small issues that can become big problems in marriage

In this Fatherly article, Emily Klear, director of Couple Services at The Family Institute, addresses eight seemingly small and insignificant problems that couples need to discuss before they become major issues. Sex, imbalances in household management and finances are three of the big ones. Read More

Cubs Manager Joe Maddon Joins The Family Institute's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said, "the big thing to get by is the stigma of talking to a professional in the mental health industry. There is nothing weak about it whatsoever, it's just another tool to help you become better at what you do." Read More