Having A Favorite Child Is Natural. Here's How To Handle It.

Even though they might not want to admit it, sometimes parents have a favorite child. Nancy Burgoyne, Ph.D., explains that having a favorite child is natural and provides tips on how to handle it.  Read Article Read More

12 Signs You May Be Headed For Divorce, According To Experts

Are there warning sides that a relationship is headed toward divorce? Maru Torres-Gregory, JD, PhD, LMFT, discusses why divorce may be in a couple's future, and provides tips for how to avoid it.  Read Article Read More

What “Succession” gets painfully right about power and family

Nancy Burgoyne, Ph.D. discussed HBO's "Succession" to examine the dynamics between power and family. How do parents decide who is the successor in the family business? Read Article Read More

Bringing Mom on a job interview? When bulldozer parenting goes too far

Today, parents are meddling in their child's career more than ever. Jacob Goldsmith, Ph.D. examines the phenomena called "bulldozer parenting" and why a parent inserts themselves in their child's job process.  Read Article Read More

7 things to say to your spouse to deepen your connection

Connecting and reconnecting to your spouse is important. Alexandra Solomon, Ph.D., explains that how a couple copes with a loss of connection is critical, and suggests ways to reconnect if a disconnect occurs.  Read Article Read More

23 Good Pieces of Marriage Advice All Couples Need to Read

What does it take to have a happy marriage? Anthony Chambers, Ph.D., ABPP, contributes to a list of 23 good pieces of marriage advice to help marriages thrive. Read Article Read More

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