This blog from Dr. Tamara L. Tencer & Associates, P.C. explores why the shift from summer to school routines hits some families harder than others, covering common signs in both children (separation anxiety, academic pressure, social shifts) and caregivers (mental load, guilt, schedule whiplash). It outlines warning signs that stress has become something more serious, and explains how therapy, whether individual, child/adolescent, family, or couples, can help families find steadier footing. The practice serves Westmont, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, and the greater Chicago area, with in person and telehealth options.

High-functioning anxiety often hides behind competence, hitting every deadline while your mind races and your stomach stays in knots. This post breaks down what high-functioning anxiety looks like in women, why it's so common (hint: perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the mental load), and the toll it takes when it goes unaddressed. It also covers how relationship-oriented therapy and Inner Humanism can help women build real, lasting calm instead of just coping better. Dr. Tamara L. Tencer & Associates, P.C. offers in-person and telehealth therapy for women across the Chicago suburbs and Illinois.

This post explores the mental load, the constant, often invisible work of managing a household, career, and everyone's emotional needs at once. It covers why women so often carry this weight, the signs of burnout it can lead to, and how a relationship-oriented approach to therapy at Dr. Tamara L. Tencer & Associates, P.C. can help women build healthier boundaries and finally set some of it down. Support is available in-person in Westmont, IL and via telehealth throughout Illinois and the United States.

Hormonal changes are a natural part of every woman's life, but they can affect much more than reproductive health. From puberty through menopause, hormone fluctuations can influence mood, energy, sleep, mental health, and overall well-being. Learn what symptoms are common during each stage of life, when they may signal a need for additional support, and how therapy can help you navigate these transitions with confidence.

Graduating college can bring both excitement and uncertainty. This blog explores career identity development stressors many recent graduates face, including anxiety, pressure, and life transitions. Learn how therapy at Dr. Tamara L. Tencer & Associates, P.C. can help you manage stress, gain clarity, and confidently navigate your next chapter.

Discover effective stress and anxiety management strategies for students and adults using therapist-backed techniques. This blog from Dr. Tamara L. Tencer & Associates P.C. explores practical strategies to reduce overwhelm, calm anxiety, and build healthier coping skills. Learn grounding techniques, boundary-setting strategies, and self-compassion practices designed to support mental health, improve focus, and restore balance. Whether you're navigating academic pressure, career stress, or everyday life challenges, these actionable tips can help you feel more in control and supported.

Learn how to respond to children’s big emotions with confidence using the S.M.A.R.T. approach, a compassionate, relationship-based parenting framework inspired by Smart Love®. This blog explores effective emotional regulation strategies for children, helping parents manage tantrums, reduce behavioral challenges, and build stronger parent-child connections. Rooted in the principles of Smart Love, these therapist-informed techniques emphasize empathy, safety, and guidance over punishment—supporting children’s mental health, resilience, and long-term emotional development.

This blog explores the emotional and practical challenges many families face as summer approaches and major life transitions unfold. From teens preparing to leave for college and recent graduates navigating career uncertainty, to parents adjusting to empty nesting and families managing the stress of summer schedules, these changes can bring a mix of excitement, anxiety, and adjustment. The blog highlights how therapy can support teens, young adults, and parents in coping with separation, identity shifts, and the stress that often accompanies life’s transitions.

In honor of March as Women’s History Month, this blog is dedicated to recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of women — and the importance of prioritizing their mental health. It explores why mental health care shouldn’t be a last-ditch effort, but a proactive and essential part of living a balanced, healthy life. It challenges the stigma around seeking support and reframes therapy as a powerful act of strength — not weakness.

Understanding the process, safety considerations, and benefits can help you decide if telehealth therapy is the right choice for you.

Here are some key questions to ask your therapist to set yourself up for success.

Here are five areas to focus on when choosing a therapist.