WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? At Ethos Counseling Group, I offer a variety of services for individuals, families, and couples who are experiencing any of the following: anger, anxiety, depression, family issues, grief, relationship problems, stress, and trauma. Some clients seek a Christian perspective, and I offer Christian counseling as well. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE COUPLES CONSIDERING A DIVORCE? The advice I would give couples considering a divorce is to search their heart and examine the positive aspects of their relationship. Often, couples do not feel validated or respected, and this creates emotional wounds. I would ask the couple how they have nurtured their marriage and advise them to actively listen to one another with empathy and understanding. I believe if couples took the step to seek counseling, they are willing to do the work toward repentance, forgiveness, healing, and renewal. HOW CAN PEOPLE LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU AND CONTACT YOU? People can find out more about me and my practice by going on our website at EthosCounselingGroup.com and by finding me on PsychologyToday.com. They can also contact me at Ethos Counseling Group located at 2210 Midwest Road, Suite 213, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Our office number is 630-828-8120. Deciding when your teen should date is a bit more complicated. If you believe your teen shows signs of maturity and you’re comfortable letting them date, now is a good time to start a conversation about it. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teens should be allowed to have one-on-one dates sometime after the age of 16. Dr. Ron Eager, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, points out that there is an enormous difference between a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old in terms of life experience and maturity levels. APPROPRIATE DATE SPOTS If your teen seems unsure of where to go on a date, suggest some places you feel comfortable with. This is a good way to encourage safe and age-appropriate activities that both individuals can enjoy. Some possibilities include the zoo, a movie, dinner, bowling, ice skating, go-karting, or an amusement park. These kinds of activities encourage a comfortable, fun environment that may help ease nerves for both you and your teen. Creating a comfortable parent-child relationship that encourages a teen to turn to you for help and guidance is the first step toward keeping them as safe as you can. WHEN YOUR TEEN WANTS TO START DATING
Parents often feel pretty antsy when their teens want to date. It’s fun and exciting for the teen, but there are plenty of reasons for parents to worry. But don’t feel hopeless in this situation. Take the initiative to let your child know you’re there for them. Below are a few tips that can help keep your teen safe while respecting their individuality. COMMUNICATION Open communication between you and your teen can help immensely. When your teen expresses an interest in dating, sit down and talk with them about it in a comfortable environment. It may be a little awkward, but letting your child know they can talk to you about dating will help them feel more at ease. Let your teen know they can always come to you, even if they have something unpleasant or uncomfortable to share. RULES ON DATING When your teen starts to date, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a few rules. Putting an age restriction and a curfew in place is a good start. Come up with a time that both you and your teen can agree on.
INTERVIEW WITH YOLANDA COSEY, ED.D., M.S., LPC, NCC, CAMS-II
WHAT LED YOU TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK? Before I obtained my license as a professional counselor, I began my career as a teacher with Chicago Public Schools. After 19 1/2 years there, I took a position with City Colleges of Chicago for several years. With much prayer and deliberation about my future, I began to seek God for my next steps. As an ordained minister, I kept thinking about the correlation
between ministering to people spiritually and emotionally. What I realized is that people need a holistic approach, and I was not fully equipped to provide it. From that perspective, I decided to enroll in school to obtain a degree in counseling. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? What I enjoy about my work is meeting people where they are. I like to be authentic with my clients and make them feel safe and secure. I enjoy listening to their narratives as I work with them collaboratively to reach their goals.
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