For most of us, change is hard. We might find ourselves seeking self improvement, wanting to end an old habit or create a new one, or engaging in therapy because we’d like our current feelings and circumstances to be different. But when we’re faced with following through with the steps involved in change, we avoid, procrastinate or give up altogether. This is common. I’ve been fortunate to be invited to join in the journeys of my clients, and something I’ve noticed is that instead of changing, we sometimes decide that we are more comfortable with the discomfort we are familiar with.

Larry Marshall, Jr., LPC, has created a children’s storybook entitled, The Pig in Your Head,  to address the concept of delaying immediate gratification.  In the story, the pig symbolizes the pursuit of gluttony and greed with its excessive appetite, sending the message that chasing your wants all the time is not such a happy way to live.  Bill, the young boy and main character, soon realizes that he needs to manage this pig. The hope is that the concept of bossing the pig, who is in need of direction, will appeal to the child’s inner caretaker or parent.  

Heather Rich joined Provident in early April as our new Vice President for Development.  She comes from Saint Louis University where she was the Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations.  Her experience, energy and inspiration will be a tremendous asset to Provident as we move forward.

Our Illinois counseling office located at 141 Market Place, Suite 206, Fairview Heights, IL, offers adult counseling services.  Bailey Wahlquist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, has expertise in the areas of anxiety and stress management along with depression and mood disorders.  Prior to coming to Provident, she worked in northern Illinois at an outpatient community mental health center.  To schedule an appointment, simply call 314.533.8200 or 1.800.782.1008.