<h2>Why marriage therapy or couples counseling?</h2><p>Every relationship is different, and the reasons why spouses or partners begin to struggle in their relationship are as varied as the couples themselves. Once the newness of the relationship wears off, unrealized expectations, external stressors, or even mental health issues can begin to take a toll. If you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, working with a marriage counselor or therapist who is trained in marriage therapy can help you gain the tools you need to create healthy and fulfilling relationships.</p>

<p>Couples who participate in couples counseling or therapy experience the following benefits:</p>
<ul><li>Improved communication: Couples counseling can help couples <a href="https://cftsap.com/relationships-communicating/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">improve their communication skills</a> by teaching them how to listen actively, express their feelings clearly, and resolve conflict constructively. Couples learn how to understand each other better by identifying their individual needs, expectations, and triggers.</li><li>Reduce conflict: Through couples counseling, couples learn how to create a safe space for disagreement, resolve conflict constructively, express needs, and learn how to eradicate destructive communication patterns. Often, <a href="https://cftsap.com/relationships-assertive-communciation/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">learning to communicate your needs</a> to your partner in a healthy way can help your relationship dramatically. Even high-conflict relationships can improve!</li><li>Enhanced problem-solving skills: Couples counseling can help couples enhance their problem-solving skills by teaching them how to identify the root causes of their problems and develop effective solutions.</li><li>Rebuilding trust: Couples counseling can help couples rebuild trust by teaching them how to forgive each other and move forward from past hurts.</li><li>Strengthened emotional intimacy: Couples counseling can help couples strengthen their emotional intimacy by teaching them how to connect with each other on a deeper level.</li></ul>

<h2>Experts in Marriage Therapy/Couples Counseling</h2>

<p>Our therapists at CFTSAP have graduate or postgraduate degrees and additional marriage and family therapy training, including IMAGO therapy for couples, the <a href="https://cftsap.com/gottman-method-for-couples-counseling/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gottman Method for marriage therapy</a>, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the 5 Love Languages. <a href="https://cftsap.com/category/relationships-marriage-counseling/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about getting help for your relationship.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p></p>
<p></p>

McHenry County

Amie Schaenzer

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Crystal Lake-Cary

Illinois

Couples therapy – 5 paths to better relationships

Why marriage therapy or couples counseling?Every relationship is different, and the reasons why spouses or partners begin to struggle in their...

<p>Most of us have experienced some difficulty falling asleep and have tried counting sheep, drinking warm milk, or listening to calm music. When sleep issues persist, some people resort to sleeping pills or melatonin.</p>
<p>But what if those tactics don&rsquo;t work? If you consistently can&rsquo;t fall asleep, if you lay awake every night for hours tossing and turning or staring at the ceiling, <a href="https://cftsap.com/treatment-for-anxiety/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">it&rsquo;s likely you are experiencing anxiety.</a></p>
<h2>Anxiety and stress can power sleep problems</h2>
<p>Anxiety cannot be swept away by sleeping pills. It may help you sleep for a few nights, but unless you address the underlying issue, the problem will persist.</p>

<p>Our bodies provide us with a reality check. If you have convinced yourself that you have anxiety and stress under control, but you are finding it difficult to sleep, it&rsquo;s likely that you are body is sending you a message that you should address your anxiety.</p>

<h2>Reach out for help</h2>
<p>Therapists are trained to help people work through their anxiety and help release those stuck thoughts. We do this on our own many times throughout the day; it&rsquo;s the way our system is designed. But sometimes, we need someone who isn&rsquo;t us to help talk us through what&rsquo;s happening in our mind. We all have our blind spots, and it&rsquo;s not always clear to us what is happening within us and why we feel a certain way.</p>

<p><a href="https://cftsap.com/contact-2/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Contact us today</a>&nbsp;to speak with a professional who can help you understand and regulate your emotional experience so you can live with more calm, stay resilient, and get better sleep &ndash; no more counting sheep!</p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="cftsap.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CFTSAP.com</a> to learn more</p>
<p></p>

Sleep problems can be a sign of anxiety

Most of us have experienced some difficulty falling asleep and have tried counting sheep, drinking warm milk, or listening to calm music. When...

<p>Does your child have difficulty making or keeping friends? Friendship and good peer relationships are important for your child as these relationships help them develop confidence and self-esteem. Helping children with social skills and emotion regulation can make a big difference in their quality of life and help them build resilience.</p>
<p>In order for children to develop and maintain friendships, they need to have age-appropriate social skills. Children who struggle with<a href="https://www.verywellfamily.com/seven-social-skills-for-kids-4589865" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> making friends</a>, often don&rsquo;t understand what they are doing wrong and as a result, <a href="https://cftsap.com/how-do-i-know-if-my-child-is-in-distress/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">can become uncomfortable</a> in settings where they are supposed to be having fun. For children who feel left out, special events such as birthday parties or holidays become a source of stress and unhappiness rather than a joy.</p>
<h2>The link between social skills and young adult outcomes</h2>
<p>According to a long term study, social and emotional skills in kindergarten might be the biggest predictor of success in adulthood. The children in this study, who had higher levels of social and emotional skills, had greater personal success, performed better academically, and had fewer overall problems. If your child is able to enjoy friendships, this gives them an advantage as they have more opportunities to learn from others and experience the wellbeing that comes from supportive relationships.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Center for Therapeutic Services &amp; Psychodiagnostics</h2>
<p>At CFTSAP, we offer diagnostic and therapeutic services <a href="https://cftsap.com/psychological-testing-and-assessments-for-children/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">for children</a> and adults. We can also help your child learn and practice social skills and emotion management. If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to call us at <a href="tel:8153449443" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">815-344-9443</a> and book an appointment or fill out the contact form on our website - <a href="http://www.cftsap.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.cftsap.com</a></p>
<p></p>

Help your children with social skills and...

Does your child have difficulty making or keeping friends? Friendship and good peer relationships are important for your child as these...

Help your children with social skills and emotional regulation

<p>Three black swivel office chairs for $60. each.&nbsp; Will send more pictures if needed. You will not find lower prices anywhere. Call or text 954-326-4017</p>

Office chairs

Three black swivel office chairs for $60. each.  Will send more pictures if needed. You will not find lower prices anywhere. Call or text 954-326-4017

<p>Co-parenting after a divorce is not easy. You may doubt your ex&rsquo;s parenting abilities, worry that your children will favor your ex over you, and feel infuriated whenever you and your ex are in the same room. Even though it can be challenging, co-parenting can help your children gain stability, security, and a close relationship with both parents. If you focus on putting your children first, you can overcome resentment and hostility, developing a cordial relationship with your ex in order to help your children thrive.</p>
<h2>Why co-parenting?</h2>
<p>Unless there are serious problems such as domestic violence, having both parents involved in your children&rsquo;s lives helps ensure the success and mental well-being of your children. Research indicates that co-parenting can reduce depression and anxiety in divorced kids.</p>
<p>Successful co-parenting helps kids maintain a close relationship with both parents, which helps them live more balanced and happier lives.</p>
<h2>You don&rsquo;t have to do this alone</h2>
<p>Navigating the complexities of co-parenting can be challenging and emotionally charged. <a href="http://www.cftsap.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Professional support</a> provides a neutral perspective, helping both parents communicate effectively and prioritize the well-being of their children. Our therapists can guide you in developing a structured plan that addresses parenting schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and conflict resolution strategies, ensuring a stable and supportive environment for your children. This collaborative approach fosters cooperation and reduces the potential for misunderstandings and disputes, ultimately benefiting the entire family.</p>

<h2>Reach out today</h2>
<p><br>To find out if co-parenting counseling is right for you, reach out today by calling <a href="tel:8153449443" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">815-344-9443</a>, or <a href="https://cftsap.com/contact-2/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">filling out the contact form on our website</a>. Not only will we match you with a therapist who is experienced in working with divorced families, we can also match you with a therapist who takes your insurance.</p>

Co-parenting your children after divorce

Co-parenting after a divorce is not easy. You may doubt your ex’s parenting abilities, worry that your children will favor your ex over you, and...

Algonquin-Lake In The Hills

Huntley

Lake County

Barrington

Lake Zurich

Kane County

Elgin

Grayslake

Cook County

Palatine

Libertyville

Vernon Hills

Eric DeGrechie

Buffalo Grove

Online Only

<p>The auction features an impressive and extensive array of model railroading history, highlighting premium O gauge, S track, and HO scale trains from legendary manufacturers like Lionel, MTH, Weaver, and American Flyer. Collectors will find pristine brass locomotives from esteemed names like Key Imports, KTM, and Overland, alongside an assortment of trackside buildings, rolling stock, and layout accessories. Beyond the rails, the catalog boasts a magnificent selection of vintage pressed steel and cast iron toy vehicles from iconic makers such as Tonka, Buddy L, Structo, Wyandotte, Smith Miller, and Arcade, including classic fire engines, armored trucks, and construction gear. The offerings expand further with a captivating selection of vintage model military airplanes, battleships, and submarines, rare Living Dead Dolls, classic sports and pop culture action figures from WWE to Starting Lineup, and beautifully painted porcelain Dickens Village holiday displays.</p><p>More items being added!&nbsp;Check back often!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

Local Event: Vintage Toys & Trains Auction Featuring The Larry Prosken Collection

Vintage Toys & Trains Auction Featuring The...

The auction features an impressive and extensive array of model railroading history, highlighting premium O gauge, S track, and...

Vintage Toys & Trains Auction Featuring The Larry Prosken Collection

Donley Auctions Online Platform

<p>The auction features a breathtaking array of Native American material culture and artistry, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the Plains and Southwest tribes. Bidders will find stunningly preserved late 19th-century Lakota archery groups, Arapaho beaded knife sheaths, Apache bowls, and Pueblo pottery, alongside vibrant, fully beaded Sioux moccasins and intricate catlinite pipes accented with porcupine quills and horsehair. Beyond these breathtaking textiles and personal items, the catalog plunges deep into the dramatic history of frontier and military conflicts. Collectors will discover rare firearms, including an exceptional cased 19th-century dueling pistol, a Colt US Single Action Army revolver, and a Remington New Model Army revolver. These stand side-by-side with poignant historical relics like a Battle of the Little Bighorn dug display and comprehensive Civil War photography archives. The romance and spectacle of the American West come alive through historic ephemera, including the mesmerizing Lone Star Harry sideshow archive and an iconic 101 Ranch Wild West Show full-costume mannequin display. Rounding out this remarkable selection are unique Western relics ranging from an antique HC Evans floor-model gambling wheel and Railway Express Agency strongboxes to masterfully crafted turquoise squash blossom jewelry.</p>

Local Event: Relics of the American West 1850 - 1920

Relics of the American West 1850 - 1920

The auction features a breathtaking array of Native American material culture and artistry, showcasing the exquisite...

Historic Woodstock Square

<p>Join the McHenry County Juneteenth Organization for a vibrant free community celebration featuring live music from Kenny Davis &amp; Band, capoeira by Stev Walker &amp; the Artistas Da Capoeira, and soulful music by vocalist Darlene Benton. This year's keynote speaker is Lake County educator Sandi Johnson. Special exhibitors, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. Exhibitors must register in advance by phone or online.</p><p>Tickets for the After Party are $15/person or $25/couple and may be purchased at the Juneteenth festival or at the event door. </p>

Local Event: Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Freedom & Community

Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Freedom & Community

Join the McHenry County Juneteenth Organization for a vibrant free community celebration featuring live music from Kenny Davis...

Faithfully preaching the good news that is Jesus Christ

Crystal Lake Christian Church

Crystal Lake Christian Church is a church family that loves God and shows that love with reverence and awe; we are all sinners saved by His grace and we love one another through bearing one another’s burdens in prayer and fellowship.<br /><br />We praise the Lord with a mixture of contemporary and traditional music without the circus; it’s not a concert; it’s worship of the living God. <br /><br />We emphasize the fact that it is not the quality of our singing but instead the quality of our heart condition before God that matters most; He is worthy of our praise.<br /><br />We partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. We do so in remembrance of what Jesus, the Lamb of God, achieved at Calvary for a fallen world in need of salvation and a Savior; in need of atonement.<br /><br />We baptize by immersion upon request and view this as the first step of obedience by an individual who has already made a faith commitment and cried out to God for salvation.<br /><br />The words spoken from God’s pulpit are anchored exclusively in the scriptures and, while occasionally topical, we do not view the gospel as a self-improvement program.  The gospel message communicates the truth about God’s love, righteousness, holiness and judgement while emphasizing our need to repent of our transgressions before Him.

Crystal Lake Christian Church is a church family that loves God and shows that love with reverence and awe; we are all sinners saved by His grace...

Connect with others and grow your communication skills

District 30 Toastmasters

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org.  Guests are welcome.<br /><br />District 30 Toastmasters is a dynamic professional development community serving individuals and organizations across northern Illinois through a network of local clubs that meet both in person and online. As part of the global Toastmasters International organization, District 30 empowers people to build confidence, strengthen communication, and develop leadership skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.<br /><br />Members don’t just study communication and leadership concepts—they actively practice them through structured meetings, real-time feedback, and leadership opportunities that mirror real-world challenges. From first-time speakers finding their voice to experienced professionals refining their executive presence, District 30 provides a space where growth is both intentional and measurable.<br /><br />Beyond individual development, District 30 fosters strong community connections. Its clubs create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and relationship-building across communities, industries, and backgrounds. District-wide events, including training sessions, speech contests, and the annual conference, bring members together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and expand their impact.<br /><br />District 30 also strengthens the broader community by equipping individuals with skills that translate directly into the workplace and civic life. Members become more effective leaders, clearer communicators, and more engaged contributors within their organizations and communities.<br /><br />At its core, District 30 Toastmasters is about transformation—helping individuals move from hesitation to confidence, from ideas to action, and from potential to purposeful leadership.<br /><br />Membership is open to adults 18 and older. Youth Leadership programs are periodically offered for those under 18.

Lake

Gurnee

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org. Guests are welcome. District...

Springbrook Community Church

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at 9am or 11am, or text GUEST to 1-844-238-7507 if you have any questions.

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at...

Fireworks Laws In IL: What's Legal On July 4th...

Illinois allows only a handful of novelty fireworks while banning firecrackers, bottle rockets and more. Here's what you need to know. 

Fireworks Laws In IL: What's Legal On July 4th In 2026

Seasonal & Holidays

Vehicle Crashes Into Round Lake Fire Station,...

No injuries were reported after a car left the roadway, struck planters and collided with the building, officials said. 

Vehicle Crashes Into Round Lake Fire Station, Causing Minor Damage

Crime & Safety

Death Of Crystal Lake Boy, 8, Investigated By...

Few new details are being released after an 8-year-old Crystal Lake boy died on June 6. 

Death Of Crystal Lake Boy, 8, Investigated By DCFS, Coroner, Police

🌱 Patch AM: 2 Flown To Hospitals After Separate...

Happening soon: Vintage Toys & Trains Auction Featuring The Larry Prosken Collection on the Crystal Lake Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: 2 Flown To Hospitals After Separate Fall Incidents In McHenry County

Community Corner

2 Flown To Hospitals After Separate Fall...

Authorities say both Friday incidents happened within hours of each other and remain under investigation.

2 Flown To Hospitals After Separate Fall Incidents In McHenry County

Pet Shelter For Turtles, Bunnies Hosts Open House

Lost Woods Animal Sanctuary near Crystal Lake takes in a variety of exotic pets. An open house will be held on March 26. 

Kids & Family 

Norge VIP Area 'A Hit,' Being Offered Again...

Norge Ski Club is now selling VIP passes for its upcoming winter ski jumping tournament. 

Norge VIP Area 'A Hit,' Being Offered Again This Year

New Adoption Center Takes In Small Exotic Pets...

Lost Woods Animal Sanctuary opened in the past year and specializes in providing care and homes for guinea pigs, turtles, rats and more. 

New Adoption Center Takes In Small Exotic Pets In Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake, Cary Food Pantries Seek Donations...

Higher costs at the grocery stores has lead many across the Chicago area to rely on food pantries to help feed their families. 

Crystal Lake, Cary Food Pantries Seek Donations Amid Record Inflation

New Pots And Pies In Crystal Lake Sells Out...

A mother and daughter opened the Crystal Lake bakery on Oct. 27 and have been hustling since to keep up with demand. 

New Pots And Pies In Crystal Lake Sells Out Daily Since Opening 

New Pots And Pies Bakery In Crystal Lake Sells Out Daily Since Opening 

Business

Local Food Pantries Feel Pinch As Inflation Soars

Plus, how you can help give back to local pantries slammed with record numbers of people stopping out. 

Firefighter With Terminal Cancer Gets Married...

Frank Nunez, 34, of Crystal Lake, was released from a Chicago hospital and brought home to receive hospice care Tuesday. 

Firefighter With Terminal Cancer Gets Married In Crystal Lake Home

Crystal Lake Home Considered For Landmark...

The Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday voted to recommend the Illinois Street home for landmark status approval. 

Crystal Lake Home Considered For Landmark Designation

Real Estate

Trumpeter Swan Guards Nest In Rare Pic Taken At...

A wildlife ecologist discovered the first documented successful breeding of trumpeter swan at a McHenry Co. Conservation site last week. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Discover more in Crystal Lake-Cary

Find and sell treasures, hire and offer services. All in your community

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|2d

Couples therapy – 5 paths to better relationships

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|2d

Sleep problems can be a sign of anxiety

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|2d

Help your children with social skills and emotional regulation

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|Local Classified|For Sale|May 26

Office chairs

Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|May 19

Co-parenting your children after divorce

Vintage Toys & Trains Auction Featuring The Larry Prosken Collection

Relics of the American West 1850 - 1920

Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Freedom & Community

Crystal Lake Christian Church

District 30 Toastmasters

Springbrook Community Church