Suzanne Keenon Presents……
How to Re-Invent Your Relationship
Did you miss Fox Valley Insitute’s most recent Evening with an Expert, hosted by Suzanne Keenon? The following is a summary of this information filled seminar. If you like what you see and are interested in learning more, contact Suzanne Keenon to set up an appointment!
Happy couples are….
(1) Connected- When you have an emotional, heartfelt connection of vulnerability with another person it actually changes the neurology of the brain. Call, email, or text your partner often during the day to check in with support and encouragement. Sometimes just the presence of our partner (he or she does not even need to say anything) will reduce stress and provide comfort.
(2) Givers- When neurorscientists looked at the pleasure centers of the brain, the ones that light up when people think about giving to others in an altruistic way, are also the ones that light up and respond to good food or sex. So what if we gave to our partner, even when it wasn’t convenient or even when it didn’t feel comfortable. Research shows it positively affects our marriages, our immune systems and even helps us fight diseases.
(3) Think Differently- Couples who think optimistically about themselves, their context, and their future do well in life. Not just in relationships, but in dating, in marriages and in business.
(4) Grateful- When you have structured gratitude exercises like writing down and then reading to your partner the things for which you are thankful; your brain chemistry completely changes. You have more energy, a better outlook on the future, are physically healthier and have fewer ailments from when you are envious or resentful.
(5) Goal-Orientated- Your brain is orientated toward having an expectation and moving toward that in terms of goals. What if you decided to have the goal of telling your partner something you appreciate about him or her, every day for a week? Not only would he or she feel cherished, important and loved, but people who have goals are happier people.
Improving these five principles will strengthen your relationship and research shows that “friendship fuels the flames of romance because it offers the best protection against feeling adversarial toward your spouse.”
Learn more about Suzanne Keenon, MA, LCPC
Suzanne is a skilled therapist experienced in helping individuals, couples and families navigate through challenging periods in their lives. Suzanne’s warm, accepting and interactive approach provides a safe place for growth and change. She draws on her genuine empathy, compassion, education and life experiences to make progress with her clients.
Suzanne believes people often have their strengths hidden from them. She works collaboratively to help them set life changing goals and to focus on healing She helps her clients create new patterns that move them toward growth and healing while altering those behaviors that are no longer working.
Suzanne received her Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University-Illinois School of Professional Psychology . She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and is certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy.
You can reach Suzanne by phone at 630.718.0717 ext. 212 or email Suzanne@fvinstitute.com.
New group forming at Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness!
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills for Teens
About Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills is a group designed to educate, practice and process techniques that are extremely effective at helping teens manage overwhelming emotions. Based upon the four pillars of DBT therapy, participants will learn Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills. These critically important skills will help your teen reduce the size and power of emotional waves and help regain balance during overwhelming times. This gender-specific group is appropriate for any person aged 15-18 who is experiencing impulsive emotions and having difficulty controlling thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Cost
$65.00 per session
When
Boys: Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00
Girls: Mondays from 7:00-8:30
Where
Fox Valley Institute
640 N. River Road, Suite 108
Naperville, IL 60563
To Enroll
Please email group@fvinstitute.com or call 630.718.0717 ext. 0
Jennifer Curtin, MS, LPC
Jennifer Curtin specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults and families that are dealing with behavioral problems, deprssion, anxiety, stress, anger and other mental health concerns. She is an experienced group leader who has the innate ability to connect with teens on their level. Jennifer received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University.
Are you familiar with Gary Chapman’s couple’s resource, “The Five Love Languages?” This book is a simple, yet powerful tool for learning how to better communicate with your partner through one another’s love languages. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so what better timing? You can find more information at Chapman’s website:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
Chapman will educate you on the five main love languages he has uncovered; words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch. You and your partner will first be directed to take an assessment to determine your primary love language. From there you will want to read more on your partner’s love language; gain a better understanding of it and learn helpful tips on how to fulfill their love language! Don’t be surprised if you and your partner do not share the same love language.
Words of affirmation are validating words said to your partner to help them feel good and validated within the relationship. For example: “I appreciate you.” “You look great in that new dress!” “You always make such a great dinner.”
Acts of Service are meaningful things done for your partner. For example, emptying the dishwasher because it is their least favorite chore, hanging up your coat when you come home or, making the bed every morning. These may not be your most favorite things to do, but you are doing them for your partner so they feel loved.
Receiving Gifts, even small ones can go a long way to make your partner feel loved. For example, a hand written card saying I love you tucked in her purse or flowers you picked up on your way home ‘just because.’ These are great gifts that will help your partner feel loved.
Physical Touch, reaching out and grabbing your partner’s hand or sneaking them an unexpected kiss. Physical touch may be important to your partner and being neglectful of this can lead to feelings of rejection or resentment.
See what else Chapman has to share on The Five Love Languages and provide your partner with an unexpected surprise this Valentine’s Day!
Fox Valley Institute Presents…
An Evening with an Expert:
Reinvent Your Relationship
Five Simple Ways to Jump-Start your Relationship
By: Suzanne Keenon, LCPC
About
In this one-hour presentation you will learn…
• How to identify the current myths concerning relationships
• How to connect more lovingly with your spouse
• How to identify ways to help your partner feel supported
• How to explore techniques that will deepen your level of intimacy
Cost
$25 (100% of the proceeds will go to Project HELP in Naperville)
Where
Fox Valley Institute
640 N. River Road, Suite 108
Naperville, IL 60563
When
Thursday, February 13 from 7:00-8:00pm
(Check- in begins at 6:30pm)
Registration
Please send an email to
expert@fvinstitute.com or contact 630.718.0717 ext. 0.
Suzanne Keenon, LCPC
Suzanne Keenon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has past experience helping couples, families and adult individuals. She also specializes in assisting individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, infidelity, infertility and relational issues. Suzanne received her Masters of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University-Illinois School of Professional Psychology and is certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy.
