gay men at a bar talking about validation addiction in Chicago on Halsted Street

Social Anxiety in Gay Men: Chicago Therapist Explores

June 15, 2026 2SC Staff

You walk into a bar in Boystown and immediately start scanning. Who’s looking at you. Who isn’t. Whether the group in the corner is judging your outfit. Whether you’re attractive enough to belong here. Whether […]

person meditating preparing for Chicago Pride and encouraging good mental health

What Chicago Pride Really Does to Your Mental Health

June 11, 2026 2SC Staff

Every June, Halsted Street transforms. Rainbow flags stretch from Belmont to Addison. The sidewalks fill. The music starts early and ends late. For millions of LGBTQ+ people, Chicago Pride is the highlight of the year […]

10 Modern Coping Strategies for Navigating Life Changes in Chicago

June 9, 2026 2SC Staff

man thinking of going to mens therapy at 2nd Story Counseling Chicago

Why Men Don’t Go to Therapy — And Why That’s Changing in Chicago

June 1, 2026 2SC Staff

By Brendan Wolter, MSW | 2nd Story Counseling, Chicago Let me be honest about something: as a therapist who works with men, I hear a version of the same story over and over. A guy […]

queer man coming out as part of relational therapy 2SC chicago

Relational Repair after “Coming Out”

June 1, 2026 2SC Staff

Coming out is often portrayed as a singular moment—a brave declaration that brings relief and authenticity. And while that can be true, the reality for many LGBTQ+ people is that coming out marks the beginning […]

woman thinking about her situational or clinical depression with therapist at 2nd Story Counseling

Situational Depression vs. Clinical Depression

June 1, 2026 2SC Staff

By Alexandra DeWoskin, LCSW | 2nd Story Counseling, Chicago You’ve been feeling low for weeks. Getting out of bed is harder than it should be. Things that used to feel enjoyable don’t interest you much […]