This month we're celebrating a major milestone - a national award recognizing our innovative approach to anxiety care - and sharing resources on everything from Gen Z's creative take on social anxiety, to a child's moving journey through fear, to the science of calming your nervous system from the inside out. Plus, our brand-new Wheaton location is officially open and ready to welcome you.
Warmly,
Dr. Debra Kissen
In this Issue:
We're Humbled & Honored: IOMC Innovation in Health Care Award — Dr. Kissen and the Light On Anxiety team received this national recognition for innovation in compassionate mental health care.
"Fake It Til You Make It" — Does It Actually Work for Dating Anxiety? — Could going on dates with someone you're not feeling it with actually reduce your dating anxiety? Dr. Kissen explains the surprising science in the New York Post.
False Alarm vs. Real Alarm: Help Your Child Outsmart Anxiety — This short video gives parents a simple, powerful framework to help kids tell the difference between real danger and their brain's false alarms.
Career Stress Consuming You? Try This Free Worksheet — Our Career Wellness Diagnostic + Compass Worksheet breaks overwhelming career anxiety into clear, workable pieces — so work stops running the show.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish — It's Science — Seven evidence-based strategies that genuinely help people managing depression feel better, one small step at a time.
Light On Anxiety's Wheaton Office is Now Open! - We're bringing specialized anxiety and OCD treatment closer to the western suburbs.
Humbled & Honored: IOMC Innovation in Health Care Award
Dr. Debra Kissen, PhD, MHSA and the Light On Anxiety team has been honored with the IOMC Innovation in Health Care / Health Care Delivery Award. A proud reflection of our team's commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care.
Gen Z Is Going on "Practice Dates" — With People They Don't Even Like
Young adults are deliberately going on dates with people they're not into — and it's actually working. Dr. Kissen explains why this accidental CBT strategy builds real confidence.
Is Your Child's Brain Crying Wolf? Watch How One Child Learns to Tell the Difference.
In this short video, a Light On Anxiety therapist shows how a young child learns to separate a real threat from a false alarm — and walks away with genuine confidence. Worth 5 minutes of any parent's time.
Your Job Isn't the Problem — Your Thoughts About It Might Be
When anxiety follows you into every meeting and Sunday night feels dreadful, the to-do list isn't the real issue. This article walks you through concrete CBT tools to quiet the mental noise and rebuild your confidence at work.
Depression Is Exhausting. These 7 Self-Care Strategies Actually Help.
Consistent self-care — quality sleep, movement, journaling, human connection — can meaningfully ease depressive symptoms alongside professional treatment. Here are seven strategies worth trying.
We poured a lot of heart into this space. Our Wheaton location is now open and welcoming new clients — step inside through this short video tour and see it for yourself. Specialized anxiety and OCD care, now closer to the western suburbs.
