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    22996 El Toro Road, Suite 107 | Lake Forest, CA 92630
    chris@drchriscounseling.com | (949) 235-5104

  • Christine Lillja

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    The Many Forms of Anxiety and What to Do About It

    June 1, 2025

    Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience racing thoughts before a presentation. Others feel panicked at the idea of leaving home. Anxiety shows up in many forms, and understanding your specific experience is the first step toward managing it with anxiety […]

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    The Many Forms of Anxiety and What to Do About It

    June 1, 2025

    Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience racing thoughts before a presentation. Others feel panicked at the idea of leaving home. Anxiety shows up in many forms, and understanding your specific experience is the first step toward managing it with anxiety therapy. 

    When Does General Anxiety Become an Anxiety Disorder?

    While having occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, persistent and overwhelming fear can signal a disorder. These conditions disrupt daily routines, strain relationships, and make even simple tasks feel daunting. Types of anxiety disorders include: 

    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), marked by constant worry about daily events 

    • Social Anxiety Disorder, involving intense fear of judgment or embarrassment 

    • Panic Disorder, with sudden, repeated panic attacks 

    • Phobias, which are strong fears of specific objects or situations 

    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which share features with anxiety disorders 

    Anxiety can also overlap with depression, trauma, or burnout, making professional support especially valuable. Fortunately, anxiety is highly treatable, and help is available in many different forms. An anxiety therapist can help you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. In some cases, medication may also be recommended to provide symptom relief. 

    Anxiety Therapy Can Change Your Life

    Whether your anxiety feels like constant tension or unpredictable panic, there are tools and techniques that can help you feel grounded and in control again. Our providers work with clients to build personalized anxiety therapy plans that empower them to heal at their own pace. Reach out to our team today to get started!

    Filed Under: Anxiety, high functioning-anxiety, mental health

    Coping With Stress: Tips for Working Professionals in the Modern Age

    June 1, 2025

    In today’s hyper-connected world, stress has become an almost constant companion for working professionals. Emails don’t stop after hours, deadlines seem never-ending, and work-life balance has begun to feel more like a myth than a goal. Over time, chronic stress can affect not just productivity, but physical health, relationships, and emotional well-being. So if you’re […]

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    Coping With Stress: Tips for Working Professionals in the Modern Age

    June 1, 2025

    In today’s hyper-connected world, stress has become an almost constant companion for working professionals. Emails don’t stop after hours, deadlines seem never-ending, and work-life balance has begun to feel more like a myth than a goal. Over time, chronic stress can affect not just productivity, but physical health, relationships, and emotional well-being. So if you’re feeling the pressure, it’s time to hook yourself up with professional support. 

    Effective Stress Management for Working Adults

    It’s easy to normalize high stress levels when they’re part of the daily grind. But when stress interferes with your sleep, mood, or ability to enjoy life, that’s no good. Luckily, certain small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Some effective stress management strategies for professionals include: 

    • Setting firm work-life boundaries and unplugging during personal time 

    • Practicing deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided meditation 

    • Prioritizing physical activity to release tension and boost energy 

    • Taking regular breaks during the workday to reset your focus 

    • Talking to a therapist to identify stress triggers and build resilience 

    You don’t have to wait until burnout hits—support is available to help you regain balance before stress becomes overwhelming. Therapy offers a space to examine your habits, thought patterns, and emotional responses to pressure. Give it a try! 

    Individual Therapy for Stress Done Right

    Whether you’re navigating leadership roles, remote work challenges, or simply juggling too much, therapy can help you regain clarity and calm—one session at a time. Get started today by scheduling your first! Our compassionate providers understand the demands of professional life and tailor treatment to fit your lifestyle. 

    Filed Under: mental health, stress

    What Is High-Functioning Autism?

    May 2, 2025

    Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can speak, read, write, and perform life skills with minimal assistance. […]

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    What Is High-Functioning Autism?

    May 2, 2025

    Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can speak, read, write, and perform life skills with minimal assistance. The medical community previously used the term “Asperger’s syndrome” to describe high-functioning autism but officially retired its usage in 2013.

    What Are the Levels of Autism?

    As its full name suggests, autism is considered to be on a spectrum because each person experiences the disorder differently, with some requiring more support than others. The medical community classifies autism into three levels, ranging from Level 1 (which requires the least support) to Level 3 (which requires the most support). Many people consider individuals at Level 1 to have high-functioning autism. It’s important to note that some autistic people fluctuate between levels from one day to another or even within the course of the same day.

    Learn More About the Autism Spectrum

    If you think that you or a loved one might have high-functioning autism or another level of autism, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of the knowledgeable therapists on our team. We have extensive experience working with autistic patients, and we’ll be happy to provide you with tips and tools that are customized to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: autism

    5 Summer Activities That Can Boost Your Mental Health

    May 2, 2025

    The sun’s out, the temperature is rising, and… you’re feeling depressed. While people typically experience the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months, this condition can also cause some individuals to feel depressed in the spring and summer. Whether you have SAD or you’re feeling depressed for another reason, here […]

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    5 Summer Activities That Can Boost Your Mental Health

    May 2, 2025

    The sun’s out, the temperature is rising, and… you’re feeling depressed. While people typically experience the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months, this condition can also cause some individuals to feel depressed in the spring and summer. Whether you have SAD or you’re feeling depressed for another reason, here are five activities you should consider to boost your mental health this summer:

    1. Head outside to try a new outdoor exercise like walking, swimming, or playing tennis (even if you don’t feel up to exercising, relaxing outside while reading a book or picnicking with friends could improve your mood).
    2. Create a summer playlist filled with upbeat, catchy tunes.
    3. Spruce up your home by planting some flowers (if you don’t have any outdoor space, try looking for a local community garden).
    4. Attend a local fair, watch an outdoor movie, or spend the day at a nearby amusement park.
    5. Pick up some fruits and vegetables from a local farmer’s market (and maybe even use them to try a new recipe).

    Does Your Mental Health Still Need a Boost?

    If you’ve tried the summer activities listed above but found that your mental health could still use some improvement, contact us today. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced therapists at our practice. Once we’ve learned about the issues you’ve been experiencing, we’ll be able to recommend some strategies that are customized to your unique needs.

    Filed Under: mental health, summer

    3 Things You Never Knew About Meditation

    April 1, 2025

    You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation. 1. Meditation Has Been Around for Thousands of Years While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the […]

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    3 Things You Never Knew About Meditation

    April 1, 2025

    You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation.

    1. Meditation Has Been Around for Thousands of Years

    While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades, it has a much longer history. In fact, according to an article published by Psychology Today, wall art from the Indus Valley indicates that meditation may have been used as early as 5,000 B.C.E.

    2. Meditation Can Have Long-Term Effects

    It’s common for people to turn to meditation when they’re already feeling stressed. But studies suggest that meditation doesn’t just relieve stress in the moment—consistently practicing meditation over a long period of time can reduce the inflammatory response to psychological stressors, making someone less reactive to stress and better able to recover from it.

    3. Therapists Can Help With Meditation

    Many people think of meditation as being something that you do on your own, but therapists often use meditation to treat patients who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep problems, anger management, and various other issues. An experienced therapist can guide patients through meditation sessions and offer advice for how to practice mindfulness at home.

    Fortunately, residents of this area won’t need to look far for professional help with meditation. Our therapists regularly incorporate meditation into their practice, and they can recommend the approach that’s most appropriate for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.

    Filed Under: meditation

    How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep

    April 1, 2025

    Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of […]

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    How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep

    April 1, 2025

    Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of developing health conditions like dementia, heart disease, obesity, and strokes.

    So, what can you do to help ensure that you get a good night’s rest? Here are eight tips for how to improve the quality of your sleep:

    1. Wake up at the same time each morning and go to sleep at the same time each night.
    2. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
    3. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine (but be careful to not exercise too close to bedtime).
    4. Avoid taking long naps, especially in the afternoon.
    5. Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bedtime
    6. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or consume large meals right before going to sleep.
    7. Avoid watching TV, scrolling on your phone, and using other electronics at bedtime (instead, you might want to try reading a book).
    8. Take steps to reduce stress (for example, meditating or attending therapy).

    Start Enjoying a Better Night’s Sleep

    If you’re ready to take the next step with improving the quality of your sleep, contact us today. Our therapists have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and other conditions that can interfere with sleep. When you call, we’ll tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: sleep

    Understanding Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED)

    March 1, 2025

    You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job). PTED may be more likely to occur if the person […]

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    Understanding Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED)

    March 1, 2025

    You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job).

    PTED may be more likely to occur if the person worked hard to achieve their goals before being let down. For example, if someone worked overtime or took on extra responsibilities to get a promotion but instead was let go, they may believe that their firing was particularly unjust, causing them to feel bitter and resentful.

    What Are the Symptoms of PTED?

    Post-traumatic embitterment disorder symptoms can vary from one person to another. With that said, PTED often causes people to feel:

    • Abused
    • Aggressive
    • Angry
    • Betrayed
    • Distressed
    • Frustrated
    • Helpless
    • Hopeless
    • Uncooperative
    • Untrusting
    • Vengeful
    • Violated

    Individuals with PTED often blame others rather than taking accountability for their own problems. Symptoms like these can keep someone with PTED from moving on with their life, affecting their relationships and in some cases even leading to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

    Learn More About PTED

    Would you like to know more about post-traumatic embitterment disorder? If so, contact us today. The therapists on our team are highly experienced in treating PTED and can provide you with additional insight into potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you take the next step with moving on from a traumatic life event.

    Filed Under: pted

    What Is Journaling & How Can It Help You?

    March 1, 2025

    If you’ve been researching self-care practices, you may have come across something known as journaling. But what is journaling, exactly, and what can it do to improve your mental, emotional, and even physical health? Journaling, at its core, is the regular practice of writing down experiences, thoughts, and feelings. However, it can be adapted to […]

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    What Is Journaling & How Can It Help You?

    March 1, 2025

    If you’ve been researching self-care practices, you may have come across something known as journaling. But what is journaling, exactly, and what can it do to improve your mental, emotional, and even physical health?

    Journaling, at its core, is the regular practice of writing down experiences, thoughts, and feelings. However, it can be adapted to whatever your specific needs or goals may be. For example, many people find that listing the people and things that they’re thankful for helps them become happier overall. Another popular approach is bullet journaling, which typically involves listing short- and long-term goals, daily tasks, reminders, and observations.

    The Many Benefits of Journaling

    Journaling offers numerous benefits for your mind and body. For instance, it can help you:

    • Process and reflect on your emotions
    • Enhance your mindfulness
    • Become more grateful
    • Develop a more positive mindset
    • Boost your creativity
    • Reduce your stress and anxiety levels
    • Improve your memory
    • Sleep better
    • Track the progress you’re making toward your goals

    If you’re just getting started with journaling, you’ll want to intentionally set aside time for it each day until it becomes part of your normal routine. You may also want to try various methods—for example, using a paper journal versus a digital journal—to find the one that works best for you.

    Learn More About the Benefits of Journaling

    If you’re interested in journaling and the benefits it can provide for you, contact us today. We’ll be happy to arrange an initial consultation at a date and time that fits into your schedule. We look forward to meeting with you, telling you more about our practice, and providing you with tips for how to incorporate journaling into your daily life.

    Filed Under: journaling

    Why Does Exercise Reduce Stress?

    February 2, 2025

    If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you’ll want to consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval). Exercise is renowned for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it affect stress levels? Exercise can: Increase endorphin production – Your pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins, hormones that […]

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    Why Does Exercise Reduce Stress?

    February 2, 2025

    If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you’ll want to consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval). Exercise is renowned for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it affect stress levels? Exercise can:

    • Increase endorphin production – Your pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins, hormones that can help reduce your stress, relieve your pain, and boost your mood. Exercise stimulates your body to produce more endorphins, making it a great stress reliever
    • Improve your sleep – Studies show that a lack of sleep can cause someone to feel more stressed. Fortunately, exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep, which can in turn keep your stress levels down
    • Take your mind off your worries – When you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to think about anything else. But because exercise forces you to focus on your body’s movements, it can serve as a stress-reducing form of meditation.

    If you’re not used to exercising, be sure to start off slow. After all, if you end up injuring yourself, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the stress relief benefits listed above. Also make sure to choose a workout that you’ll enjoy—remember that any physical activity can qualify as exercise, so if you’ll be more likely to stick with a routine that involves dancing rather than jogging, go for it.

    Still Need Help Reducing Your Stress Levels?

    If you’ve tried incorporating exercise into your daily routine but you’re still feeling stressed, you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. Luckily, you can rely on the experienced team at our practice. We understand the toll that stress can take on a person’s life, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll be able to provide you with customized advice. Contact us today to get started.

    Filed Under: exercise, stress

    3 Tips for Starting a Self-Care Routine

    February 2, 2025

    You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, […]

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    3 Tips for Starting a Self-Care Routine

    February 2, 2025

    You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall quality of life. Here are three tips to consider when starting a self-care routine:

    1. Think About Your Goals

    The thought of tackling all areas of your life at once can feel overwhelming, so decide what you’d like to focus on first. Once you’ve identified your goals, consider what activities will help you achieve them and where you can turn for support.

    2. Block Off Time

    You probably don’t hesitate to set aside time for school, work, and family obligations, but self-care is just as important. Block off a set amount of time—whether it be an hour or a full day—and commit to following through with your plans.

    3. Start Attending Therapy

    Many people think of self-care as something they do on their own, but speaking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health. Luckily, you won’t need to look far to find a qualified therapist near you. Our caring team is highly experienced and can provide you with personalized recommendations that are tailored to your specific goals. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

    Filed Under: self care

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    22996 El Toro Road, Suite 107 Lake Forest, CA 92630

    (949) 235-5104 chris@drchriscounseling.com

    Contact Today

    Christine Lillja, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
    chris@drchriscounseling.com | (949) 235-5104

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