Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Website

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP

Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor

Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, and interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Anthropology, DePauw University
  • Master in Teaching, Dominican University
  • Master of Social Work, University of Chicago

Professional Achievements

  • Hosts a Podcast on 101.9 The Mix Chicago
  • Featured on WGN Radio and WGN TV as a Mental Health and Wellness expert, and completed a radio interview on WGN's 'Women in Business' show
  • Featured on 'Hubbard Helps Podcast' as a Mental Health Expert
  • Featured on DLC Anxiety Podcast as a Mental Health Expert
  • Named a Top 20 therapist in Chicago

Certifications & Organizations

  • Trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)
  • Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP)
  • Member, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America
  • Member, The National Association of Social Workers

Favorite Piece of Advice

Prioritize self-care, establish healthy boundaries, and remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute significantly to mental well-being. Don't hesitate to talk openly about your feelings, and seek professional help when needed. Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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Forum Comments (59)

Does my crush like me or not?
Absolutely. When people get around their friends, they can become more nervous and feel the pressure. Be yourself, don’t overdo it and stay consistent. Smile, say nice things, but don’t go out of your way to attract his attention. Let him come to you! If he’s interested, he will. You’ve got this.
I don't know whether i should end my friendship or not
Is this something you want to do? Or do you feel pressured by your friend to be rebellious. We all go through rebellious stages for sure and sometimes they can have pretty hard consequences and sometimes they’re insignificant. Stand up for yourself. If this is not something you want to do either tell them or just stay away. Making good choices impacts your future so think about what you’re doing and if it’s the best for you and not what your friend is doing. You’ve got this!
Is my friend rude or am I just sensitive?
Honestly, they sound a little insecure. Maybe they’re not comfortable talking in social settings or feeling less confident speaking to you. Sometimes people seem like they’re being mean or uninterested but really it’s because they’re just anxious about communicating in general. You’re not doing anything wrong and the comments that they’re making might come off as harsh, but there could be another reason for it. Hang in there.
I really like this girl but I'm afraid that I messed things up
Not everyone is interested and I know that feels hard sometimes. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. Don’t overthink it, don’t go out of your way. Just be yourself. Let her come to you if she’s interested, but don’t spend too much time trying to figure out if she is. You’ve got this!
What does it mean if a girl keeps looking at me?
It could be! There’s only one way to find out. Make small talk nothing too heavy or flirtatious. Ask her where she goes to school, what she’s doing this weekend, etc. Keep things light and see if there’s any sort of flicker in the conversation to show that maybe she’s interested. You’ve got this!
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Q&A Comments (100)

How can you tell if someone is faking happiness?
Signs of depression include loss of interest in activities, isolation without wanting to communicate or see loved ones, and apathy. You may also notice a change in eating or sleep patterns, weight gain or weight loss. Some people suffering from depression may use substances like alcohol to numb their feelings, or experience headaches and stomachaches. Lastly, negative thought patterns may develop with depression. All or nothing statements like “I can’t do anything right” or “I never do well at work” are all red flags.
When should I see a mental health professional?
One of the key factors in deciding whether or not to seek treatment is when you, or those around you, notice a decline in mental health and an increase of symptoms that begin to affect your daily life. If you notice that you don't have the same joy surrounding daily activities, family, loved ones, friends, pets, or if your mood seems out of the ordinary, it would be beneficial to seek treatment. Another important factor is that therapy isn't just for the “mentally ill.” Some people seek guidance just to ensure they have an outlet to manage emotions and cope when things go unexpected. Therapy is for everyone, and therapists are trained to help with a variety of concerns.
How do you heal yourself from trauma?
Sexual assualt and rape are very serious, traumatic events that can do severe damage emotionally, physically and cognitively. Trying to navigate these concerns on your own can be both draining and unsuccessful. The first and most important thing to do is seek help from a trained clinician who works with trauma and is certified in treating the struggles that come along with the experience. You can start the process of dealing with the guilt, shame, confusion and emotions that often follow with a person trained to help you walk through it.
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