Serving individuals groups and families in the Chicago metro area 

Mental/emotional health

• Individual

• Group

• Family

• Couples

• Men's Group - Meeting weekly on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 7:00 in the town of Wheaton.  This group works on a variety of issues including: relationships, financial responsibilities, personal growth, parenting and more.  Men's Group and therapy conducted at Pape And Associates Wheaton/Schaumburg  Phone 630-668-8710

Addictions - dealing with the issues common to most recovering addicts/alcoholics:

• Relapse prevention

• Mood swings 

• Family trust issues

• Feelings of inadequacy

• Impulsive behavior

• Irrational decision making

• Guilt, shame and regret

Coping with the emotional effects of gastric bypass procedure

Many men and women encounter unexpected psychological difficulties after experiencing significant weight loss. Preventative counseling combined with education will help patients and reap more befits and avoid possible pitfalls of the GB procedure.

    Issues may include:  

·         Addiction transfer - compulsive overeating is often replaced with other compulsive and self destructive behavior.  Examples include: drug/alcohol abuse, gambling, high risk sexual conduct, excessive shopping and other compulsive activities.

·         Identity issues - after weight loss new perceptions of self and/or others may occur.

·         Lack of satisfaction -The brain has become accustomed to the over production dopamine, from over eating. Dopamine increases perception of joy, social connectivity and motivation. Lack of dopamine can cause a " let down" or depressed feeling.

·         Adjustment to lifestyle change - previous preoccupation with food required time and energy for the planning and execution of caloric consumption. There may be a void to fill with other activities to prevent boredom or the substitution of another bad habit. New coping skills are often necessary for adjustment to life changes, especially if food had been used for stress relief in the past.

·         Alcohol Issues - The reduced capacity of the stomach leaves less food to slow the absorption of alcohol and will cause blood alcohol levels to rise higher and faster than it did before the GP procedure. Substances that are faster acting and more euphoric can  increase the possibility of abuse or addiction

      Alcohol raises glucose levels rapidly and may produce a dopamine response like over eating did in the past. This also may affect the stability of blood sugar levels. 

Call Licensed Therapist Brian Katz at Pape & Associates Located in Wheaton and Schaumberg for further information 630-668-8710