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.

wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Forum Comments (44)

I need help!! (he's getting a little bit...much)
Are you noticing any reasons as to why maybe his behavior is different at night? Is he overly stressed at school? Is there some sort of substance use going on that you’re not aware of? Something that could be changing his personality that you could address? If you’re uncomfortable with someone or they’re making you feel Controlled, that’s definitely a red flag. Do you think that this deserves a conversation to see if changes can be made before pulling the plug. Is it worth it?
How to end a friendship with someone.
Friendships are hard to navigate. Sometimes you’re getting along great and other times you’re bumping heads. I would take some time to really think about things after the fight. Emotions are high and you want to take time to process what took place. I would give yourself some space, let them know you’re taking some time to yourself and revisit this after you have time to decompress. If you’re still feeling the same way in a few days then I would act on it. There doesn’t need to be a huge dramatic ending to the friendship, but there can be if you need closure. Since there was an event that took place I’m sure they’re aware of how you feel.I would say create distance, space and then slowly stop talking to the person. If they ask for an explanation then you’re welcome to have a conversation or not. The ball is in your court.
Dealing with friend hypocrisy and data privacy issue
I would definitely bring it up to this person, but not in the group chat. I would have a conversation with them about why you feel like your privacy is being violated and that you explicitly asked them not to do what they did. Maybe there’s a reason behind it or they misunderstood. Either way you have the right to voice your opinion.
What makes you love someone & do you need a reason to love someone?
There are so many instances that you could fall in love with someone or love them as a friend without needing a reason. Sometimes it’s just the right place and time. Or maybe, they may fill a void that needing tending to. Love isn’t always about looks or intimacy, it can be a feeling you have for someone just because!
What are some fun things to do by yourself?
Finding something that you enjoy doing alone that brings you happiness can make a world of difference between a lonely night at home or a relaxing time rejuvenating your inner self! Try some diverse activities to see what you like most; this could be a hobby, self-care, lazy activities, reaching out to a friend, or getting out of the house. Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Then, incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time. Think critically while making your list. Sometimes, the things we THINK we like are truly not what makes us feel good. Sitting on the couch for five hours, binge-watching Netflix with wine in hand, may not actually read high on your scale of feel-good activities, or maybe it does! Try new things and see if you can add to your toolbox of feel-good activities. Some ideas off the top of my head are mindfulness, meditation, getting a workout in, preparing healthy food, socializing remotely with loved ones, cleaning or organizing your space. Try to truly enjoy the time you have.
See more comments

Co-authored Articles (66)

125+ Heartfelt Death Anniversary Quotes, Messages & Bible Verses

Plus, the best ways to honor someone on their death anniversary dayAnniversaries that mark the passing of a loved one can be extremely difficult, but writing remembrance messages may bring you comfort and help you cope w...

130+ Heartfelt Tribute Messages & Quotes to Honor a Dead Friend

Plus, how to write a consolation note or eulogy Friends are some of the most important people in your life, and a friend’s death can be a devastating loss to face. Finding the right words to express how you feel and de...

How to Get Rid of a Porn Addiction

Break free from your addiction and create healthy sexual habits Do you feel like porn is taking over your life? While it’s totally normal to watch pornography every now and then, many people find that it can become an ...

105+ Happy Birthday Messages for a Mom in Heaven

Plus, the best ways to honor your mother on her heavenly birthdayEven if your mother is no longer with you, wishing her a happy birthday is a thoughtful way to honor her memory. In this article, we’re providing the ult...

60+ Quotes & Messages for a Grandmother Who Passed Away

Healing words to mourn the loss of your grandma & honor her memory Losing your grandmother is a devastating experience, and it can be difficult to put your feelings into words. However, sharing a few well-chosen words ca...

How to Stop Watching Porn + Signs of Addiction & Negative Impacts

Psychology-backed tips to cut back on porn and re-establish healthy intimacy The urge to look at pornography is natural and can have positive effects when you use it in moderation, but a casual habit can turn into a prob...

How to

Tell if a Girl Is a Sex Addict

Is the girl you’re dating obsessed with sex? Having a high libido is fine, but when it crosses over into a compulsion, it can really start to negatively affect your relationship. Fortunately, there are concrete red fla...

15 Texts to Comfort Someone in Physical Pain

What to say and do to make someone feel better with just your phoneYou want to be there for someone in physical pain, but what can you say over text to help? As it turns out, there’s a number of things you can do to li...

How to Love an Overthinker

If you’re dating an overthinker, you may be wondering how you can best show them you care. While your partner may be a little indecisive sometimes, rest assured that there are plenty of ways for you to support and love...

How to Comfort a Sick Person over Text

You want to comfort a friend or family member who’s sick, but how can you make them feel better over text? It turns out that even just a short, uplifting message can do wonders for their mood and make them feel support...

Where Can You Find Friends Online? (& How to Make Those Friendships Last)

Learn how to safely find a new BFF onlineThe internet is a great way to meet new people and make friends! With so many groups and niches, you’re bound to find someone with similar interests. But how do you start, and h...

How to Tell Someone You Don't Want to Be Friends (with Examples)

Plus, how to move on after ending the friendshipEnding a friendship with someone is difficult for both you and them. No matter your particular circumstances or situation, you'll want to end the friendship without hurting...

How to Stay Away from Porn

How to stop watching porn (and avoid pornography going forward) Viewing pornography—while not wrong on its own—can become an unhealthy habit if it interferes with other things in your life. So, whether you want to si...

90+ Things to Say to Someone Who’s Grieving (& What Not to Say)

Experts explain how to comfort someone who’s lost a loved oneLoss and grief are some of the most inevitable yet devastating parts of life, and it can feel equally as difficult when one of your friends or family members...

How to

Make Up with Your Boyfriend After Hurting Him

When you hurt the one you love, figuring out how to make it up to them can be tough. Messing up never feels good, but it’s what you do afterwards that can make all the difference. If you upset your boyfriend and you�...

How to

Get Someone Who Hates You to Like You

You’re never going to be able to get everyone in the world to like you. That’s just the way it is. However, sometimes you can be put in a situation where someone you really need or want to get along with just doesn�...

How to

Tell Work About a Death in Your Family

Losing a family member is incredibly difficult, and the last thing you probably want to think about is your work schedule. Loss is a big mental and emotional stressor, so it’s completely understandable that you’ll ne...

12 Things to Do When You Need to Make a Choice

Life is full of decisions, but what do you do when you don’t know what choice to make? No matter what choice you’re struggling to make, take a deep breath. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of useful strategie...

What to Say to a Loved One with Anxiety: Sample Texts & Phrases

Plus, learn why it’s so important to educate yourself on anxietyEveryone experiences some anxiety at one point in their lives. When a person you care about feels overwhelmed, you want to make their day better. Luckily,...

17 Comforting Things to Say When Someone Passes Away

We hope we never have to, but eventually, we all have to be there for someone after their loved one passes away. What can you even say in such a sad situation? There’s no perfect or “right” thing to say, but you ca...
See more articles