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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 (34)

What do you like about being single?
Literally everything. OK, there are times I do wish I had a companion, but I have found that I find the most joy in being by myself, with friends and loved ones. As you get older, you realize how precious your time is and you really don’t want to waste it on people who are Not important. Now, if I were to find the right person, I wouldn’t be opposed to having a companion, However, my expectations for what it would look like are important. I’m not rushing it and perfectly content where I am today. You have to love yourself and enjoy your own company first. That’s key! If that person ends up at some point, crossing my path, I might give it a go. However, I really do enjoy the time I have as a single person, and I don’t regret any decisions about that.
I learned the average age for a first kiss is 15...
Timing for intimacy is so overrated. Don’t listen to the hype. What age does it really matter when you have your first kiss? Do you really know what you’re doing in high school when some folks are out there locking lips? Take your time, find someone you like and make it special. If you’ve waited until the age of 26 let’s find the right person to share That first kiss with. Take the timeline out of it and focus on the right moment. You’ll get there.
So how do you actually talk to girls?
To be honest, I don’t know too many people who are super comfortable talking to the opposite sex, especially if it’s someone they like. Remember, you’re 16 and still learning about yourself so don’t think that the person that you are today is the person you’ll be tomorrow. If you want to work on talking to girls, you can start by doing so online to be a little bit more comfortable. In person, make small talk. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering conversation. Use your body language. Smile and be pleasant. You don’t have to be a master at talking to girls to get comfortable but you do have to start somewhere. Keep practicing, you’ll get there.
Telltale signs she will cheat on me?
Usually, when someone is going to cheat, they become secretive. They try and hide things from you so you don’t suspect infidelity. Leaving the room to answer the phone, hiding their phone when they’re texting someone, lots of passwords or being out and about with no real story about where they’ve been. Keep in mind, some people are private and have boundaries, we should respect that. However, usually people are willing to share what they’re doing outside of the relationship if it’s not going to cause harm to the relationship. If you bring up some of your concerns and you feel like the person is gaslighting you or making you feel crazy for questioning, that’s a big red flag.
Who/what was your gay awakening?
That’s such a tender and real feeling, and I’m really glad you shared it. It’s not easy carrying something so personal, especially when it involves someone you care about so deeply. You’re in this place where your heart feels full and vulnerable all at once — excited about how you feel, but scared of what it might change.

Here’s the thing: your feelings are valid. You don’t need to rush yourself into telling her before you’re ready — especially if the fear of losing the friendship feels too heavy right now. It’s okay to take your time figuring out what you want, and how you want to say it, if you decide to say it.

Some people do tell their best friends and it brings them closer, even if the feelings aren’t mutual. Others wait or never say anything and still keep a meaningful connection. It really depends on the friendship, and on how emotionally safe and accepting that relationship feels.

You could try asking yourself a few gentle questions:
• What would I hope to get out of telling her?
• Am I looking for clarity, closure, or just to stop hiding this part of myself?
• Is there a version of this where I can be honest while still protecting our friendship?

Sometimes sharing your identity without focusing solely on your feelings can be a softer way in — like coming out generally, if you haven’t yet — and seeing how she reacts to that kind of vulnerability.

You deserve love and honesty and connection, and it’s okay to not have all the answers right now. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough. Let’s do this!
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