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 ProcesswikiHow 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 (55)

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!

I need to be better

You absolutely can do this! I know it’s a lot of work and high school is a massive transition. My son is going through the same thing and he’s had to learn how to balance. You can look at something like an executive functioning coach or tutor to help you along the way to get organized. These are all life skills. We have to learn now before college because then it really gets tough. You’ve got this.

Best friend overheard talking about you in a derogatory manner

That must’ve felt extremely hurtful. I’m so sorry that that happened. I always told my patience. I know it’s hard to believe but people are talking about us. Whether we like it or not, they’re talking about good things, bad things and all of the above. It’s something we have to get used to and understand that as human beings, people gossip and talk about one another. It’s not nice, but I’m sure that you and I both do it too. Surround yourself with people who you know are positive. It would stand up for you in a room or someone that’s talking about you. You’ve got this.

HELP! How To Say No To a Boy Asking Me Out

Todd, I am so flattered that you told me that. I can’t believe you’ve liked me since third grade! I’ve never dated before and honestly, I would like to get to know someone before being romantic. It’s an important quality for me to be friends with somebody before dating. I hope you understand my reasoning.You’ve got this!

My crush has been flirting with me AND another girl. What is he doing?

There’s only one way to find out. Start talking to him a little bit more and see if you can gauge interest. A gentle pat on the shoulder, a lot of smiling and maybe a little flirtation. If he’s interested, you’ll know.! You’ve got this!

See more comments

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.

See more comments

Co-authored Articles (78)

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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

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�...

50+ Crazy Examples of the Mandela Effect That You Won't Believe

Do your memories match these false memories?Do you and your friends swear you remember something, but how you all remember it isn’t accurate? Maybe it’s a logo from your favorite cereal or a quote from a beloved movi...

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�...

A Guide to Writing & Delivering an Appropriate Eulogy

Help grieving loved ones by delivering a heartfelt eulogyA eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service in memory of the deceased. Being asked to deliver one may seem overwhelming at first, but you don't have to be a g...

How to Not Be a Loser: Actionable Ways to Change Your Mindset

Life coaches and therapists share how to present your best selfNobody likes feeling like a loser. Luckily, with just a little time and energy, you can break free from this mindset and start believing in yourself again. K...

How to

Be Sarcastic

Sarcasm is a great way to get a laugh and make the best of a bad situation. Being sarcastic is easier than you think. Listen carefully to the way other sarcastic people speak, and look for creative ways to be sarcastic ...

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...

How to

Wink

The wink can be a way of communicating many different ideas or feelings without the use of words. It is thought to come from an ancient Norse myth about the god Odin, who traded one of his eyes for the opportunity to dri...

See more articles