Pillars of Wellness

06/15/2026

We live in a world that teaches us to avoid discomfort.
But what if avoiding hard feelings is actually what keeps us stuck?

In her latest blog, Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC, NCC, explores the hidden cost of emotional avoidance and why healing often begins when we stop running from discomfort and start making space for it.

Whether you're navigating grief, anxiety, OCD, or simply carrying something heavy, this piece is a powerful reminder: healing isn't about feeling better all the time. It's about getting better at feeling.

💙 Presence over perfection.
💙 Courage over avoidance.
💙 Connection over isolation.

Read the full blog here and discover why leaning into life's difficult emotions may be the very thing that helps us grow: https://www.pillarsinspires.com/we-were-taught-to-avoid-feelings/

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06/12/2026

Following the recent tornadoes, our communities are hurting and healing takes time. Swipe through for psychological first aid tips, grounding tools, and local resources to help you and your loved ones through this. 💙 Free support calls are available — no appointment needed. You are not alone.

06/11/2026

Adult ADHD doesn’t always look the way you think it does.
For many, symptoms are misunderstood, overlooked, or labeled as something else entirely—especially in adulthood. And while there are shared challenges across the board, how ADHD shows up can look very different for men and women.
From executive functioning struggles and emotional regulation to hidden overwhelm and perfectionism, understanding these patterns is key to getting the right support.
Awareness isn’t just helpful—it’s empowering. 💡
Because clarity leads to better strategies, less self-blame, and improved quality of life.
If this resonates with you (or someone you know), you’re not alone—and there are answers.
👉 Comment “ADHD” to receive the full blog!

219.323.3311
www.pillarsinspires.com
[email protected]

06/09/2026

We would like to say a huge “thank you” to NWI Pride for allowing us to join you as a vendor this year at NWI Pride Fest 2026. Kara VanHimbergen, our LGBTQ+ Youth Specialist, and Griffin Rhyne, our Senior Specialist for Shelter Services, attended and represented Pillars! 🥳💙
Thank you to Leah, Maggie, and the entire team for being so hospitable and for helping us make some incredible connections within the community.

219.323.3311
www.pillarsinspires.com
[email protected]

06/09/2026

🎥 Meet Taylor Wheeler, LMHC-A, NCC — Program Lead for Rapid Relief Intervention (RRI) ⚡

As part of our ongoing Pillars Inspires website revamp, we're excited to introduce Taylor Wheeler, LMHC-A, NCC, the lead clinician behind our Rapid Relief Intervention (RRI) Program.

Taylor specializes in trauma-informed care, early intervention, and short-term treatment models designed to help individuals regain stability during periods of acute emotional distress.

The RRI Program functions much like urgent care for mental health—providing immediate, short-term support for individuals experiencing heightened anxiety, acute stress reactions, emotional overwhelm, trauma responses, or other crisis-related symptoms.

✨ Program Highlights:
• Brief intervention model with a maximum of 6 sessions
• Available in-person and statewide via telehealth
• Uses the evidence-based ASSYST protocol and bilateral stimulation techniques
• Designed to provide rapid symptom relief and emotional stabilization
• Available for individuals, organizations, schools, healthcare facilities, and community partners

One of the most unique aspects of RRI is its Community Intervention model. Following a critical incident, loss, traumatic event, or community crisis, our team can travel onsite to provide immediate support to those affected.

💙 Watch Taylor's introduction and learn more about how Rapid Relief Intervention is helping individuals and communities access timely, effective mental health support when they need it most.

📲 219.323.3311
🖥️pillarsinspires.com
📧[email protected]



https://youtu.be/bxkdEMX-zXM?si=NT_JiW984cg-DcBD

https://www.pillarsinspires.com/centers-of-excellence/rapid-relief-intervention-program/

Taylor Wheeler, MA, LMHCA, NCC explains the Rapid Relief Interventi...

06/04/2026

☀️ Summer break doesn't have to mean putting growth on pause.

In his latest blog, James Shuler, MRC, LPC, CRC, ADHD-RSP, shares practical strategies for every age group—from elementary students to emerging adults—to help build confidence, independence, and resilience throughout the summer months.

And while it may be tempting to take a break from therapy or other supports during the summer, maintaining consistency can make transitions smoother now and when the new school year begins.

Read the full blog and discover how your Pillars team can help make this summer a season of growth. ☀️

https://www.pillarsinspires.com/executive-functioning-summer-transition/

📲219.323.3311
🖥️www.pillarsinspires.com
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When summer routines slip, so do planning, focus, and emotional regulation. Explore age-by-age strategies to support executive functioning all summer long.

06/02/2026

🔦 Clinician Spotlight: Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC, NCC
We're excited to spotlight Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC, NCC, who serves as both the Director of OCD & Anxiety Exposure Services and Associate Director of Merrillville at Pillars of Wellness.
Jessi believes that fear has a way of shrinking life—and her work is about helping people take it back. Through evidence-based treatment, honest conversations, and a healthy dose of humor, she helps clients move toward what matters most, even when anxiety shows up loudly. Her approach is grounded in the belief that courage grows through action and that every step forward is a vote for the person you want to become.

In her newest blog, "Your Dermatologist Might Be the First Person to Notice Your OCD," Jessi sheds light on the often-overlooked connection between OCD and physical symptoms such as excessive handwashing, skin picking, and hair pulling. The article highlights how many individuals receive treatment for the physical effects of OCD long before the underlying cause is identified—and why specialized, evidence-based care can be life-changing.

As the leader of Pillars' OCD & Anxiety Exposure Services, Jessi has built a structured program focused on providing hope and effective treatment for individuals navigating OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), ACT, CBT, and other evidence-based approaches, she helps clients build resilience, face fears, and reclaim parts of life that anxiety has taken away.

💬 Katelyn Kapelinski, MA, LMHC, NCC, Director of Merrillville, shared:
"Since joining our team, Jessi has quickly emerged as a strong and inspiring member of leadership. Not only has she created a program that provides meaningful support and hope to individuals navigating OCD and anxiety-related challenges, she has also been a great motivator for overall workplace wellness. We appreciate you!"

👉 Read Jessi's blog here:
https://www.pillarsinspires.com/your-dermatologist-might-be-the-first-person-to-notice-your-ocd/
Jessi is currently accepting new clients in **Merrillville and via Telehealth** and welcomes referrals for OCD, anxiety disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, performance anxiety, and related concerns.

📞 219.323.3311
🌐 pillarsinspires.com
✨ Help us celebrate Jessi and the incredible impact she's making for individuals and families navigating OCD and anxiety.

06/01/2026

Before we turn the page on Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we're sharing one final reminder: support matters. 💙

Maternal mental health challenges affect millions of families, yet too many parents navigate them in silence. In this blog, Nicole De Young, LMHC-A, discusses the signs of postpartum mood disorders, ways to support new parents, and resources available for those who may be struggling.

Because maternal mental health is important every month of the year. 💙

Read more below.

If you're a parent, know that support is available. If you love a parent, your encouragement and presence can make a meaningful difference.

Read the full blog and help us continue the conversation around maternal mental health. 💙

https://www.pillarsinspires.com/maternal-mental-health-awareness-month/

219.323.3311 | [email protected] | pillarsinspires.com

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month By: Nicole De Young, LMHC-A | PILLARS OF WELLNESS According […]

05/27/2026

If you’re feeling the weight of “I can’t do this alone,” please know you don’t have to.
💙 At Pillars of Wellness, our Substance Use services, led with compassion and steadiness by Kaitlin Pilipovic, MS, LCAC, are here to meet you right where you are.

Whether it’s support for a teen finding their way or an adult ready for a new chapter, we’ll walk alongside you with care that’s personal, respectful, and rooted in hope.

When you’re ready, we’re here.
219.323.3311 | [email protected]