(See Below for a great Evanston salon 'first time customer' offer for friends of UB)

UB Evanston Counseling News, by Joyce Marter:

One of my favorite byproducts of counseling is increased self-esteem. UB therapists work with clients on achieving a positive self concept, assertiveness, and healthy boundaries. With regular self-care practices, a good support network, and positive self-talk, we see people blossom into their best selves.

Part of good self esteem is having a positive self image and practicing good self-care. For this reason, Urban Balance often recommends services offered by top-notch salons, like Robert Gold Salon & Spa in Evanston (www.robertgoldsalon.com.) Spa services such as massages, facials and pedicures can provide a much needed stress buster and break from the responsibilities we all have at work and home. Salon and spa services can help you feel your best, which can increase confidence and improve your mood.

Take time to pick the right salon. I am a long term client of Robert Gold because I appreciate the attitude and client care – they help you feel your best without any upsell. I think many of you can relate how at some salons they try and upsell with how you haven't been taking care of your skin or hair properly, and try to get you to buy a ton of products. It is worth it to invest a little time to find the right salon.

What I sometimes need to remind my therapy clients: self-care means you can take care of others better, and getting a makeover can help you become your most productive self. We all need to take care of ourselves as a way to honor and refuel ourselves. Taking care of our physical appearance is a normal part of overall wellness. It is not about vanity, it is about feeling positive and confident.

Combining therapy and self-care practices is a way to reboot confidence, and better help you achieve goals and life balance. I tell my North Shore counseling clients, it's not about filling holes, or curing symptoms, although sometimes with clients in crisis we must address immediates issues - ultimately the goal is about creating the balance to become your best self.

SPECIAL OFFER FROM ROBERT GOLD SALON FOR UB FRIENDS & FAMILY:

$20 off color or cut and 10% off any facial for first time clients, just mention urban balance.