She’s Not Crazy

Book, Podcast & Movement….

Are you exhausted from the pressures today’s world puts on us for being perfect? Striving to be your best in relationships, friendships, family, dating, marriage, parenting, career, and – oh, and don’t forget- looking physically perfect?

It’s enough to make anyone feel like you’re going crazy.

If you’re like millions of other “she’s”, you may feel confused by your mood, anxiety and feelings. Understanding your mind, mood and feelings are the key to unlocking your greatest life. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. You’re not the only one dealing with your struggles. We’re in this together!

About the author

Lauren Schifferdecker is a TEDx speaker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, entrepreneur, author, wife and mom . She founded Inspire in 2015 in a humble storage closet. Today, Inspire has nearly 70 employees across four locations in the Chicagoland area, offering counseling and psychiatry services. Most recently, Lauren has been named a Power Woman in Sheridan Road magazine’s 2023 roundup– as well as the “Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs Thriving in the Healthcare Ecosystem in 2023” by Healthcare Insights magazine.

Lauren’s here to offer a fresh approach for mental health with humor and heart-felt stories, and techniques that will inspire, educate and entertain you along the way!

“She’s Not Crazy” BOOK

If you’ve ever felt lost or confused by your feelings, you’re not crazy. More importantly, you’re not alone. “She’s Not Crazy” is an act of love.
Lauren is a seasoned psychotherapist sharing heartfelt, relatable and vulnerable stories from her own life and professional tools to harness your feminine power. This isn’t just for women. Feminine power is for all humans. Feminine power is in all humans.
Society openly celebrates masculine power, but often overlooks the feminine gifts in power. The truth is we need both for balance. In this book, you’ll gain realistic and easy steps to harness your divine feminine power to enhance your relationships, success and life.
ALL PROCEEDS from the book will be used for Inspire Change for Mental Health. A 501c3 Non-Profit group Lauren started to offer counseling services to people without insurance or ability to pay for services.
She’s Not Crazy book will be available for pre-order on Amazon and Kindle in late 2023. Sign up for our e-newlsetter to be notified once the book is available for order.

“She’s Not Crazy”

Book by ~ Lauren Schifferdecker, MA, LCPC

As a mom, wife, former public relations executive, multi-site counseling practice owner, TEDx speaker and Podcast host–I can tell you I know a thing or two about feeling crazy trying to keep up with everything!! (and yes, I know, I use too many explanation points and emojis!!!)

After struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin for years, I finally decided to do something about it. In my quest to understand what was going on in my own head, it turned into a life-long obsession to create understanding and hacks to help find balance and peace. I’ve helped hundreds of clients, employees, listeners and people in the community step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before. I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s next!

Catch all new episodes of "She's Not Crazy" Podcast only on

About The Show

Are you exhausted from the pressures today’s world puts on us for being perfect? Striving to be your best in relationships, friendships, family, dating, marriage, parenting, career, and – oh, and don’t forget- looking physically perfect? It’s enough to make anyone feel like you’re going crazy.

If you’re like millions of other “she’s”, you may feel confused by your mood, anxiety and feelings. Understanding your mind, mood and feelings are the key to unlocking your greatest life. Tap into the power of feeling balanced and living life on YOUR terms. Join thousands of other “she’s” on a journey to have more peace, happiness, connection and authentic relationships.

When you feel balanced and feel in control, everything in your life works better.

Tune In to The Latest Episodes!!

“She’s Not Crazy” PODCAST

Lauren Schifferdecker, TEDx speaker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, is here to go on a journey, together, of discovery using a fresh approach for mental health hacks, humor and heart-felt stories, and techniques that will inspire, educate and entertain you along the way!

“She’s Not Crazy”

Podcast Host ~ Lauren Schifferdecker

As a mom, wife, former public relations executive, multi-site counseling practice owner, TEDx speaker and Podcast host–I can tell you I know a thing or two about feeling crazy trying to keep up with everything!! (and yes, I know, I use too many explanation points and emojis!!!)

After struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin for years, I finally decided to do something about it. In my quest to understand what was going on in my own head, it turned into a life-long obsession to create understanding and hacks to help find balance and peace. I’ve helped hundreds of clients, employees, listeners and people in the community step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before. I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s next!

Catch all new episodes of "She's Not Crazy" Podcast only on

About The Show

Are you exhausted from the pressures today’s world puts on us for being perfect? Striving to be your best in relationships, friendships, family, dating, marriage, parenting, career, and – oh, and don’t forget- looking physically perfect? It’s enough to make anyone feel like you’re going crazy.

If you’re like millions of other “she’s”, you may feel confused by your mood, anxiety and feelings. Understanding your mind, mood and feelings are the key to unlocking your greatest life. Tap into the power of feeling balanced and living life on YOUR terms. Join thousands of other “she’s” on a journey to have more peace, happiness, connection and authentic relationships.

When you feel balanced and feel in control, everything in your life works better.

Tune In to The Latest Episodes!!

“She’s Not Crazy”

Podcast Host ~ Lauren Schifferdecker

As a mom, wife, former public relations executive, multi-site counseling practice owner, TEDx speaker and Podcast host–I can tell you I know a thing or two about feeling crazy trying to keep up with everything!! (and yes, I know, I use too many explanation points and emojis!!!)

After struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin for years, I finally decided to do something about it. In my quest to understand what was going on in my own head, it turned into a life-long obsession to create understanding and hacks to help find balance and peace. I’ve helped hundreds of clients, employees, listeners and people in the community step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before. I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s next!

Catch all new episodes of "She's Not Crazy" Podcast only on

About The Show

Are you exhausted from the pressures today’s world puts on us for being perfect? Striving to be your best in relationships, friendships, family, dating, marriage, parenting, career, and – oh, and don’t forget- looking physically perfect? It’s enough to make anyone feel like you’re going crazy.

If you’re like millions of other “she’s”, you may feel confused by your mood, anxiety and feelings. Understanding your mind, mood and feelings are the key to unlocking your greatest life. Tap into the power of feeling balanced and living life on YOUR terms. Join thousands of other “she’s” on a journey to have more peace, happiness, connection and authentic relationships.

When you feel balanced and feel in control, everything in your life works better.

Tune In to The Latest Episodes!!

“She’s Not Crazy”

Podcast Host ~ Lauren Schifferdecker

As a mom, wife, former public relations executive, multi-site counseling practice owner, TEDx speaker and Podcast host–I can tell you I know a thing or two about feeling crazy trying to keep up with everything!! (and yes, I know, I use too many explanation points and emojis!!!)

After struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin for years, I finally decided to do something about it. In my quest to understand what was going on in my own head, it turned into a life-long obsession to create understanding and hacks to help find balance and peace. I’ve helped hundreds of clients, employees, listeners and people in the community step into who they really are and confidently show up in their lives like never before. I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s next!

Catch all new episodes of "She's Not Crazy" Podcast only on

About The Show

Are you exhausted from the pressures today’s world puts on us for being perfect? Striving to be your best in relationships, friendships, family, dating, marriage, parenting, career, and – oh, and don’t forget- looking physically perfect? It’s enough to make anyone feel like you’re going crazy.

If you’re like millions of other “she’s”, you may feel confused by your mood, anxiety and feelings. Understanding your mind, mood and feelings are the key to unlocking your greatest life. Tap into the power of feeling balanced and living life on YOUR terms. Join thousands of other “she’s” on a journey to have more peace, happiness, connection and authentic relationships.

When you feel balanced and feel in control, everything in your life works better.

Tune In to The Latest Episodes!!

Transforming work relationships & culture trough conflict

Listen to how real conflict at work can be used to build trust, eliminate drama, transform the culture in the midst of growing pains.

Men’s emotions – what’s really going on?

Get the scoop from a top male therapist who reveals what’s really going on with men’s emotions and the struggle between feeling shut-down and explosive blow ups. Not only that – hear his personal story about relationship struggles, counseling and why men so often stay silent.

Why guys struggle with emotions.

There is a profound loss for boys and men when they can’t express their wants, needs and feelings. If we can redefine masculinity and manhood, we can improve relationships and allow guys to feel alive and happy again.

Being a person your kids want to talk to

Snag this magic tool for talking to your kids, so you are a person they’ll want to share with again. Relating instead of fixing our kids problems.

What should we do when our kids face challenges?

It’s so hard when our kids face challenges and make mistakes. Here’s one simple trick to partner with them today, so they have tools to solve bigger problems in the future.

Go to bed angry

We’ve all heard, never go to be angry. But, there’s a good reason to give yourself one night’s sleep to be more self-respecting and deliver a message that’s actually heard and understood.

The dance all couples do

All couples do a sort of dance. When your partner engages with you, asks a question or shares their feelings – it’s like asking you to dance. See why it’s so important to engage in those small, seemingly unimportant everyday interactions and “dance” with your partner.

Motivation is overrated ….and not required for success

How to talk to your kids, so they’ll talk to YOU!

No-Brainer ways to increase Self-confidence…. (seriously, no thinking required!)

Using jealousy to make your life better

The enemy of anxiety is action

Allow me to introduce you to Tim Mauery, MHP, Northwestern clinical intern. Tim has a beautiful and challenging story that led him to counseling at Inspire. 

If you looking for someone who really "gets it", Tim brings clinical tools, but also personal ones in life, marriage and parenting, He knows how firsthand lost and discouraged it can feel when your kids or family are struggling.

Tim is a devoted husband and father of 3 daughters (and two female dogs!), who has lived in the Chicagoland area for more than 25 years.  Prior to becoming a therapist and getting his second Master's Degree, Tim was studied human behavior through advertising and consumer insights. 

Tim was compelled to become a therapist  after seeing the life-changing results of counseling for his own family. 

In 2016, his youngest daughter, who was an elite athlete, experienced a traumatic brain injury at the age of thirteen. Mental challenges accompanied her physical injury.

Though the next 8 years, they explored a variety of treatments to lessen his daughter's physical and emotional pain. 

They navigated residential programs, therapeutic boarding schools, inpatient psychiatric units, wilderness programs, substance abuse programming, executive functioning training, transitional and sober living programming, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

Individual and family counseling were a cornerstone for their recovery. Through counseling, his family not only survived--but became stronger and closer. 

That is the sole reason he changed his professional path and dedicated his next chapter in his career to helping others through life’s challenges.

While Tim and his family endured challenges they never have imagined possible. He knows it is possible to heal and grow through even the darkest times. 

He has a unique perspective (as the only male in his entire household!), and loves supporting men, parents, couples and families to navigate finding their new normal. 

To schedule an appointment with Tim, call (or text) 847-919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com
Had a blast speaking today at @northwesternu course for the Principles of Entrepreneurship! 💜💜

Such bright, engaged students with awesome questions!! 

I vulnerabily sharing the mistakes, lessons and bumps in the road that led Inspire to where it is today. 

It’s an honor to be able to serve the community and share some of the invaluable lessons I’ve learned on this journey. 

Some of my top lessons:
- the road to where you want to go is a windy path. It may seem like you’re going in the wrong direction, but if you keep moving and growing you’ll get there.
- make friends with mistakes, they teach you more than anything else
- always look to add value and make other people look good and feel happy 
- who you surround yourself with matters, choose kind and positive people 
- what you do today matters, every choice you make moves you toward your goals or away (even if you can’t see it at first) 
- look to delight & surprise people with excellent work 
- act as if everyone sees everything 
- if you want to be noticed, act in the best interest of your group or organization, not yourself 
- get support from people you admire, guides, mentors, coaches, therapists - have someone in your corner to encourage you, help you navigate challenges and give honest feedback
Why do so many boys and men suffer in silence? 🤔

Research shows over 6 million men suffer from depression every year. However, only 16% of men in the U.S. received mental health treatment or counseling in 2022.

💪One of the hurdles males face is the fear of judgements (their own or other's) about counseling. They don't want to be a burden, feel embarrassed, don't want to appear weak. 

💪The other challenge is that males often show symptoms differently for depression. 

Typically, people associate the feeling of sadness with depression. However, according to Mayo Clinic, for many males, sadness is NOT the main symptom.  Headaches, digestive problems, tiredness, irritability or long-term pain sometimes can be symptoms of depression. So can feeling isolated and seeking distraction so that you don't have to deal with feelings or relationships.

Other depressive symptoms for Males may look like:

➡️Physical symptoms (headaches, digestive problems, and pain)
➡️Escapist behavior (spending a lot of time at work or sports)
➡️ Irritability, Anger or aggressiveness 
➡️Alcohol and/or drugs
➡️Risky behavior (reckless driving)
➡️Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
➡️Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
➡️Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

At Inspire, we are proud to be serving a GROWING number of males (of all ages!). 

This week we'll be highlighting some of our own male therapists who are proudly helping support other males in the community.
Halloween seems like an innocent, fun holiday--but it can bring up social anxiety, hurt feelings and panic as kids choose their costumes, trick-o-treating groups and plans.

Every year our phones ring with upset and concerned parents. But, the halloween hurt feelings is not talked about enough. We are here to help if Halloween is more *tricky* than a treat this year.

So, why does Halloween bring up so much turmoil?

One of the trickiest parts of Halloween is the fact that you can dress up or go trick-o-treating by yourself, with one friend, 20 friends or more. There is no minimum, no limit, no tickets, no assigned seating, no teachers or helpers–it’s mostly a kid run event. If you’re left out, there is no real logistical reason. 

If you think your child might be getting left out:

🧡Check in with yourself. Ask yourself how are YOU feeling? Knowing your own feelings helps regulate your brain to think more clearly.
🧡DON'T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS WITH YOUR KIDS FEELINGS. As parents, we're often more upset than our kids about situations--especially if you are friends with your kid’s friend’s parents. It is important to remember your feelings are not the same as your child’s feelings. 

If your child is, in fact, feeling sad, scared or left out, you can:

🧡Listen and validate their feelings. Naming feelings calms the brain and makes feelings less intense.
🧡Share a memory when you felt similarly. This normalizes and creates connection–which is what your kids need most in these situations. 
🧡RESIST SOLVING THEIR PROBLEMS. Ask your kid, “What do you think we should do?” While it’s tempting to text another parent, or make a plan to get your kid involved--it’s more empowering for your child to feel part of the solution in their challenges. If they see you fix the problem, that actually keeps them feeling helpless, relying on you to navigate challenges for them.

We know it's not always simple. We know every circumstance is unique and complicated. 

If you’d like a customized a strategy or plan to help, we're here. There's nothing that makes us happier than helping families thrive through challenges.