Who Can Psychotherapy Help?
Psychotherapy is generally for people who want relief from:
- feeling continually sad
- feeling uncomfortably nervous
- feeling worried a lot
- feeling overly fearful
- relationship difficulties (family, romantic, work, friendship relationships)
- medically-related stress
- any other stresses
- the discomfort of not being able to take the action they want to take.
What to Expect from Counseling/Therapy
Relief by getting things off your chest
You may have heard the word “venting” that therapists use. What it means is reducing unpleasant feelings like anxiety, anger, sadness, etc, by putting into words the problems that exist for you. It is different from “bitching” or complaining or whining because it is with someone with skills to help you through it.
An example would be a client coming into my office stating that he has been feeling nervous and sleepless. In talking about his job he explains that he feels left out by his co-workers but has been trying to ignore it saying to himself, “I’m here to work, not to make friends.” As he goes on speaking he realizes that this is not the first time he has tried to overlook others’ attitudes toward him. He sees patterns so begins to relax because someone is listening to him and supporting his views and creating a learning experience for him. Others to whom he had told these things had given him advice or minimized the feelings saying, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Being REALLY listened to has a powerful effect.
Problem-solving by “thinking out loud”
It’s amazing how differently we look at difficulties in our life when we allow ourselves to explore them without concern about being judged. In a counseling session people should feel free to say anything that comes to mind. In so doing, options can be considered and creative thinking can take place producing new ideas for problem-solving.
Finding the motivation to make changes that will make you feel better
Often it isn’t enough to simply talk about what is bothering you. Taking action may be the only way to make some of these bad feelings stop recurring. Changes may be difficult, but often it is far less difficult than we expect—especially with the support of a caring therapist.
Some of our clients find the courage to speak up to parents, partners, children, friends. They discover that, rather than the anticipated negative outcome that had kept them from saying certain things (maybe for many, many years) true, lasting solutions can result. Even if there is absolutely no positive outcome pertaining to the relationship the person who speaks up feels a weight lifted off herself/himself.
Other types of changes are made by some clients. Some change big, basic areas of their lives such as making career decisions or finding the strength to get out of an abusive relationship and find a healthier way to live. Some make what may seem to us to be smaller modifications in their worlds but these modifications have been ones they had not, up until then, found the courage or drive or wherewithal to implement.
Many learned new ways to communicate or listen or resolve conflicts more amicably with their romantic partners. Many began to see themselves as more worthy and, consequently, began to take better care of themselves. Many did things to minimize the power a past trauma held over their lives. In other words they did things that helped them to feel better (and, very often, to have more energy to put toward other areas of their lives).
Therapy is another way of learning. Therapists are like teachers but we teach by helping clients to look within themselves. They learn from themselves that most of what they need to improve their lives is already inside their heads, hearts and spirits.
I know there is a fear of our profession by some people. The fear, whether people know it or not, is that what one finds during a therapy session will be something bad inside that person. But ask anyone who has had successful therapy (and most is successful). They will tell you that it was an experience that they wouldn’t have missed for the world. I have often heard, “I feel blessed that I had a drug problem (or a marital problem or a problem with depression) that caused me to attend therapy. It was an opportunity to feel good in a way I couldn’t have otherwise.”
Talk therapy has been proven effective in helping people identify the reasons behind their symptoms. Through awareness and understanding, individuals can begin to respond differently and make positive changes in their lives. We believe that everyone’s story is important and that by inspiring and encouraging change you will see differences in your life that will impact yourself, others at home, in relationships, at the workplace, and in the community.
Our office is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1731 N. Marcey Street, Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60614.
We are in the Clybourn Galleria Office Suites above the Trader Joe’s on Clybourn. We are a short walk from the North/Clybourn red line stop and the Armitage brown line stop. To enter the building from Clybourn you will need to enter as you would to go to Trader Joe’s. Once you are in the parking lot across to the set of elevators behind the glass doors by Lexington Homes and take the elevator to the 5th floor. If entering the building from Marcey Street then enter the door code that your therapist will provide you with and take the elevator down the hall to the 5th floor.
We are close to the following landmarks: DePaul, Whole Foods on Kingsbury, Goose Island Brewery, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Patagonia, Lincoln Park High School, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Free parking is available on Wisconsin and Marcey Street. There are pay to park spaces available on Clybourn, and you are free to park in the Trader Joe’s parking lot as well. We just ask that you kindly support Trader Joe’s by purchasing something from their store as a way of saying thank you for the convenience.
Please call Crystal Clair at 312-618-4867 or send an email to Crystal@cfctherapy.com. Each therapist can be reached directly via email by using his or her first name@cfctherapy.com.
Choosing a therapist can seem overwhelming. During an introductory phone call, we can help you select the right therapist. We will review your area of need and pair that with the most skilled therapist on our team. We will also ask questions regarding both positive and negative experiences in past therapeutic relationships. In addition, we can help you understand the theoretical framework of behind each therapist and how that is applied in his or her treatment style.
The first session focuses on the particular situation or problem that brings you to therapy. In addition, some background information will be gathered, which will help your therapist to understand the context of your situation and aid in determining our focus and direction. Matters of the fee, payment options, and scheduling will also be worked out in the first session.How long is a session?
The initial session is approximately 60-75 minutes. Sessions that follow are between 50-55 minutes. Couples sessions may be a little longer if needed.
It is most common to attend weekly sessions or bi-weekly sessions at the beginning of therapy. However, we will continually check progress to see if it is appropriate to attend less frequently as you are making progress in the therapeutic process. It is important to know that research confirms that consistency in therapy increases success.
You are protected by the privacy laws of Illinois as well as the ethical guidelines of the counseling profession. As your therapist, I cannot discuss anything about you with anyone without your written permission, unless it is a question of safety. During the first session, you will be provided with what is commonly referred to as an Informed Consent Form. You will also be provided information regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). These documents and our discussion will clarify the bounds and limits of confidentiality.
Our providers are here to serve you seven days a week. We offer early morning, afternoon, evening and weekend hours to accommodate our clients’ busy lives and hectic schedules.
We do accept insurance and are considered In-network for BCBS PPO and all BCBS Choice plans. You can learn more about your benefits by filling out the benefits verification form under the insurance and fees tab. Shannon Weber, our billing specialist, will send you an email with your benefit details. Please indicate which provider you are scheduled with or that you’d like to see and they will receive a copy of your benefits as well. We will also provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance if you have an out of network plan so that your insurance will reimburse you directly.
In many cases therapy will create the changes that you are looking for and medication is not needed. However, there are times that medication along with therapy is helpful. Sometimes we just need temporary medication to get us through a difficult time and other times we may need regular medication monitoring due to biological needs. A psychiatrist is trained specifically in psychotropic medication and can help you choose the right medication to help with your symptoms. If you need a recommendation for a psychiatrist we can provide you with a referral.
Feel calmer and more relaxed
Make more empowering life decisions
Build trust and understanding with your partner
Process and heal from traumatic events
Understand symptoms of depression and anxiety
Learn to cope with difficult emotions
Build focus for work/school to achieve goals
Create healthier behaviors and roles within your family
Strengthen relationships and communication skills
Enjoy more consistent and relaxing sleep
Learn to better handle anger, disappointment, and fear
Get anxiety and obsessions/compulsions under control
Relief from getting things off your chest
Many clients find putting their problems into words with a therapist brings a sense of relief. It’s not always easy to voice feelings like anxiety, anger, and sadness. Having a supportive person to guide you through the process can help you feel more relaxed and in control.
More empowered to tackle your problems
When we allow ourselves to look honestly at the challenges in our life without concerns about being judged by someone, we become freer to move forward. In a counseling session, you can feel free to say anything that comes to mind, which leads to more creative solutions.
Motivated to make positive change
The conversations you have in therapy often lead to action. The support of a caring therapist helps you face difficult change with a healthier, more positive mindset. Whether it’s finding the courage to speak up to loved ones, switch careers, leave a destructive relationship, or make other life-affirming changes, therapy will strengthen your resolve to move forward.