We are generalists working with individuals and families of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and with most emotional and relationship problems and most diagnoses. We have a great deal of experience with clients who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety and with clients with relationship issues of all types.
Individual Psychotherapy
Each therapist has his/her own style and most can tailor the style used to the needs of the client. All attempt to understand the client from her/his perspective, personality, and lifestyle, as well as taking into consideration the client’s goal or goals.
Couple Therapy
Whether the couple is heterosexual or is a gay or lesbian couple— and whether they’re married or not— living together or not— the procedure is the same. We try to encourage new patterns of communication and conflict resolution and provide tools the couple can use on their own.
Families, Adolescents and Children
The parent(s) or other caregivers give us their view of the problem(s) and the children theirs. Then the therapist (along with input from all) decides whether part of the session is with the adults and part with one child or the other. Sometimes the therapist sees some of the family members at one session and others at another.
Some of our caring therapists specialize in particular areas of counseling. We are uniquely skilled in assisting you with:
Stress-Related Health Problems
The medical field acknowledges that there is a link between stress and physical health. Between 60% to 80% of physical problems are thought to be related to the emotions. As an adjunct to conventional physician care we incorporate stress management into therapy sessions for clients with gastro-intestinal disorders, headaches, heart conditions, back problems, and other stress-related health problems.
Substance Abuse Follow-Up and Relapse Prevention
Once a client is drug-free, remaining that way is the focus. Also, when clean and sober, clients usually discover underlying depression, anxiety issues, relationship problems, etc. that are vital to address. Several therapists have substance abuse certification.
Multi-Cultural Counseling
Our experience is extensive with almost all races and ethnic groups.
How can we help you? Please give us a call at (312) 280-1166
Answers to commonly asked therapy questions
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.