How frequent are visits?
Most of my clients begin by attending sessions once a week. They may switch to a less frequent schedule after they see an improvement in their situation or are making the transition to ending therapy. Together we will develop a plan that fits your needs while allowing you to keep important life obligations.

How long should I be in therapy?
The length of time a person is in therapy largely depends on the nature of the problem and the identified goals. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a brief course of therapy that may last 5-10 sessions then end. For instance, learning stress management techniques or how to overcome panic attacks and phobias can often be accomplished fairly quickly. Research supports that about half of the people who come to therapy can address one problem effectively with short term therapy. Other individuals see therapy as an on-going learning process and choose to be involved for a longer, open-ended period of time. Regardless of the length of treatment, we will periodically discuss how the process is going, what needs to be addressed next, and whether the goals of therapy have been reached.

Are counseling sessions confidential?
In general, Illinois law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist and information is not disclosed without your written permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, if I believe that there is an imminent danger of you harming yourself or someone else or I have reason to believe that a child, elderly or disabled person has been abused, I am legally required to report this to the proper authorities.

What if I need medication?
For many of my clients, medication is not needed but there are times when it may be helpful. If we agree that medication (such as antidepressants or anxiety reducing drugs) might be beneficial, I will provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. I collaborate frequently with my client’s physicians as we work to maximize the effectiveness of medications or work toward discontinuing them.

What theoretical orientation do you have?
I look at treatment from a strengths perspective rather than a disease model. I have a diverse background that draws on many approaches including cognitive-behavioral, family systems, client-centered, acceptance and commitment, and experiential therapies.

What benefits can I expect from therapy?
Therapy provides a neutral, objective environment where your best interests are the primary focus. As a trained, experienced psychotherapist I can offer a fresh perspective on problems and help you explore potential solutions. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands and to have a safe, nonjudgmental place to work through concerns. What you obtain from therapy depends on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
Learning stress management techniques
Developing better communication skills
Resolving relationship problems
Overcoming panic attacks
Coping more effectively with anxiety
Managing anger, depression and other emotional pressures
Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns and self-defeating behaviors
Improving self-confidence and gaining self-contol

What can I do to get ready for therapy?
The first session or two are typically spent gathering information on your background and the issues and concerns that brought you to therapy. An important first step is to consider your goals. Ask yourself, “How would I like to be different by the end of therapy?” For our initial session, it will be helpful to think about how your concerns started, how you’ve reacted them, what has or has not helped, and what you hope to accomplish. You can also think about changes you’d like to make at work, home and in relationships. What experiences do you want to have more or less often? Keep in mind that it is normal to feel a bit nervous about starting therapy. I understand this and make every effort to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.

To best prepare for ongoing meetings, you should reflect upon what we covered in our last session and any new issues that have occurred since then. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book, keeping records, or practicing a new skill. If I invited you to do some self help activities, you should be prepared to update me on your progress. For therapy to “work” you must be an active participant, both in and outside of therapy sessions.

What if I have a problem that you don’t treat?
Please feel free to call me anyway and I would be happy to refer you to someone who specializes in your area of concern. If you have not found the answers to your questions here, please contact me for more information or to schedule an appointment.