What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to seek counseling?

When mental, emotional and interpersonal concerns are affecting regular functioning, it may be a good time to seek help. Counseling provides a space for clients to work through concerns and can be an empowering resource in facilitating meaningful changes.

How much time is spent in therapy?

Sessions typically last between 45 – 55 minutes, and most being with weekly sessions. Over time session meetings may become less frequent, depending on the client’s needs, progress and goals.

What happens in the first session?

There is some brief paperwork to complete prior to the first session. This includes the informed consent that discusses policies, expectations and confidentiality. You will sign that you are consenting to outpatient therapy, agreeing to privacy practices, and will need to provide payment information. The first appointment is an opportunity to share about your history and what you would like to focus on in therapy. If continued sessions are agreed on, preliminary goals and plans for treatment are addressed in the first session. 

What do I need to know about Teletherapy?

At this time, teletherapy sessions may only be offered to individuals who are located in the state of licensure, which are Illinois or Wisconsin. You’ll also need to find a secure, quiet, confidential location where no one else can listen. Sessions are offered over a HIPAA compliant video platform. If you are unable to access the internet or if we run into technical difficulties, we can complete the session over the phone.

How many sessions do I need to attend?

There is no limit to your therapy sessions. Some may attend 6-12 sessions, while some may stay in therapy for a longer period of time. The benefits of therapy are unique to each individual, so it usually is based on each person’s goals, needs, and progress.

I am interested in ERP.  What can I expect?

Exposure and Response Prevention is an effective treatment for OCD and is commonly used to treat Anxiety Disorders and BDD. The first few sessions will involve a discussion about the symptoms you experience and how they impact you day to day. There will be some explanations to help you better understand what keeps the anxiety cycle going and how we can better interact with anxious thoughts and feelings. Learning how to react to anxiety is part of the response prevention plan. Using our response prevention guidelines, we will begin to approach anxiety triggers, or expose you to the anxious thoughts, feelings, or circumstances that you are facing. With new ways of responding to triggers, you may become more confident in managing doubt while reducing rituals, rumination, and compulsions.

What areas do you address with athletes?  

Common concerns that athletes face include pressure and stress, performance anxiety, sustaining motivation, focus and confidence, and coping with adjustments that may impact performance or transitioning out of sport. Additionally, if athletes experience generalized anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, or other conditions, these symptoms may interfere with training and competing. Sessions often address self-talk, core beliefs, relaxation methods, and techniques to build confidence in training and competing. 

I am interested in CBT for body-image concerns.  What can I expect?

The first few sessions will involve a discussion about the symptoms you experience and how they impact you day to day. There will be some explanations to help you better understand what keeps the cycle going and how we can better interact with thoughts and feelings. Common points of discussion will include exploring the things you value, your motivation, and setting goals. Exercises in and outside of session may include exposure and response prevention and strategies to address self-defeating thoughts.

How can Mindfulness help?

Bringing your awareness into the present while non-judgmentally noticing is the practice of being mindful. This can help with stress management or be a helpful addition to a daily relaxation routine. In therapy, it may also be used as a building block to strengthen emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and attention direction. Mindful practice can help to slow down, observe internal and external experiences, and make thoughtful choices.

I am interested in improving Executive Functioning.  What can I expect?

Executive functioning skills refer to the cognitive processes involved in planning tasks, sustaining attention, recalling details, and balancing various tasks. The first few sessions will involve a discussion about the symptoms you experience and how they impact you day to day. Then we will explore the 12 areas of executive functioning and develop preliminary goals. Exercises in and outside of session may include strategies to help with planning projects, initiating activities, estimating the time needed to complete a project, focusing only on one task, coping and emotional regulation, flexibility, and shifting plans when situations change.

CONTACT

Chicago Mind and Body
4256 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
info@chicagomindandbody.com
 

FREE CONSULTATION

You can request a free consultation via email or phone.