What is Therapy?
This is a good question and you have come to the right place to get answers. Therapy is a professional relationship to process and work through mental health symptoms and gain more meaning and purpose in your life. Therapists are trained to treat many mental health and social concerns including:
Trauma
Depression
Autism and Neurodivergence
Couple's concerns including infidelity, communication, and parenting
Family Communication
Culturally Responsive Therapy
Unhealthy Coping Skills
Learning How to Like Yourself
Anxiety
LGBTQIA+
Intergenerational and Family of Origin Trauma
End of life and chronic illness
Adoption
You may feel tired, exhausted and just ready to feel better. We understand. You make the initial call and hope that you find a therapist who you like. But maybe you have some questions. We want to answer your questions because the therapy process should be transparent.
How are therapists trained?
Therapists are Master's level clinicians who go through extensive schooling, up to 8+ plus years. Next, therapists take two levels of comprehensive licensure exams and supervised hours to become independently licensed. At S & J Wellness, all of our therapists are Master's level and licensed in the state of Illinois to provide therapy. Therapists also need to take continuing education credits for the rest of their careers in order to stay licensed.
What is the process for therapy?
First, you make the initial call or fill out an inquiry form. Next, our office calls you to check your insurance, availability, and preferences. We want to connect you with the therapist whose training closely matches your goals and presenting concerns.
After we set up an initial appointment, whether in person or through online therapy, the first sessions are to get to know each other and gather history and set goals. You are in charge of your goals because therapy is about you.
How long do I need to stay in therapy?
Therapy is different for everyone. If you are coming in for mild anxiety, you may only need a few sessions to learn skills and tools. If you are coping with severe depression or a traumatic history, therapy may last a year or more.
What are some things I should know about therapy?
Therapy is a two-way street. Therapy is a relationship, albeit a professional one, but still a very important relationship. Therapists genuinely care about their clients. We know the work is about you, but we do feel honored to be part of your healing journey and we want you to know that.
At S & J Wellness, we have therapists available for in person appointments. We also offer online therapy for clients in rural areas or who do not want to come to the office or whose symptoms prevent them from coming to the office. All of our therapists are culturally responsive. In fact, the owners of the practice provide professional training at conferences, workshops, and for other professionals as well as lived experience. Give us a call today to see if we are the right fit for your therapy needs.