Counseling

What is counseling/therapy?

Counseling and therapy are basically the same in that they both evalute, identify problems, identify goals, and identify tactics to achieve goals. The counselor acts as a coach along the way. Together, you (the client) and your therapist decide what steps are the best to achieve your desired goals. This is done in a completely confidential setting with a well-trained, caring and supportive professional.

Seeking help makes a big difference in how fast one recovers and is able to solve the issues facing them.

How can counseling help me?

Your therapist helps you identify areas of concern and addresses them through different methods that are individualized for you. Seeking help makes a big difference in how fast one recovers and is able to solve the issues facing them. A trained professional assesses the problems with you and makes recommendations toward a resolution and improved life. 

How do I choose the right therapist?

Your therapist should be licensed in your state to practice psychotherapy. Important factors to consider: 
Expertise – Every licensed provider has demonstrated a minimum level of education and experience, according to state standards. You will want to ask your potential therapist about the status of her/his license, her/his experience and approach to treating your particular problem or issue.

Chemistry – Once you feel satisfied that your therapist has the right expertise, then it’s a matter of “fit” between yourself and your therapist.

What is the difference between a therapist, a social worker, a counselor, and a psychiatrist?

Therapist is a term for a provider of psychotherapy. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT), Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D, Psy.D) and Psychiatrists (M.D.) can all be called Therapists. 

When speaking with a professional social worker, we are able to look at our lives in new ways, and to learn how to work toward different behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that can improve our lives.

A LCSW is a licensed professional who has at least a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and usually has several years of clinical expertise. When you speak with a professional social worker, you become able to look at your life in new ways, and to learn how to work toward different behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that can improve your life.

Licensed professionals have been educated in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, behavioral and interpersonal issues. They may differ in their areas of specialty and approach, but they can provide assessments, diagnosis and treatment of most mental health & behavioral conditions. Their clinical practice concentrates on talk therapy or other non-medical intervention. They do not prescribe medication. Therapists routinely collaborate with a client’s primary care physician or psychiatrist if medication is appropriate for a client. 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who has several years of post-doctoral training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and can prescribe medication. It is common for a psychiatrist and a therapist to work together to provide care to patients/clients they have in common. 

How long does counseling take?

Length of counseling treatment varies depending on the individual and the problem they are presenting with. Counselors at Finding Balance, Ltd. will discuss your treatment plan in detail with you and discuss length of treatment that is necessary to achieve your goals. 

Are my sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is treated with the utmost respect. We assure confidentiality at all times. Our clients, deserve and are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. We will not make any disclosure of any information without your written consent. The only limitations to confidentiality occurs when a client is either a threat to themselves or someone else, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be shared. Please call Reem Cutinello at 630.777.7113 if you have any questions regarding the confidentiality policy. 

What can I expect at a counseling session?

It is normal and natural to feel nervous or anxious at your first counseling session. We understand that it takes a lot of courage to share your emotions and life experiences with someone you have just met. We aim to make the counseling atmosphere comfortable and free of judgement. Depending on your needs, we work with you to set goals, change behaviors, maximize potential, improve relationships and make positive shifts in your life. 

To schedule a free phone consultation or appointment, please email us or call (630)777-7113.