General Frequently Asked Questions

• What is counseling?
  Counseling is a collaborative process where a trained professional provides support and guidance to help individuals, couples, or families address various challenges, improve their mental health, and achieve personal growth.

• Are appointments in-person or virtual?
  We offer both in-person and virtual appointments to accommodate our clients' preferences and needs.

• What is EMDR Therapy?

  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an innovative and effective approach used to treat trauma and other emotional disorders. EMDR helps individuals process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences through guided eye movements and dual-focus techniques.

  For more information, we invite you to watch this video: What is EMDR Therapy?.

• What is Somatic Therapy?
  Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the body, energy, and mind.

  Trauma is not about the difficult experiences we face, but about how we automatically react to them, often repressing or exploding. This response is established by not being able to mobilize the natural response through the body in the present moment.

  Through techniques such as conscious breathing, movement, and mindfulness, somatic therapy helps regulate the nervous system and process more deeply. By exploring our reactions with compassion and curiosity, we can unravel the layers of the trauma and facilitate their integration. It promotes a deeper connection with the body and our needs at every moment.

  • Helps with anxiety, depression, and stress.

  • Facilitates the regulation of the nervous system.

  • Improvement of body awareness and self-compassion are essential aspects of the recovery from trauma, according to Gabor Maté and his Compassionate Inquiry approach.

  • Greater understanding of why and how our nervous system's responses to difficult experiences have shaped our current perceptions and responses, diminishing our freedom of choice.

  AMONG MANY OTHER BENEFITS...

• What is Theraplay?

  Theraplay is a dyadic child and family therapy that has been recognized by the Association of Play Therapy as one of seven seminal psychotherapies for children. Developed over 50 years ago, and practiced around the world, Theraplay was developed for any professional working to support healthy child/caregiver attachment. Strong attachment between the child and the important adults in their life has long been believed to be the basis of lifelong good mental health as well as the mainstay of resilience in the face of adversity. Modern brain research and the field of neuroscience have shown that attachment is how children come to understand, trust, and thrive in their world.

  In treatment, the therapy practitioner guides the parent and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities. The very act of engaging each other in this way helps the parent regulate the child's behavior and communicate love, joy, and safety to the child. It helps the child feel secure, cared for, connected and worthy.

• What is Reiki?

  Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese term meaning Universal (or spiritual) life force energy. It is used as an energy-healing technique to promote health and well-being. In practice, a Reiki practitioner tunes into this higher vibrational energy. They then channel it through their body to themselves, another individual, or any living thing. This higher vibrational energy (Reiki) flows at a higher frequency thus releasing energy blockages and improving energy flow.

  Practicing Reiki induces a relaxed and meditative state for both the giver and the receiver. The increased energy flow from the practitioner’s hands to the recipient generates a deep relaxation. This creates a natural environment that promotes healing on the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual levels.
  

  Billing FAQs

• What are your session fees? Our therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long and are priced at $150.00. We also offer a limited number of sliding scale slots for those who may need financial assistance. Please feel free to reach out to discuss your options.

• Do you take insurance? Yes, we currently accept BCBS PPO, AETNA PPO, United Health Care PPO, and Cigna PPO for residents of Chicago and Illinois.

• What is your cancellation policy? We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice. Failure to do so or missing a scheduled appointment without notice may incur a cancellation fee. We understand that emergencies happen, so if you encounter an unexpected illness or emergency, please contact us to discuss alternative options.

• What is a good faith estimate?
  Under the law, healthcare providers must give clients without insurance or opting out of insurance an estimate of expected medical and mental health service charges. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Good Faith Estimate: You can receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected costs of non-emergency services, including psychotherapy.

  • Requesting an Estimate: You can ask your mental health provider for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling a service or anytime during your treatment.

  • Keeping Records: Save a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate for your records.

  For more information, please visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

  Getting to our office:

• Where is your office?
  Our consultancy office is at 84 E Burlington St, Riverside, IL.

• Is there parking?
  Yes, parking spaces are available at the rear of the building for your convenience.