Finding a therapist in Chicago can be an overwhelming experience, but therapy can be a transformative journey toward self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or have had previous experience, there are some important things to keep in mind before starting therapy.

Let’s clear some of the vagueness and explore what your Lakeview therapist wants you to know before starting therapy and how to make the most out of your therapeutic journey.

Find the right therapist; you deserve it!

When looking for a therapist in Chicago, it’s important to consider their specialization. Different therapists may have experience and training in specific areas, such as trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.  If you have a particular concern you want to address in therapy, it’s helpful to find a therapist who specializes in that area.

Another essential factor in finding the right therapist is recognizing and working with your personal identities. Our identities shape who we are and our experiences in the world, and it’s crucial to find a therapist who understands and respects our individual identities.

For example, if you identify as LGBT or queer, you may want to find a Lakeview therapist who has experience working with this community and is knowledgeable about the unique challenges they face. Similarly, if you come from a particular cultural or religious background, you may want to find a therapist in Chicago who has experience working with people from similar backgrounds.

Personality fit is an essential factor in finding the right therapist in Chicago. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable talking to and who you feel understands you. You may have to try out a few therapists before finding the right fit, and that’s okay.

Fit matters; research shows it!

Research has consistently shown that therapeutic fit is the best predictor of therapy outcomes. Horvath and colleagues, in a study published in the journal Psychotherapy, found that the therapeutic relationship accounted for 5-10% of the variance in treatment outcomes.

Additionally, a review of published research found that premature discontinuation of therapy was more likely to occur when the client did not feel connected to their therapist (Swift & Greenberg, 2015). Therefore, finding a Lakeview therapist who is a good fit for you is essential for a successful therapy experience.

The process is collaborative!

It’s essential to understand that the therapist is not there to “fix” you or solve your problems. Instead, therapy is a collaborative process where you and the therapist in Chicago work together to explore your concerns, identify patterns, and develop strategies to improve your mental health.

Goals can help you get more from therapy.  These goals can range from specific, measurable objectives to broader, more abstract aspirations. By setting goals, you can focus your sessions and track your progress over time. Your Lakeview therapist can help you identify and refine your goals to make them realistic and achievable.  

As a client, you are the expert on your own life. Your therapist is there to support you and provide guidance, but ultimately, you are in control of your journey. It’s important to feel comfortable communicating your needs and preferences to your Lakeview therapist, as well as expressing any concerns or reservations you may have about the therapeutic process. Your therapist should work with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your values and goals.

The therapeutic relationship matters – a lot!

The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and honesty. It’s important to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist, knowing that they will be received with empathy and understanding. In turn, your therapist should be honest and transparent with you about their approach to treatment, their qualifications, and any potential limitations of therapy.

At its core, therapy is a space for you to be heard. Your Lakeview therapist will provide a non-judgmental, empathetic presence, actively listening to what you have to say and helping you to process your experiences. The therapeutic relationship can be a powerful tool for fostering resilience, self-awareness, and growth.

While It’s common to feel vulnerable or exposed when talking about personal struggles in individual therapy, it’s important to remember that your therapist is not there to judge you. Rather, they are there to provide support, guidance, and tools for self-improvement. If you feel judged or criticized by your therapist, it’s important to address this with them.

Practice self-care while in therapy!

Therapy can be emotionally taxing at times, so it’s important to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being outside of sessions. This may include engaging in activities that bring you joy, spending time with loved ones, or practicing self-care rituals like meditation or exercise. Your therapist in Chicago can help you identify healthy coping strategies that work for you.

Self-compassion is an important aspect of self-care. This involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we’re struggling, but practicing self-compassion can help us be more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges.

In addition to self-compassion, developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for managing stress and difficult emotions. Your Lakeview therapist can help you identify and cultivate coping strategies that work for you, such as mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, or creative outlets like art or writing.  Be sure to practice them outside of the session, so that you are able to get the most from the experience.

Understand the process and truly commit.

It’s important to understand that therapy is not a quick fix. It takes time, patience, and commitment to see results. Some clients may feel discouraged or frustrated when they don’t see immediate progress, but it’s important to remember that therapy is a process. The benefits of therapy may not be apparent right away, but with consistent effort and commitment, positive changes can occur.

Consistency and commitment are essential components of therapy. Research has shown that clients who attend therapy sessions regularly and consistently are more likely to experience positive outcomes (Swift & Greenberg, 2015). It’s important to keep your therapy appointments and to make therapy a priority in your life.

Therapy can be uncomfortable at times. Clients may experience difficult emotions, thoughts, or memories during therapy sessions. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process, and it’s important to trust the process and continue to work with your therapist through any discomfort or setbacks. Remember that therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore difficult feelings and experiences.

You can benefit!

Therapy can offer numerous benefits to individuals seeking support for their mental health. It can help with the management of mental health conditions, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions with the guidance of a trained professional.

If you’re considering therapy, it’s important to remember that seeking help is a brave and courageous step toward improving your mental health. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a Lakeview therapist to discuss your concerns and explore your options for treatment.

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.