Wondering If Therapy Would Actually Help?
Maybe you’re not sure if what you’re dealing with even counts as a “real” problem. You’re wondering if your drinking is actually a problem, or if you’re just coping like everyone else. You’ve thought about looking for a therapist who won’t judge you, without knowing what that would even look like, or whether it’s even worth the effort of finding out.
You don’t need a clear diagnosis or a defined crisis to reach out. If you’re asking yourself whether therapy would help, that question alone is usually a good sign it’s worth exploring, and this page should answer most of what’s making you hesitate.
You Won't Be Judged, and You Set the Pace
You won’t be met with shock, a lecture, or a script about what you should be doing differently. Whatever you bring into the room, whether it’s a habit you’re embarrassed about, a pattern you can’t explain, or just a general sense that something’s off, none of it needs to be presented perfectly or explained all at once.
You don’t have to talk about everything right away. Some people want to dive straight in. Others need a session or two just to get comfortable talking at all. Both are completely fine, and you set the pace either way.
What Actually Happens in the First Session
Your first session is a conversation, not an evaluation. We’ll talk through what brought you in, what you’ve been noticing, and what you’re hoping might be different. I’ll ask some questions, about your current situation, a bit of your history, what’s felt hard lately, but this isn’t an interrogation, it’s just me getting a real sense of where you’re at.
There’s no script you need to follow, and no wrong way to answer. If you’re not sure how to describe what you’re feeling, that’s completely normal, part of my job is helping you find the words, not expecting you to already have them.
By the end, we’ll usually have a general sense of direction, not a rigid treatment plan, just a starting point for the work ahead. You won’t leave with homework you’re not ready for or a commitment you didn’t agree to.Â
Sessions, Scheduling & the Free Consultation
Before your first full session, we start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a quick, no-pressure conversation to talk through what’s going on and see if we’re a good fit, it’s not a session itself, just a chance to connect before committing to anything.
Regular sessions are typically 50 minutes, held weekly to start. Some clients move to every other week once things feel steadier, we’ll figure out what pace makes sense together. You can book your free consultation directly through the site, and I’ll usually get back to you within a day or two to schedule your first full session.
If your insurance plan requires a referral, that’s worth checking before your first session, most of the plans I’m in-network with don’t, but it can vary.
The Practical Details
Sessions are available both in-person in Chicago and by secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth, whichever works better for your schedule or comfort level. For telehealth sessions, you’ll need to be physically located in Illinois at the time we meet. Before your first session, you’ll fill out a short intake form so we’re not spending your first session on paperwork.
Everything is handled through a secure client portal, from scheduling to intake forms, so the logistics stay simple and out of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need to have this figured out, or even be totally sure therapy is the right move. Booking the free consultation is a low-pressure way to find out.