Does Therapy Work
Is Therapy For Me?
Therapy can be effective because it helps us confront the avoidance patterns our minds develop to shield us from discomfort or pain. By delving into our habits and emotions within a safe environment, therapy empowers us to comprehend and modify these patterns, which ultimately can foster personal growth and healing.
When faced with adversity, people often adapt by finding coping mechanisms. For instance, if as a child I learned that expressing anger would lead to rejection, I might instinctively avoid anger to avoid rejection. Consequently, whenever faced with an injustice, I may internalize blame, resulting in habitual self-blame and a tendency to let others take advantage of me. This avoidance of expressing anger becomes ingrained, making it challenging to stand up for myself.
Therapy is effective because it addresses the complexities of the mind. Through dialogue, we can identify and examine our patterns, leading to insight, emotional processing, and narrative restructuring that can bring about lasting change. Neuroscience corroborates the brain's capacity for change through this introspective process.
Do I Need a Therapist or a Friend?
Friendships are wonderful and an essential part of a rich life. However, it’s different than a therapeutic relationship. Many will compare conversing with a therapist to confiding in a trusted friend. And therapy should be a space where you feel safe and comfortable. However, a key distinction is that therapy is centered on the client, whereas friendships involve mutual exchange. A therapist is also trained to help you identify and address maladaptive patterns contributing to your symptoms. A session with a thearpist
Why Cultivate?
Cultivate comprises a team of highly trained therapists dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where clients feel safe to explore vulnerability. This secure space fosters the transformative potential of counseling. Although based in Chicago, Cultivate offers virtual and in-person therapy sessions accessible to individuals throughout Illinois. Virtual or in person therapy are options here.
What Does a Good Fit With My Therapist Mean?
Therapists vary in their approaches and styles, but a good fit entails feeling comfortable with your therapist and sharing common goals and methods for your therapy journey. All our therapists are adept at helping clients identify underlying patterns contributing to anxiety, depression, and other maladaptive behaviors. We encourage clients to schedule a free consultation or trial session to ensure compatibility with their therapist.
What is Faith-Based Counseling?
At Cultivate, some therapists integrate Christian beliefs into therapy upon client request. This approach incorporates your faith and relationship with God into the therapeutic process, offering a distinctive avenue for healing and personal growth. However, the inclusion of faith-based elements in therapy is initiated by the client, and our intake staff can assist in exploring this option further.
Next Steps?
If you're considering therapy, reach out to Chad (hello@cultivatecounselinggroup.com), who oversees our intake process. He can provide information on costs, discuss therapist options, and arrange Telehealth appointments for individuals located outside Chicago or Illinois. Whether you're ready to begin therapy or feeling uncertain, Chad is available to guide you through the process with care and support.