What Should I Expect in Psychotherapy?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

It’s normal to feel a little nervous or anxious when you first being psychotherapy. The first few sessions might even feel a little uncomfortable or awkward. It’s not necessarily easy to meet someone new for the first time and begin sharing your personal thoughts and feelings. But remember, as you continue in therapy you will feel more and more comfortable and at ease with discussing your issues. Your psychotherapist is specially trained and experienced in building rapport and helping you reach your goals. Every psychotherapist’s style and approach will vary, however there are some universal aspects to psychotherapy.

Throughout psychotherapy you will develop a trusting therapeutic relationship with your therapist. During this time you will have the opportunity to work on your challenges and to look deeply at your personal values and choices. Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. The more you are willing to invest yourself in this process the more impact it can have in your life. You and your therapist will explore your issues and problems through discussion. Some of your sessions may focus on your internal thought patterns, feelings, and body sensations in order to gain an understanding of different aspects of who you are and how you think. During your time in therapy you will learn to pay attention to your experiences without judgment in order to better understand how your mind works.

Your therapist may want to initially start off by gathering personal information and a history about your family, health, and education as well as administer some type of assessment or test. It is normal to begin therapy with an assessment as these tools help gather information and get an in depth understanding of your issue. The outcome of the assessment often assists the therapist in determining the best course of action for your treatment and will help guide your sessions.

Your psychotherapist will then help to clarify and educate you regarding the problem you are experiencing. After clarifying your problems, you will work together to find resolution to your issue. It is not uncommon for treatment to include other providers such as a psychiatrist. For example if you are receiving psychotherapy from a psychologist, they may refer you to a health care provider who can prescribe you medication if they believe you may benefit from it.

It is important to understand that therapy will be a challenging endeavor and often takes time and commitment. Therapy often leads to a deep personal understanding, and significant and long lasting change. You may find yourself thinking and behaving differently. In addition to this transformation you will learn new skills to help you cope with future issues and challenges.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit to a Behavioral Health Clinic?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

It is common that your provider ask that you to come in several minutes early to your first appointment in order to fill out the required paperwork. A typical session can last anywhere from 45-60 minutes long so plan accordingly. During the first session your therapist may also cover the logistics of therapy, such as confidentiality, scheduling, cancelation policies, and fees. Plan your payment in advance. Prior to your first session determine whether you will be paying out-of-pocket for your services or if you will be using your health insurance plan. Some private health insurance companies may cover mental health services such as psychotherapy, but others do not. Before you begin therapy you should check your policy to see what is covered and what provider accepts your coverage. Insurance companies vary in terms of services they cover and some mental health disorders are not covered at all. Double-check with your provider in advance in order to help you plan your payment.

Conduct your research a head of time and prepare a list of questions you might have for your provider. Be prepared to share information about yourself and the issues you would like to address. Your therapist most likely will begin by ask you a series of questions to help identify what problem you would like to work on. They may begin with a simple question such as, “What brings you here today?” Be as clear as possible regarding your goals and what you would like to accomplish during your time in therapy. It is not uncommon to begin therapy with some type of assessment. These assessments help gather information and guide the course of therapy. Prepare to discuss your health, education, culture, and family circumstances. During the information gathering process your provider may recommend further psychological testing or suggest a medical examination to rule out possible medical issues.

Once your provider gathers a full history, you will work together to develop a treatment plan and establish goals. This process is collaborative and your commitment and dedication is important. After several sessions you should have a clear understanding of your issue and your treatment plan. This plan should include your goals and how you will work towards accomplishing these goals.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

How Do I Know Which Type of Counseling or Style of Psychotherapy is Right for Me?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

The type of psychotherapy or counseling that is best for you is largely dependent on your individual preferences and needs. There are certain techniques and approaches that are more helpful than others when dealing with specific types of problems and your therapist will be knowledgeable in those approaches. For example, panic disorder is typically treated with various forms of controlled exposure therapy as research suggests it is most effective in treatment. Arm yourself with knowledge and research about the best type of therapy pertaining to your issue. This can be helpful in narrowing down what type or style of counseling is best for you.

Psychotherapists typically use an evidence-based practice and approach towards treating psychological problems. Evidence-based practice is the integration of the best available research along with the mental health practitioner’s clinical expertise, in the context of the individual’s characteristics, culture, and preferences, (American Psychological Association, 2014). Therapists consider these factors when selecting the type of therapy for treatment. They use their knowledge in research regarding the appropriate techniques to use for a specific issue and determine what the best course of treatment is based on their past experiences treating other patients and integrate your personal preferences, character and values, (APA Policy Statement, 2005).

There are many different theoretical approaches to psychotherapy and practicing psychotherapists usually draw on one or more of these theoretical perspectives to help them understand their client’s problems. The theoretical perspective of your psychotherapist will affect what goes on in therapy. For example, therapists who utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach may assign you tasks to complete or ask that you practice a new skill outside of therapy. Where as a therapist who uses a psychoanalytic approach might focus on talking in depth about your past and present memories, thoughts, and emotions rather than doing specific tasks. Most therapists combine components from several different styles of psychotherapy and blend different approaches to tailor treatments to their clients needs.

The relationship you have with your therapist is an important one and evidence suggests that development of a good relationship between a therapist and client actually predict better outcomes in therapy. Integrated throughout therapy should be efforts from the therapist to establish a genuine, nonjudgmental, and trusting therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship that is created between you and your therapist is a valuable one and this relationship can act as a catalyst to help facilitate change. After you have determined that your therapist is experienced, skilled, and knowledgeably, a good indicator of whether the type of counseling is right for you would be your comfort level working with your therapist. Most importantly, remember psychotherapy is a process. It takes time, commitment, and effort.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

How Do I Know Which Mental Health Professional Is Right for Me and How Do I Select the Right One?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

More and more evidence has proven that psychotherapy can help with a wide range of psychological issues. Once you have decided that you would like assistance from a mental health professional it can be a little difficult to know which mental health professional is best for you. There are many options and factors to consider when making this decision and selecting the best choice.

First consider the problem you would like to solve. In order to identify the best form of treatment it is important to identify the problem first. A thorough evaluation and assessment is a necessary first step in identifying mental health related issues. These assessments are usually called mental status exams or diagnostic evaluations. These help your provider get a better understanding of what the problem is and how it is affecting you personally. Assessment tools can be helpful by gathering important information such as health history, family history, and education, along with other cultural and social factors. This information is important for mental health professionals to know in order to determine the best course of action.

Second, it is important to determine what the best course of treatment is for your identified problem. For some issues medication might be the best approach and for other issues psychotherapy or a combination of the two is highly recommended. It is all dependent on your specific needs. For example, if you need to work with someone who can prescribe medication, a psychiatrist may be a good mental health care provider for you. If you are having marital issues, a marriage and family therapist might be a good option as they can provide psychotherapy for couples. You might even work with both a psychiatrist and a therapists depending on the issue. It’s normal to have a treatment team when dealing with complex mental health and emotional issues. Typically a good indicator of a good match will include a mental health professional with experience treating other individuals who have experienced a similar issue. A good way to determine how much experience they have is simply by asking.

Regardless of which mental health care professional you initially see they will have knowledge of the treatment options that are available for you, as well as knowledge of your identified mental health condition. They can help educate you on your best options. The best option will most likely be different for each individual depending on his or her circumstances. Most mental health professionals can provide treatment for a wide range of issues and have had extensive training and experience in treating these issues. Ask your mental health care provider what their history or experience is in treating issues similar to the one you are experiencing.

Last, consider your finances, personal preferences, culture, values, and character. Mental health providers and clients work together and the right match is important. Once you have determined that the provider you are working with has the correct credentials, background, and competence, consider your level of personal comfort with the provider and their approach towards treatment. Establishing rapport and trust is a critical aspect of treatment. Choose someone who you feel comfortable and safe with.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

What is the Difference Between the Various Types of Behavioral Healthcare Providers?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Psychiatrist: An individual who has obtained an M.D. degree and has completed postdoctoral specialty training in mental and emotional disorders. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications for mental and physical health needs, (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). Medical doctors can also prescribe medication for mental health conditions, however it’s important to note that they have not had as much extensive training in diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. It is more common for a psychiatrist to prescribe medications for mental health related conditions as they have specialized training in these conditions. Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy in addition to medication as treatment for mental health disorders. Some refer clients to other mental health providers for psychotherapeutic services, as it is normal for individuals who require such services to work with a team of mental health care providers.

Psychologist: An individual with a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school, (American Psychological Association, 2014). Psychologists focus on clinical practice, obtain thousands of hours of clinical experience, and can enter into a private practice. They provide services such as psychological assessments, testing, and psychotherapy. Psychologists receive specific training in diagnosis, research, and psychotherapy. They work independently or within a group setting and provide a wide range of services.

Marriage & Family Therapist: An individual with at least a Master’s degree or higher, who specializes in providing psychotherapy to individuals of all ages, couples, families, and groups for a wide range of mental health conditions. These therapists must obtain thousands of hours of direct clinical experience and supervision. They also receive extensive training in diagnosis, research, and psychotherapy. Clinical Social Workers – Clinical social workers complete a Master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.) and carry the LCSW title if they are able to practice psychotherapy (Licensed Counselor of Social Work). Most programs require these professionals to go through direct clinical experience and focuses on teaching principles of social work and psychotherapy.

Psychiatric Nurse – Psychiatric nurses are trained as registered nurses (R.N.) and then receive specialized training in psychiatry and some forms of psychotherapy. Psychiatric nurses in most states may also prescribe the same kinds of medications that a psychiatrist can.

Licensed Professional Counselor – A Master’s level professional in mental health or a related field who is specially trained to provide psychotherapy. License requirements vary from state to state. They are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups to treat mental health, behavioral, and emotional conditions. Other – There are many behavioral health care providers. Each state governs the license requirements and these guidelines are intended to protect the public by limiting those persons qualified to practice to those defined by the state laws. A good way to determine which health care provider is best for you is to consider your unique circumstances and needs along with the health care providers experience, credentials, and background.

See our website for an overview of our providers and contact us.

What is the Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy? Is there a difference? This answer can be a bit confusing at times, but put simply these terms have similar meanings among individuals in the helping profession and are often used interchangeably. There are some subtle differences among the terms, however most of the time they may be referring to the same concept or idea.

The nature and purpose of psychotherapy is to promote growth and self-discovery in an interactive and safe environment. Psychotherapists are specially trained to use therapeutic techniques and interactions in order to treat psychological conditions. Psychotherapists use a wide range of different techniques based on theoretical concepts to increase an individual’s overall sense of well-being. The American Psychological Association defines the term psychotherapy as, “Any group of therapies, used to treat psychological disorders, that focus on changing faulty behaviors, thoughts, perceptions, and emotions that may be associated with specific disorders” (APA, 2014). Essentially psychotherapy is a term used to describe a therapeutic process that occurs between a therapist and a client; this process is interactive and collaborative, and aimed at improving emotions and behaviors.

Counseling has a broader meaning and is defined as, “the act of consultation, exchanging opinions and ideas from a knowledgeable or specialized person”(Merriam-Webster, 2014). Typically counseling refers to a specific consultation regarding a particular problem or symptom. Therefore one can receive counseling from an individual who is educated or skilled in any specified topic, for example legal counseling, finical counseling, or psychological counseling. In the mental health profession a counseling psychologist is defined as, “A psychologist who specializes in providing guidance in specific areas” (APA, 2014). These specialized areas can include substance abuse, marital conflict, school problems, vocational selection and more. Counseling psychologists may also use a wide range of therapeutic techniques to help treat a variety of psychological problems.

Psychotherapy is generally a longer process that usually focuses on chronic emotional or psychological problems, where as counseling is typically shorter in duration and focuses on a specific problem. Counseling often involves giving advice and directive guidance regarding an issue that is currently taking place, while psychotherapy may aim to explore past events, thoughts, emotions and the impact these have on thoughts and behavior. There is a lot of overlap between the two terms and there meaning. Individuals who are trained to provide psychotherapy may also provide counseling, such as Psychologists and Marriage and Family Therapists, a Counselor may or may not be trained to provide psychotherapy, such as a Vocational Counselors.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

What is a Psychotherapist or Counselor?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

A psychotherapist may also be referred to as a counselor and is a person who works with individuals, couples, families, and groups across all ages, to help them deal with a wide variety of psychological problems or emotional issues. Psychotherapist and counselor are terms that are often used interchangeably. A psychotherapist provides therapy to assists people with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. These feelings are normal, although sometimes they can become overwhelming and impact our daily activities causing a significant amount of distress. Psychotherapy, or counseling, can help provide guidance in managing difficult emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapists provide therapy, also called psychotherapy, to help support people and teach them ways to cope and deal with various life stressors.

There are many different approaches that psychotherapist use to help people develop healthy and effective coping skills. These approaches are based from theoretical perspectives. Theoretical perspectives act as guides to help psychotherapists understand their client, their clients problem, and to assist in developing solutions to these problems. The type of psychotherapy an individual receives is based on a variety of factors. These factors include consideration of what the problem is, the client’s unique personality and circumstances, the best available research regarding the treatment of the problem, and the therapist’s theoretical orientation. Some of the more common types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, along with many others. Sometimes psychotherapist will combine different elements from several different theoretical frameworks into their psychotherapy in order to tailor treatment to client’s individual needs. Ask your therapist the orientation in which they work from in order to better understand their perspective on various issues.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

What is a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in mental health disorders. They receive medical training and study the complex relationship between mental health illnesses and other medical illnesses. They are able to diagnose mental health conditions as well as treat them with a variety of methods including medication, hospitalization, and psychotherapy, (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). The American Psychological Association defines a psychiatrist as, “an individual who has obtained an M.D. degree and has completed postdoctoral specialty training in mental and emotional disorders. A psychiatrist may also prescribe medications for the treatment of psychological disorders”, (APA, 2014). Psychiatrists work with a variety of mental health disorders ranging in severity including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.

Psychiatrists are qualified to use both medical and psychological tests in order to determine a client’s physical and mental health state. They are able to evaluate both medical and psychological data in order to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for conditions. Some psychiatrists may use psychotherapy as treatment or prescribe medication for mental health treatment. Depending on a client’s unique physical and mental health needs, a psychiatrist may choose to assist the client with their medication management and refer them to an individual who practices psychotherapy for further treatment. Many psychiatrists work in groups with other mental health practitioners, independently in a private practice, hospitals, or community health centers.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners offer many of the same services a psychiatrist offers. This includes assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders as well as treatment and prescription of medications for these mental health conditions. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are regular nurses that specialize within mental health disorders. These nurses work with individuals, families, couples, and groups of individuals to evaluate mental health needs. They also can develop a diagnosis and plan of care to treat mental health disorders. Psychiatric nurse practitioners may use psychotherapy along with medication to treat various disorders depending on the clients needs.

What is a Psychologist?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

A psychologist is a person who has been professionally trained to help people deal with an array of life transitions, stressors, and mental health issues. They provide a wide range of services that include psychological evaluations, tests, and psychotherapy. A psychologist must attend graduate school and receive extensive supervised training for a number of years prior to becoming a licensed professional in the mental health field. Psychologists are defined as, “An individual with a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school”, (APA, 2014).

Psychologists can help people overcome a wide variety of mental health related issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse and addictions, along with other mental health issues. Although psychologists can help people with a wide range of issues, over the course of their career they may end up specializing in certain mental health areas for example depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or substance abuse and rehabilitation. Psychologists are trained to administer and interpret psychological assessments and can help diagnose a psychological condition. Psychological tests usually help to gather more information about a person, their personality, and the way they think, feel, and behave.

Psychologists help treat various mental health conditions by providing psychotherapy. They use a wide variety of different forms of therapy to help individuals who are in need of support. Common examples of the types of therapy include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy or a combination of several different styles and techniques. The type of therapy used by a psychologist is usually dependent on what the research suggests to be most helpful for a particular problem. Empirically supported treatments are specified psychological treatments that have been found to be successful in treatment with a particular population, (APA Policy Statement, 2005). Psychologists utilize the best available research in order to know how to treat particular problems. Most practicing psychologist’s work with a group of other psychologists or other health care providers, as it is common for treatment plans to include referrals for other provides such as a psychiatrist or social worker. They can also work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, schools, hospitals, or manage their own private practice.

The Best Chicago Therapists for Children

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

No one can tell you which of the many Chicago therapists for children is the best. It is important to find one that fits your individual needs. Every child has different needs and the connection between the child and counselor all depends upon their ability to find a common interest. Nobody walks into a therapist’s office and spills their guts without having some kind of relationship established. It just doesn’t happen.

The Trust Factor

Children are always wary of what they say to adults. They feel that their feelings or actions will be judged by the adult. Think about it! That’s what every parent does. You need an office of caring and open Chicago therapists for children who will not judge your child. The trust factor between a child and his therapist is essential if he is to deal with his issues today and those that he will face tomorrow.

The Development Dilemma

As your child grows, he will face greater issues and occasionally revisit those that have been dealt with in the past. If your child has had a good working relationship with particular Therapists for Children Chicago therapists for children in the past, this is where he should go to handle any new problems or old ones that have resurfaced. The right counselor can have your child happy and productive again.

If you are looking for high quality and affordable behavioral healthcare for your child, you should contact Dr. Parisi & Associates, P.C. They provide services to the residents of Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding suburbs. By calling them at (847) 909-9858, you can get a free phone consultation or set up an appointment for your child.