Starting therapy can be intimidating - we strive to make it easy. We asked our very own Intake Coordinator, Keely Davis, BA, what she would want to know if she was a client seeking professional counseling services for the first time and what new and prospective clients' most common questions are at our practice. Here are her insights! Please feel invited to use this as a resource to learn about the process of starting therapy, what to expect at your first session with DGCW and the types of mental health and emotional wellness services that might most benefit you.
The First Step: Research
Sometimes when we need it the most, therapy can feel out of reach. Tracking down a provider with availability who you like and can also afford is no easy feat. You could compare finding a therapist to apartment-hunting in a crowded housing market. Demand is high, availability is limited. It requires persistence, flexibility, and the knowledge that you may need to meet with a few providers to find one who really 'feels' like the right fit.
In a poll of mental health therapists conducted in early 2024, 90% of workers surveyed expressed concern that new patients won't be able to access care. Furthermore, more than half of providers who work directly with clients say their waitlist for new clients is longer now than it's ever been before. However, there are talented, experienced and dedicated therapists available in the greater western suburbs of Chicago. We believe whole-heartedly Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness' seasoned providers fit this bill.
The first step to starting therapy is figuring out what type of therapy you need for your specific goals. Things you should consider are the qualities you want in a therapist, the cost, and your availability. Be ready to share your symptoms and concerns. Therapy is a way of taking charge of your life, so be proud of yourself for taking these steps.
Find a team of providers who appear proud to be invested in being participants in your counseling journey. Read reviews. It is normal to feel anxious or unsure about beginning counseling services. Any and all questions you may have should be encouraged throughout the process in order to ease your mind. At DGCW, clients are welcome to reach out through our website or through a phone call for more information. You are taking a courageous and important step to inquire about our services and participate in counseling. We respect and genuinely appreciate that.
The Second Step: Phone Consultation with our Intake Coordinator
It is the goal of DGCW’s intake coordinator to seamlessly connect you with our therapists by considering your preferences and goals for counseling. Over a short phone consultation, the intake coordinator encourages clients to share brief information about what you are searching for through counseling and any possible preferences for therapists or counseling approaches.
The therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of your journey. After the phone consultation, the intake coordinator will review a few therapists who meet your particular needs, scheduling parameters and preferences and move forward with scheduling an initial appointment upon client confirmation.
The Third Step: Intake Paperwork
At this time, intake paperwork will be sent to clients to complete before the initial appointment. Please feel free to ask for clarification on any procedures and policies in our intake paperwork. We value transparency for our clients and will provide a cost estimate whether clients are using insurance or using our self-pay rate.
For all clients, an ID must be uploaded into our client Simple Practice portal. Our portal is modern, intuitive and easy to use. For clients using insurance, we require an insurance card to be uploaded to verify insurance coverage. When the intake paperwork is completed and the proper documents are uploaded, you are ready to begin your therapeutic journey. If you don't plan to use insurance benefits or are out of network, we will provide you with a Superbill to submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.
The Fourth Step: Your Initial Appointment
Your first appointment will be a lot like a first date without the fear that the person sitting across from you might not like you. A therapist isn't going to sit you down and instantly label you with some kind of mental health moniker at your first appointment. They need to get to know more about you first. Remember, you are in the driver's seat. You can always switch up your therapist if they don't work for you, and you can and should set the guidelines for what you want in terms of topics, direction and pace of sessions. You should also feel empowered to provide feedback to your therapist when it feels right to do so. We welcome this!
Most therapists are small business owners, and if you go to their office, you should expect a small, uncrowded waiting room. This includes Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness. Every therapist has some kind of white noise machine, or music playing in the waiting room to give other patients in session privacy. When it's your turn, your therapist will call you, and you'll head into the office, which is typically set up with a chair for your therapist and a chair or couch for you, depending on the space and the type of practice. Your therapist will offer you a seat, and your session will begin.
The Fifth Step: Establishing A Positive Therapeutic Match
The first few sessions are meant to gain familiarity with your therapist, the process and to set
goals. As a client, we ask you to be willing to reflect on your experiences and to remember to be gracious to yourself during this process as it may feel overwhelming, new or intimidating. Sessions can be charged with emotions and results may not be immediate. It may also take a few sessions to confirm the validity of your therapeutic relationship. This is all normal.
We ask clients to consider if you felt comfortable, heard and able to communicate effectively with your therapist. If you feel positively about your experience, this may confirm the beginning to build a great therapeutic relationship. If you feel negatively about your experience, it may be time to consider meeting with a new therapist. Your feelings throughout counseling may vary, and we encourage you to share your experiences with your therapist or our intake team at any point. We are available and always willing to help you through any questions or concerns. We welcome client insight, feedback and recommendations.
Reach Out To Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness
If we are the right fit for you, please reach out! We look forward to offering you authentic and effective mental health services and to helping you find wellness through collaboration, empathy and evidence-based practices. Find a licensed in-person or virtual therapist who will be the perfect fit for your mental health journey at DGCW.
Downers Grove Counseling and Wellness
4910 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 426-9719
Website: www.downersgrovecounseling.com
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