What to expect from Christian counseling in Chicago

You’ve decided to go to Christian counseling in Chicago, you are ready to get the help you need. You found a few strong leads of Christian therapists but don’t know how things may play out.  Maybe you’ve been in therapy before, but are not sure what to expect this time. 

Regardless of where you find yourself, I want to say, well done! Navigating therapy, from the initial search for the right match to those first sessions and beyond as you start to see progress, can feel intimidating and a bit scary, even if you’re ready for it. 

I hear you and I want to help you make the process feel less overwhelming.

Now that you have a nice list of a few Christian counselors you feel drawn to, you probably have many questions- that is completely understandable. Sometimes we need a bit of a roadmap to know where we are going, and I’d like to offer you one. I’d love to share with you what to expect from that initial consultation call, to the first session and beyond. 

What to expect from your first consultation with a Christian counselor in Chicago

Free initial consultations are extremely valuable. They help discover if you and the Christian counselor would be a good fit. You will also discuss how to prepare for the first session. Calls are offered by phone or video and typically last between 10-20 minutes. 

It may be tempting to share all the details of why you are seeking help, but remember, you only have a few minutes to discuss what you need, and learn about the Christian counselor you are interviewing. Going too in depth about the problem could also open up feelings that may be hard to contain in a short period of time. To make an informed decision, describing how the problem is currently affecting your life can help you remain focused and clear during the call.

During consultations with potential clients, we first go over what they are looking for. Then I share how my therapy style and approach can be helpful, discuss logistics about appointments, and answer any other questions they may have. If we are a great match, we select a consistent weekly session time, and clients receive registration paperwork via a secure client portal for easy and confidential electronic filing.

What to expect in the first session with a Christian counselor in Chicago

So, you’ve found a great match! Excellent. Now, what happens during the first appointment? 

Here is where you’ll get to share all the details of what brought you to Christian counseling! Therapists would generally discuss the completed paperwork, their policies and procedures, and guide you into sharing about your background, how the problem is impacting you and develop therapy goals. Initial appointments can be anywhere between 60-90 minute sessions, and will generally cost more if longer than 60 minutes. 

All of my counseling services, including the initial session are 60 minutes long. During initial appointments with my clients we review the registration forms and general information of my practice. We go over their history and background, what brought them to Christian counseling, how they would like to integrate their faith in sessions, and collaborate in developing awesome therapy goals. We will probably need more than one session to gather relevant information for their care and getting to know one another will also take time.

This brings us to our next question. 

How long does someone work with a Christian counselor in Chicago?

This is an important question, after all you want to know how to plan for your time, financial resources, and mental and emotional energy. The length of time you’ll spend working with a Christian counselor can depend on several factors. In my experience, two common ones are the therapist’s therapeutic approach, and the severity of the symptoms or daily life challenges the problem may be causing you. 

For example, a Christian counselor working from a solution-focused approach would focus on identifying your strengths to take action on the change you want for your life. The premise is also that God’s involvement in the person’s distress is always positive and geared towards improvement and maturation. This type of therapy can last approximately between 5 to 8 sessions with additional sessions as needed. 

Other Christian counselors focus on understanding and healing childhood wounds that currently impact the problem, and the way you relate to your partner or loved ones. This approach is about repatterning a response that has been well-practiced for years, and so making a new response the “new norm” will take lots of practice. Integrating the new ways of relating to self and others at such a deep level could take anywhere from 1 to 2 years.

My therapy approach is based on attachment, the mind-body connection, and it is experiential. Meaning that the work happens as emotional experiences are identified, processed and expressed at a body level during sessions.

My clients work on improving their relationships by learning how to relate to God, themselves, and others more deeply. This process takes time, and we work together an average of two years. I also meet with clients weekly as I have seen it yields the best outcomes and investment. Some counselors may offer bi-weekly meetings, and progress to once a month check-ins. 

These examples are not exhaustive but I hope they help paint a picture. The goal, of course, is not to stay in therapy forever but to help you reach a point where you can apply what you've learned on your own. 

Schedule a free consultation with a Christian counselor in Chicago

I hope this helped you learn what to expect from Christian counseling and you now feel more prepared as you begin this brave journey. If you are still unsure about what to expect or have any questions, contact me. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.

If you want to create change in your relationships and learn how to embrace all that Jesus has for you, contact me! Schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation for Christian counseling in Chicago today. 

As a Christian Counselor in Chicago, Lisaura specializes in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help people heal, improve their relationships, and feel more whole. Lisaura offers individual relationship counseling, couples counseling, premarital counseling, and dance therapy to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply. 

Spanish speaking services are available as well.