Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LCPC?

LCPC stands for “Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor”. In order to attain this level of professional licensure with the state of Illinois, counselors must have their Master’s degree in a counseling-related field from an accredited institution, and two years of full-time counseling-related employment, more than half of which must be face-to-face work with clients.

LCPCs use the professional title “Psychotherapist”. A Psychologist has a doctorate level degree in this field of study and is trained to conduct clinical research and diagnostic testing; a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who sometimes will do talk therapy but primarily prescribes psychotropic medication.

So which one should I be seeing?

Psychotherapists do talk therapy, so if you see one that’s all that will be done (no psychological testing, no medication prescriptions). If either diagnostic testing or pharmacological interventions would be beneficial in addition to talk therapy, I have a list of trusted, experienced, preferred providers I can refer you to.

What type of therapist are you?

There are a variety of treatment theories and philosophies that different psychotherapists use. No list would be complete. I most frequently use modalities and interventions from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Narrative Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). My philosophical/clinical approach is influenced by the Existential/Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy, which remind us of what we all know to be true: the person - YOU - are the expert on you. My job is to facilitate exploration of your emotions, behaviors, motivations, and their outcomes in order to improve your experience of this life.

What happens when I come to see you?

My office doesn’t have a traditional waiting room, but the building itself offers several spaces for you to enjoy if you arrive early: an outdoor garden space and an indoor sculpture gallery. When your appointment time comes, just come knock on my door, Suite 217. We’ll spend our session time sitting and talking.

How long is my appointment? Based on insurance providers, between 45-53 minutes. Here’s why.

Yep, that’s it.