Therapy FAQ's
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. Therapy is a treatment approach based on a collaborative relationship between the individual and the clinician or therapist. Mental health and wellness concerns are addressed which often includes increasing client awareness and understanding, nourishing healthy connections with themselves and others, changing thought and behavior patterns, as well as targeting client symptoms and goals. The clinician creates an environment or framework for therapy that supports open conversations and working with someone who is objective and nonjudgmental. There are many trained professionals who provide psychotherapy. I am a clinical psychologist with expertise in human behavior, relationships, well-being, mental and emotional disorders, and the process of change. I provide individual therapy.
Who goes to psychotherapy?
Therapy can be helpful in treating most mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Not everyone who benefits from therapy has a mental illness. Many people seek out therapy when going through a difficult time and/or stressful experiences.
Some people seek support to learn how to cope better during a life transition, such as a break up, job change, or move. Other people want to learn how to better understand and manage their feelings and how they relate to themselves and other people.
Why do people seek therapy?
There are a range of reasons individuals seek psychotherapy. Individuals who contact me are often experiencing distress that ranges from mild to severe and the distress may interfere with how they are managing or responding to themselves, others and/or in their day to day lives. People come to therapy because they have thoughts, feelings, behaviors and experiences they want to process, understand, grow from, and/or change. In therapy, people often learn about how they think, feel, and behave toward themselves as well as other people. Increased self-awareness allows people to make more intentional decisions and choices based on their values and what matters to them. In my practice, I most often work with people going through stressful periods of time in their lives and who experience symptoms such as anxiety, worry, helplessness, panic, sadness, interpersonal conflict, self-criticism, cynicism, depression, worthlessness as well as attention and concentration concerns. We work together toward improved functioning and growth to build long lasting resilience.
How long will therapy take?
Treatment length will vary based on an individual’s concerns, experiences, and goals. We will work together to define what you want out of therapy as well as how we will monitor progress. This will be an ongoing discussion in our work together. Clients ultimately decide when their goals are met. Some individuals want to work on short-term specifically targeted goals while others seek longer term therapy to address long standing, complex, and/or intense stressors. I am well-versed in long-term insight oriented approaches as well as action-oriented approaches that tend to be much shorter.
What is the first appointment like?
During the first appointment I will ask you to share the concerns and the challenges you are experiencing. We will get to know each other, and I will answer any questions about therapy and/or our work together. I will go over the paperwork so you have a clear understanding of the process, fees, and the structure of therapy. We will work together to identify what will be helpful for you in therapy and clearly define what would be happening in your life if you were to improve from our work together. I usually offer some initial thoughts about how you may benefit from therapy .
What are you like as a therapist?
I am an active and engaged therapist. I believe the therapeutic relationship is part of the the foundation that contributes to a positive outcome. I am transparent with people about my work with them. I will join you on your path forward as well as when you feel stuck or even need to stand still.
I will hear you, support you, challenge you, and likely laugh with you.
Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. Therapy is a treatment approach based on a collaborative relationship between the individual and the clinician or therapist. Mental health and wellness concerns are addressed which often includes increasing client awareness and understanding, nourishing healthy connections with themselves and others, changing thought and behavior patterns, as well as targeting client symptoms and goals. The clinician creates an environment or framework for therapy that supports open conversations and working with someone who is objective and nonjudgmental. There are many trained professionals who provide psychotherapy. I am a clinical psychologist with expertise in human behavior, relationships, well-being, mental and emotional disorders, and the process of change. I provide individual therapy.
Who goes to psychotherapy?
Therapy can be helpful in treating most mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Not everyone who benefits from therapy has a mental illness. Many people seek out therapy when going through a difficult time and/or stressful experiences.
Some people seek support to learn how to cope better during a life transition, such as a break up, job change, or move. Other people want to learn how to better understand and manage their feelings and how they relate to themselves and other people.
Why do people seek therapy?
There are a range of reasons individuals seek psychotherapy. Individuals who contact me are often experiencing distress that ranges from mild to severe and the distress may interfere with how they are managing or responding to themselves, others and/or in their day to day lives. People come to therapy because they have thoughts, feelings, behaviors and experiences they want to process, understand, grow from, and/or change. In therapy, people often learn about how they think, feel, and behave toward themselves as well as other people. Increased self-awareness allows people to make more intentional decisions and choices based on their values and what matters to them. In my practice, I most often work with people going through stressful periods of time in their lives and who experience symptoms such as anxiety, worry, helplessness, panic, sadness, interpersonal conflict, self-criticism, cynicism, depression, worthlessness as well as attention and concentration concerns. We work together toward improved functioning and growth to build long lasting resilience.
How long will therapy take?
Treatment length will vary based on an individual’s concerns, experiences, and goals. We will work together to define what you want out of therapy as well as how we will monitor progress. This will be an ongoing discussion in our work together. Clients ultimately decide when their goals are met. Some individuals want to work on short-term specifically targeted goals while others seek longer term therapy to address long standing, complex, and/or intense stressors. I am well-versed in long-term insight oriented approaches as well as action-oriented approaches that tend to be much shorter.
What is the first appointment like?
During the first appointment I will ask you to share the concerns and the challenges you are experiencing. We will get to know each other, and I will answer any questions about therapy and/or our work together. I will go over the paperwork so you have a clear understanding of the process, fees, and the structure of therapy. We will work together to identify what will be helpful for you in therapy and clearly define what would be happening in your life if you were to improve from our work together. I usually offer some initial thoughts about how you may benefit from therapy .
What are you like as a therapist?
I am an active and engaged therapist. I believe the therapeutic relationship is part of the the foundation that contributes to a positive outcome. I am transparent with people about my work with them. I will join you on your path forward as well as when you feel stuck or even need to stand still.
I will hear you, support you, challenge you, and likely laugh with you.
Together, we will find a better way.
DrKo@ConnectPsychologicalServices.com
847-502-5218
Dr. Karen O'Keeffe - 1580 S. Milwaukee Ave, Suite 407 - Libertyville, Illinois 60048
DrKo@ConnectPsychologicalServices.com
847-502-5218
Dr. Karen O'Keeffe - 1580 S. Milwaukee Ave, Suite 407 - Libertyville, Illinois 60048