I work with adults, couples and families using multiple modalities. Choosing a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to see how I can help. Therapy with me is probably not what you expect.
My sessions are highly interactive, and I offer insights, ask questions to understand you better, and challenge you to look within. I focus on your unique strengths to help you grow. If you're stuck in an unhealthy pattern, I’ll point it out and help you find new ways to move forward.
In every session and in between sessions, I give you useful tools starting from our first meeting. I am dedicated to helping you become free from emotional pain, deal with life on life’s terms, and find meaning in all areas of life. I accept insurance and offer (sliding scale) self-pay clients day, evening and weekend telehealth appointments.
My practice is a safe haven for adults of all ages, whether you're seeking personal growth and change or navigating workplace challenges and anxieties. I am a University of Chicago trained therapist, and a corporate coach. I bring years of experience and insight to benefit you, I offer day, evening and weekend appointments, and strongly endorse free consultations to see if we are a good fit.
I believe that life experiences inform and teach us. I have a rich history as a corporate coach, therapist, friend, marital partner, adoptive parent, single parent, runner, volunteer and writer. I am laser-focused on helping you learn new coping skills, and my extensive experience and library of tools and worksheets offer immediate support, and drive your progress.
I can't wait to join forces with you to start your next chapter of this exciting adventure!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Overall, our first therapy session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, establish trust, set goals, and lay the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship. It's normal for you to feel a mix of emotions, including nervousness and relief, during this initial session, but I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. We begin therapy by providing an overview of the therapy process. You may be asked to complete paperwork, such as consent forms or intake questionnaires, to gather essential information about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. I want you to feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings.
Overall, I will seek to understand your presenting issues, history, and goals for therapy. We may look at the your current symptoms, past experiences, family dynamics, and any previous therapy or treatment.
The therapy goals we establish will serve as a roadmap for guiding the therapeutic process and measuring progress over time. You will be invited to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about therapy. Towards the end of the session, I will summarize the key points discussed and collaborate with you to schedule future sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am known for my ability to swiftly guide clients, couples and families back to a fulfilling life. I establish genuine connections with each individual, infusing sessions with my sincere demeanor and a touch of humor to navigate life's many challenges effectively. I offer an extensive array of assessments, worksheets, and reports as valuable tools to support clients in translating therapy insights into tangible improvements in their lives.
About Dr. Susan Cain
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I'm fully prepared to help you overcome unwanted or intrusive thoughts and alleviate your anxiety. I'm committed to guiding you towards a place of tranquility and peace of mind. Together, we'll navigate through any challenges that arise, empowering you to reclaim control over your thoughts and emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) might just be the game-changer you've been looking for. It's a proven approach for tackling anxiety and depression head-on by diving into the connections between your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical responses.
We'll start by digging into what's going on with you and setting up some clear treatment goals. Then, we'll dive deep into the CBT model, shining a light on how your thoughts, emotions, and actions are all interconnected.
Together, we'll pinpoint those pesky negative thought patterns and start building the habit of challenging them with evidence that goes against the grain. We'll also work on swapping out those unhelpful core beliefs for some fresh, positive self-talk that'll have you feeling better yourself.
But don't stop there. I'll be cheering you on as we sprinkle in some enjoyable activities to combat depression or anxiety, and we'll work on finding true satisfaction in your life. You'll also pick up some handy coping skills along the way, like relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, and even brushing up on your assertiveness and communication skills.
And don't worry, there's homework involved – but it's all about reinforcing what you've learned and keeping that progress train chugging along between our sessions.
As we progress in therapy, we'll also tackle relapse prevention strategies together, so you'll be armed and ready to handle any triggers or setbacks that come your way. I can effectively address insomnia using CBT techniques if you're experiencing sleep difficulties. So, if you're ready to take control of those intrusive thoughts and reclaim your peace of mind, CBT is here to help you make it happen.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I am trained in solution-focused therapy to help you achieve therapy results faster. I'm committed to getting you on the path to solutions as quickly as possible. That's where Solution-Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) comes in – it's all about tapping into your strengths, resources, and ability to make real changes.
I've honed my skills in SFBT at The University of Chicago and have been using this approach successfully for years. Here's how it goes down: we start by setting crystal-clear goals that you can actually achieve. These goals are all about what you want to accomplish in therapy and how you want to change your life for the better.
Together, we'll uncover your strengths, resources, and past victories – because trust me, you've got plenty of 'em! We'll brainstorm goals, preferences, and potential solutions to your current challenges, all while boosting your self-confidence and motivation along the way.
And when it's time to put those plans into action, we'll make sure they're practical, doable, and totally tailored to you. If we hit any roadblocks, no worries – we'll tackle them head-on, making adjustments as needed to keep things moving forward.
This is a team effort, so your goals and preferences are always front and center. And as you start crushing those goals, we'll get you ready to wrap up therapy while making sure you've got the tools to maintain your progress long-term. That might mean brainstorming potential hurdles and putting in place strategies to keep you on track.
So, if you're ready to dive in and start seeing real change, let's make it happen together with Solution-Focused Brief Treatment.
Couples Counseling
Do you need to understand each other better and improve communication or repair trust? I offer Solution-Focused Couples Counseling (SFCC), a short-term therapeutic approach that emphasizes finding solutions to specific relationship issues rather than delving deeply into past problems. My approach focuses on the present and future, encouraging couples to envision their desired outcomes and collaboratively work towards achieving them.
In our sessions, couple will identify and clarify their goals for the relationship and what they hope to achieve through counseling. Our therapy together emphasizes the strengths and resources of the couple, leveraging these to find solutions. The focus is on the future and what can be done differently rather than analyzing past conflicts. Even small changes are recognized and built upon, fostering a sense of progress and accomplishment.
Solution-Focused Couples Counseling aims to help couples build better communication, resolve conflicts more effectively, and strengthen their relationship by focusing on what works and fostering a hopeful, forward-looking perspective. It is particularly suited for couples seeking practical solutions and short-term intervention. Schedule a complimentary consultation to see if we are a good fit!
