Therapy FAQ: Couples & Individual support in Illinois

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know you. We'll talk about what brought you in, what you're hoping to change, and what's felt stuck. For couples, that usually means exploring the dynamic between you — how you communicate, where things break down, and what you still want for the relationship. For individuals, we focus on your story, your patterns, and your goals. You'll leave with a sense of direction and a plan for moving forward.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or repeating the same patterns in relationships or life, therapy can help. Many clients come to us for anxiety, depression, relationship stress, betrayal trauma, grief, or major transitions such as separation or divorce.

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy — many people seek support to improve communication, deepen emotional connection, or gain clarity about important decisions.

It depends on what you're working on. Some clients come in for a focused issue and feel ready to wrap up after a few months. Others are working through deeper patterns or recovering from significant events — betrayal, divorce, trauma — and benefit from longer-term support.

We'll talk about goals and timeline at the start. We generally require weekly therapy to start as it helps people make progress the quickest. We'll check in regularly and adjust as needed.

There's no standard formula, and we're not going to keep you in therapy longer than is useful. We promise!

Yes. We offer both in-person therapy at our Downers Grove office and telehealth sessions via Google Meet for clients anywhere in Illinois. Research consistently shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for most people. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform — your therapist will send you a link before your appointment. It's a good option if your schedule is tight, you have childcare constraints, or you just prefer the flexibility.

Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us not because things have completely broken down, but because they can feel the distance growing and want to get ahead of it. Therapy isn't just for crisis — it's for people who want more from their relationships and their lives. If something feels off, that's enough of a reason to reach out.

DesIt's more common than you'd think. Individual relationship therapy can be incredibly effective even when only one partner is in the room. You can still learn to communicate differently, understand your own patterns, and shift the dynamic in meaningful ways. And sometimes, when one partner starts making real changes, the other becomes more open to joining. You don't need both people to be ready at the same time.

Yes, fully and affirmingly. We work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, identity, family dynamics, and life transitions. We also work with people in consensual non-monogamous relationships — open relationships, polyamory, and structures that don't fit the traditional mold. You don't have to explain or justify your relationship to us. We meet you where you are.

Discernment counseling is for couples where one or both partners are unsure whether they want to stay in the relationship. Unlike traditional couples therapy, the goal isn't to fix things — it's to help you gain clarity about what you actually want. It's short-term and structured, and it treats both partners with equal respect regardless of where they stand. The outcome might be a commitment to work on the relationship, a decision to separate, or more time to decide. All of those are valid.

Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and systemic approaches.

In practice, we don't rigidly stick to one model — we use what actually works for you and your relationship.

Sessions are structured and goal-oriented. You'll leave each session with something concrete, not just an hour of talking about problems.

Yes. Divorce is one of the most emotionally complex things a person can go through, and it deserves more than general therapy. We help individuals and couples navigate separation with emotional support, practical tools, and a clear process for moving forward. Whether you're in the middle of it or trying to rebuild after the fact, we're experienced in this work specifically.

Absolutely. Co-parenting after a high-conflict or emotionally charged divorce is genuinely hard.

We help parents improve communication, reduce ongoing conflict, set healthy boundaries, and keep the focus where it belongs — on the kids. You don't have to like each other to co-parent well, but you do need tools. We can help you build them.

Yes. We frequently work alongside attorneys and other professionals in collaborative divorce settings.

Irene Schreiner, LMFT is our resident Collaborative Divorce Coach.

Her role is to help clients manage emotions, communicate more productively, and make clear-headed decisions during a process that can easily become reactive.