my approach to psychotherapy…

Sometimes you just need to talk things out. To help you make an informed decision about your choice of therapy, here i present my view of therapy, how i work and how you might benefit.

The reason may always be the same: to feel better or make life better – but the circumstances are always different. You know you want something to improve: it could be change within yourself, a relationship, or your environment. Whether internal or external, you know something just has to be different, but you are unsure how to get there. Your friends give you input but you are aware their input may arise more from their own emotional reactions than that of a selfless, objective observer.

Sometimes we do not seek therapy because we believe life will simply help us and things will just naturally sort themselves out; and certainly that does happen. When it does not, or things seem not to be moving in a more positive direction, therapy can provide guidance and direction.

Most everyone who decides to enter therapy is pleased that they have done so and experiences considerable benefit. Just starting therapy can yield some immediate results. Through sharing your situational struggles with someone who is a more objective partner, you will find you are free of censoring your words and being careful of how they affect the other, a liberating experience. The often-comforting realization that you are not alone can be its own source of strength. And the releasing of unexpressed emotion can offer a renewed sense of both relief and hopefulness.

our relationship

The therapeutic relationship upon which therapy is founded is a unique one. It is an ongoing, two-way dialogue that focuses exclusively on what is most meaningful to you. The therapy hour is yours – to talk, reflect, think aloud. You have my complete focus and attention during the hour. The nature of your therapy will be tailored to your concerns. I will be thoughtful, engaged and reflective alongside you in your striving for a better life and greater sense of well-being. Together we work to reach these goals.

The process itself is one i continue to find surprising: that one single hour weekly can provide such considerable movement in one’s life.  But the hour itself is not quite the point: my office is conducive to self-discovery by virtue of being comfortable, private and peaceful. The hour is a temporary retreat from the everyday world and a focus inward towards a better understanding of yourself and a larger perspective which leads to change. It is an hour in which to explore and consider,each hour contributing to the next, each hour creating an inner dialogue that you carry with you between sessions, becoming a part of your day-to-dayness.

No matter what the direction of your therapy, it will involve some combination of looking at the present, the past and the future of your life. The emphasis will vary depending upon your particular concerns. If there is a significant imperative, the focus would likely be more on the present. In those situations where you feel your life has been at a standstill or history just keeps repeating itself, the past would be integrated with the present, as the past can influence decisions, limit us in ways we cannot imagine, even dictate the direction of our lives. Integrating the past with the present provides a sense of continuity and allows us to go forward in new and unexpected ways, seeing the world differently and experiencing ourselves in greater dimension.

chicago psychotherapy

I am Dr. Suraleah Michaels, a licensed clinical psychologist, located in Chicago. I provide adult individual psychotherapy as well as couples, relationship and marital counseling. My specialties include coaching and consulting for entrepreneurs; coaching and consulting to professionals in transition; and a focus on the New Generation of Women 55-Plus.

Chicago Psychotherapy and Consulting