Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy | Serving Chicago & Western Suburbs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing 

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. 

Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential, ensuring your privacy, and provides a professional, unbiased perspective that friends or family cannot offer. 

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

Do you offer general mental health therapy and specialized trauma counseling for residents of Berwyn and neighboring suburbs?

  Yes. Outlook Counseling Services provides comprehensive mental health therapy and professional counseling for adults living in Berwyn, IL, and the surrounding western suburbs. Our licensed therapists help clients manage everyday stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, while also providing evidence-based, specialized trauma therapy and PTSD support.

 How can clients from Berwyn and surrounding communities access your services?  

 Residents of Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Forest Park, Hillside, Broadview, and North Riverside can easily access our licensed clinical therapists through secure, online telehealth sessions or via convenient in-person appointments at our nearby office location in Westchester, IL. We offer flexible scheduling for both general talk therapy and trauma-informed care to fully support the local community.

 Do you offer Spanish-speaking therapy and bilingual counseling for Chicago and the Western Suburbs?  

 Yes. Outlook Counseling Services provides complete bilingual mental health therapy and professional Spanish-speaking psychotherapy (terapia en español) for adults. While our main office is in Westchester, IL, we proudly serve clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding Western Suburbs—including Berwyn, Cicero, North Riverside, Broadview, Hillside, Stickney, Summit, and Lyons. Adults can access our licensed, bilingual clinical therapists for both general counseling and specialized trauma-informed care through secure online telehealth sessions or convenient in-person appointments.

Do you offer bilingual Spanish-speaking services for general mental health therapy and counseling?

 Yes. Outlook Counseling Services provides bilingual mental health counseling and professional Spanish-speaking psychotherapy (terapia en español) for adults. Our licensed, bilingual clinical therapists offer standard talk therapy to help you manage anxiety, depression, everyday stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions. We serve adults via secure telehealth sessions or convenient in-person appointments at our nearby Westchester office, making our services easily accessible for residents throughout Berwyn, Cicero, North Riverside, Broadview, Hillside.  

Do you provide bilingual Spanish-speaking counseling for trauma and PTSD recovery?

Absolutely. In addition to general counseling, we provide specialized, trauma-informed therapy and PTSD recovery support in both English and Spanish. Our clinicians understand how deeply trauma affects both the mind and the body. 

We offer a dedicated, supportive environment to help you safely process past wounds, manage symptoms of PTSD, and navigate emotional distress. This specialized care is fully available via telehealth or in-person for individuals residing in Hillside, Stickney, Lyons, and Summit. 

 Do I need to have a specific physical symptom to try somatic therapy?

Not at all. Somatic therapy is simply about including the body’s nervous system in your mental health care. While many of our clients in the Berwyn area do notice physical symptoms like a tight chest, jaw clenching, or chronic fatigue, others simply feel emotionally "stuck," disconnected, or overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy alone.

  What happens during a somatic session if I feel uncomfortable focusing on my body?

 We always move at a gentle, self-regulated pace that feels completely safe for you. If tracking physical sensations ever feels overwhelming, we immediately pause and pivot to grounding techniques. Our goal is to help you safely manage your body's signals, not force you into discomfort. You remain in complete control of the session at all times.

  Is somatic therapy available in Spanish?

Yes. We provide culturally responsive, holistic care, and our bilingual therapists offer somatic sessions entirely in English, entirely in Spanish, or in a natural blend of both. You are always welcome to process your experiences in the language that feels safest and most natural for you. 

 What if I want to come to your practice but prefer not to use somatic therapy at all?

Your comfort and autonomy are our top priorities. While we specialize in body-centered work, somatic therapy does not have to be used at all if you do not want it. We also provide standard, evidence-based talk therapy options. We will always tailor our approach to fit your exact goals, comfort level, and personal preferences—meaning you choose exactly how we work together.  

Do you offer EMDR, and how does it connect to somatic therapy?

Yes, we incorporate elements of EMDR to help adults process trauma, severe anxiety, and distressing memories. Just like somatic therapy, EMDR recognizes that trauma is physically held within the nervous system. By using gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps your brain reprocess stuck emotional wounds while dropping your body out of a constant state of physical survival or panic. 

  Do you incorporate bilingual EMDR techniques into your somatic therapy sessions?

 Yes. Our bilingual clinical therapists often integrate elements of EMDR alongside somatic therapy to help adults process trauma, severe anxiety, and distressing memories. Because cultural experiences and personal history are deeply connected, being able to process these moments with a bilingual and bicultural therapist allows you to explore your thoughts in whatever language feels safest. 

Using gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), we help your nervous system reprocess stuck emotional wounds and drop your body out of a constant state of physical survival or panic.  

 Do you provide bilingual therapy for adults navigating both anxiety and depression?

  Absolutely. Anxiety and depression frequently occur together, creating a cycle of constant racing thoughts followed by heavy physical exhaustion. Our bilingual clinical therapists offer specialized, integrated support to help you manage these shifting emotional states.

 Through evidence-based interventions and supportive somatic techniques, we work with you to calm an overworked nervous system during moments of panic, while safely restoring your vital energy when depression feels heavy. This comprehensive, client-centered care is fully available in both English and Spanish.