Conquer your nerves. Reclaim your life.

Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety is normal : to a degree. But what level is typical and what degree requires therapy? A little anxiety is healthy -- motivating, even. However, the distinction is if your anxiety unfortunately causes you unnecessary distress and suffering and is negatively impacting your work life, social life, or family life. That's when a licensed counselor can help dramatically.

Anxiety is a critical emotion that lets us know we are stressed, something is important to us, or a sign we want to protect ourselves.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 37% of those suffering receive treatment. The most common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, acute stress and adjustment disorder.

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Know the Symptoms

Signs you may be struggling with anxiety.

1

Difficulty focusing or turning your thoughts off

2

Regular trouble falling or staying asleep

3

Feeling uneasy, restless, or severely indecisive

4

Fearing upcoming events or future uncertainties

5

Persistent self-doubt or discomfort in social settings

6

Frequently feeling agitated, irritable, or easily upset

7

Anxiously dwelling on things you know you "shouldn't"

8

Chronically "hung up" or anxious about a specific situation

9

Overly judgmental of yourself and obsessing over mistakes

Next Step Will Help You

Learn to cope, manage, and live with your anxiety.

Living with anxiety is extremely distressing and we understand that when your worry flares up, you want nothing more than to make it go away. No matter how long you've been experiencing symptoms, if your anxiety is interfering with your life, we can help. Our counseling approach is collaborate and we'll work together to understand your specific concerns and aid in your development of specific skills and techniques for coping with anxiety. Your Next Step counselor will support you in managing your anxiety and improving your understanding of it, because your worry is unique to you.

Gain New Awareness, Skills & Freedom

Leave empowered and equipped to:

1

Gain insight and identify what triggers + perpetuates your anxiety

2

Learn coping skills to manage your mood and reduce symptoms

3

Help you decrease your feeling of being overwhelmed and on-edge

4

Understand how your thoughts contribute to your anxiety symptoms

5

Live in service of your goals even in the face of worry and uneasiness

6

Learn what's happening in both your brain and your nervous system

7

Start to assert yourself and set boundaries in difficult conversations

8

Increase personal insight, self-esteem, and self-trust

9

Utilize your strengths to support your growth

Contact Us. 

Pay Us a Visit

70 E Lake St #222
Chicago, IL 60601

Serving Chicago, Streeterville, Gold Coast, West Town, West Loop, River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Bucktown, Ravenswood and surrounding areas.

Common Questions

Do you accept insurance?

We are in network with the following insurance carriers:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice Advantage
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice Preferred
  • United Behavioral Health, aka United Health Care
  • Optum Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

However, if you have a carrier that we don’t accept we can still work together! Using your out of network benefits, many insurance companies will provide you with 20% to 80% reimbursement for sessions. We provide you with an invoice, you send it into your insurance company and they mail you a check. If you’d like to know what your out of network benefits are call the number on the back of your card and ask, “What are my out of network benefits for mental health counseling?” Please contact us to provide you with additional information about this.

Is there parking available at your office?

All el lines are within 1-2 blocks, and, there are two parking garages nearby at 60 E. Lake St. and 20 E. Randolph.

I tried therapy and didn't like it. How's this different?

Therapy varies depending on the personalities of the counselor and client, as well as the particular concerns brought forward. Sometimes the chemistry between the counselor and client or the counselor’s style or approach just isn’t a good fit. The relationship between the client and the therapist is of utmost importance. Therefore, we work to create a safe environment where open and honest communication is encouraged so that concerns or questions about treatment or the relationship can be addressed in session. This often benefits the therapeutic process and deepens the therapeutic relationship.

What can I expect from the first few sessions?

During the first and second session, we will gather information about what has brought you into therapy including your concerns, what you’d like to work on and information about your current and past emotional health and life history. This information helps us gain a deeper understanding about your situation, you as a person and how to best help you. As noted earlier, since it is important that clients feel comfortable with their counseling, we encourage clients to also use the first session as an opportunity to assess if this is a good fit for you as well.

What can I expect during a typical therapy session?

During therapy you will begin to discuss and share your feelings, thoughts, and reactions in order for you to begin to gain insight, develop new thinking patters, coping skills and overall improved quality of life. It is natural to feel uncomfortable about opening up at first but this process because much easier after a few sessions. Since self-growth is possible through commitment and work I will encourage you to practice the things you discuss and learn outside of session.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

The number of sessions needed is different for everyone depending on a number of factors including but not limited to your goals, severity or intensity of your concerns or symptoms, how long you’ve been dealing with your concerns, current levels of stress, and the progress you make towards reaching your short or long-term goals.

Is what I say in therapy confidential?

In general, all communications between a client and counselor are confidential and can only be released with the client’s written permission. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • When there is a reasonable suspicion of child/dependent abuse or of an elder adult.
  • When the client communicates a threat of bodily injury to others.
  • When the client is suicidal.
  • When disclosure is required pursuant to a legal proceeding.
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