Individual therapy is available for those in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. My office is located in Des Plaines, Illinois. Counseling is an interpersonal relationship developed with the intention of resolving particular problems in your life. My approach is short-term, about 8 to 16 weeks. Sessions occur at least one a week and are fifty minutes in duration. Therapy has a beginning, middle and end. In the beginning we spend time getting to know you through talk, self awareness tests and exercises. Then we set goals for our sessions. In the middle we discover the tolls to help you evolve. We will practice these new behaviors in session and at home to reinforce them. By the end of treatment you will feel ready to use your new skills in your daily life. When you feel like you need a tune-up you can come back occasionally for a session. Change is not easy since you have been living for so long with the old behaviors. With commitment and daily dedication you can move forward steadily to a happier life.
Sessions are $65.00 each Payment by cash or check is due at the time of each session.
eCOUNSELING provides a similar
service to face to face counseling instead using emails in a manner that is interactive, private,
affordable, efficient, and fast. This service is provided to those who
prefer to use written communication instead of the telephone or face to face.
With each session, you can expect an intuitive and confidential evaluation of
your personal issues and clinically assessed feedback and next step
suggestions. Each session begins with my email asking you for more details, and
each session ends with a short concluding email. I will attempt to respond
within 24 hours, but often the same day.
You will
have three different options and fees to choose from when you decide on
counseling. Level 1, a 15-minute eCounseling session including a short
counseling email answering your personalized questions, and concluding email
for $10.00. Level 2, a 30-minute eCounseling session, with a long email
response to your personal questions, and ending with a concluding email for
$20.00. Level 3, a 45-minute eCounseling session including 2 long email
responses, ending with a concluding email.
To begin
you will send me a request for service form stating your concerns. Then I will
send you a clarifying response asking personal questions. Once you reply I will
take time to clinically digest your concerns and respond. Each session ends
with a short concluding email.
These counseling
sessions do not replace existing therapy or medical treatments, and a diagnosis
will not be made. The results you get depend on your investment of time and
energy. Counseling requires your personal commitment and willingness to look
honestly at your issues, just as in other forms of therapy.
eCounseling Fees
Level 1 -
1 response email - 15 minutes is devoted to your concerns for $10.00 Level 2 - 2 response emails - 30 minutes is devoted to your concerns for $20.00 Level 3 - 3 response emails - 50 minutes is devoted to your concerns for $30.00
TELEPHONE COUNSELING
Using the
phone to talk with a counselor is not much different than what you could expect
from an office visit. Telephone counseling is an excellent option in
helping you with your issues. It is fast becoming the primary means
of delivering psychotherapy. Some of the benefits include convenience, no
time spent traveling, a lower fee than face to face, and you stay in the
comfort of your home or office, and confidentiality. These sessions can give a
more personal, and in depth relationship than e Counseling. Sessions last
for 50 minutes once a week. Once a week is the preferable commitment
to achieve your counseling goals. If you are in crisis, several sessions a
week may be beneficial. Eventually sessions will taper off to every other week,
and then monthly or as needed. Arrangements can be made for 30 minute
sessions when necessary.
The idea
that the therapist needs to be physically present for counseling success simply
isn't true. Studies have shown telephone counseling can help individuals that
may not have gone into an office. Some are too embarrassed or have
transportation issues. The initial session is used to obtain an overview of
what is going on in the client's life. We will then work to create goals and
find solutions for a happier and successful life.
All information shared
over the phone shall be kept confidential unless you disclose a crime or
abuse that has been or will be committed. All therapists are bound by ethics as
mandated reporters.
Telephone Counseling Fees A 50 minute session is $50.00
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT You may call or email to set up a time for your session. I do my best to give you the same scheduled time each week. Go to the contact me page for this.
PAYMENT METHOD
For eCounseling and telephone sessions you are required to make your payment through Paypal before the scheduled session time,
or before your email response will be sent. Once your payment is received, we
will have our session. If you have not made your payment our session will be cancelled, and you will need to contact me again to schedule another
session.
If you are
unfamiliar with how Paypal works visit their site, which offers easy to use
assistance, and phone support.
DISCLAIMER
When
asking for assistance or advice on a personal problem, it's important the user
understand the limitations of non face-to-face discussions when using this
service. Because of the nature of this type of counseling, all
information may not be provided to us by the user, thereby preventing us
from providing the user with maximum effectiveness.
However, latest online counseling research is aware of those limitations and uses extra care and
diligence when providing e-counseling services. You as the user agrees
that using any or every part of this service is entirely at your own risk.
Services are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, either
express or implied, including without limitation, any warranty for information
services, counseling, uninterrupted access, or products and services provided
through or in connection with the service. This service is requested at
the user's own choice and with inherent singular responsibility. By
submitting your questions you agree to the terms and conditions of this
disclaimer.
TO MAKE A PAYMENT go to www.paypal.com Select Personal at the top of the page Then select send money online Then enter in the Amount you are paying (Each service or product has their amount listed next to their description) Under My payment is for: select friends and family(Then you wont be charged a fee. If you select buying something they charge you a fee.) Select continue: on the page it now offers enter in my email address mthill@balancedcounseling.com and then from enter in yours If you pay paypal with your credit card they will charge you.45 If you have your own account it comes out of your checking at no charge. If you have trouble you may call paypal for support at 888-221-1161
