Transform Your Life with Adult Therapy in Chicago
Adult therapy involves creating a personalized plan with a therapist to overcome mental issues. It can also help lead to better self-actualization and personal growth.
According to a Gallup poll, around 38% of American adults believe mental health issues aren't handled as well as physical health issues are. However, around 53% of respondents to the same report also agreed that therapy was one of the most effective mental health treatments.
Those who try it may realize it does more than just reduce their symptoms. It can improve their quality of life in unexpected, long-lasting ways.
What Does Adult Therapy Really Mean?
According to the CDC's most recent data from 2024, approximately 14% of US adults received therapy that year. Adult therapy is a form of treatment involving activities and conversations guided by a therapist. They serve as non-judgmental, empathetic professionals to help you safely explore or change thoughts and feelings.
One of the major misconceptions about therapy is that it's only helpful for those facing a severe mental health breakdown. The truth is that it can help with a variety of issues, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship problems
Life transitions
Stress
Trauma
Professional growth
Can Therapy Really Change Your Life?
Professional adult therapy could be considered life-changing, even if all it did was reduce the symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. However, it has several other potentially life-changing effects.
Therapy can change the course of your life today and in the future. It can provide short-term relief and help you develop long-lasting coping mechanisms.
One way it does this is through improved self-understanding. You'll know who you are, what you value, and what your goals are. That extends to higher self-esteem and confidence.
Even one-on-one conversations with a therapist can improve your relationships. They'll help you learn to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns. Over time, you'll be better able to set healthy boundaries and navigate conflicts more effectively.
Therapeutic Techniques
Formative Psychological Services uses a variety of adult therapy techniques. Finding the right one for you depends on factors such as your treatment goals and personal history.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common behavioral techniques. It's also known as talk therapy because you and a therapist talk through issues. It's used to identify and overcome problematic thought patterns or behaviors.
This technique can be effective for issues such as:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management
CBT is goal-oriented and typically carried out over a limited number of sessions. However, you can use what it teaches you for the rest of your life.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is rooted in the teachings of Sigmund Freud, who is often considered the father of psychology. It's similar to CBT because it's also a form of talk therapy. The difference is that psychodynamic therapy focuses more on how past experiences affect current behavior.
It can help with:
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Treatment takes longer, but it can bring about larger changes.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a newer method that's proven effective. It's designed for emotional regulation and interpersonal factors. It combines CBT with mindfulness practices.
DBT was originally designed for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it's effective for treating other issues, such as trauma or problems with emotional stability.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy technique. It helps you learn to accept all thoughts and feelings without trying to suppress them.
The treatment helps you commit to your personal values. It also reminds you that your values aren't determined by mental health problems, such as intrusive thoughts that pop into your head without warning.
ACT is effective for treating issues such as:
Trauma
ADHD
OCD
Stress
Couples or Family Therapy
Couples counseling is an effective option, but you don't have to wait until problems arise in the relationship to get started. Getting it early helps you learn how to communicate effectively for the long term.
There are also several reasons to consider family therapy. It can help adults with a child who has a mental health condition provide better support for them. It can also help the families of recently diagnosed adults understand what their loved ones are going through. The goal is to nurture long-term healthy family relationships.
Choosing the Right Therapist
To find the right therapist, see if they have a local Chicago location. You should also consider whether you'd rather do online therapy and explore the options they offer.
Make sure the therapist has the proper qualifications, such as:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Psychologist (Psy or PsyD)
Psychiatrist (MD or MO)
Look at the local Chicago licensing board as well.
Check for their specializations. Try to find a therapist who specializes in the therapy techniques you want to use and the issues you want treatment for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the First Rule of Therapy?
The first rule of therapy is to recognize that your feelings will get more intense before you can recognize and manage them. You may have a few intense early sessions. Your anger or sadness may be more intense than you thought when first talking to the therapist. This is especially common with buried trauma.
Don't be alarmed by this. If you don't acknowledge the problem, it'll continue to get worse.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Therapy?
The 3-3-3 rule is one of the many grounding techniques you may be taught in therapy. It's a tool for managing anxiety by helping you focus on the present moment instead of any anxious thoughts or rumination.
Performing the 3-3-3 rule is easy, and you can do it anywhere. First, focus on three things you can see. Then, focus on three things you can hear. Finally, move three different parts of your body.
Schedule an Adult Therapy Appointment Today
Adult therapy can change your life by improving your mental health and self-esteem. It can also set you on a path of personal growth.
Formative Psychological Services is a caring mental health clinic in Chicago. We provide services and training for individuals, families, clinicians, and schools.
Our staff combines extensive training with genuine warmth to help you through the process. We serve the Chicago area, but online therapy options ensure location is never an issue.
Contact us to start treatment today.