1701 S. Prospect, Suite 303  Champaign, IL  61820

​Linda Smith, LCSW

What can I expect from therapy?​

​217-363-3874

Assessment:

Assessment is a collaborative process in which you tell me your concerns and I organize your behaviors and symptoms in a way that clarifies how and why you struggle.  Clarification of the problem(s) gives both of us a sense of direction.

Therapy:

Therapy is an interaction between you and me.  As you convey your struggles and concerns, I will discuss these issues with you and make suggestions for managing these problems more effectively. I will offer information about ways to cope.  I will note the progress you are making and together we will evaluate, if your goals are being met.  

Initially, therapy is scheduled once a week.  As treatment progresses, we may decide to meet less often.

I will encourage you to be an active part of therapy by asking you to inform me of your feelings, problems and goals.  If you have trouble identifying your feelings, problems or goals, we will work toward this together.

How do I know if I need to go to therapy? 

People attend therapy for a broad range of issues/symptoms varying from severe (i.e. thoughts of suicide/self-harm, major depression) to moderate (i.e. grief and loss) to mild (i.e. to process an impending decision or to reinforce previously learned skills).

If your psychological discomfort is negatively impacting your employment, relationships or academic functioning and/or you are feeling depressed, anxious or overwhelmed, therapy is a good option to consider.

What are some specific reasons why people choose to attend therapy?
            

• Marital problems or problems in a dating relationship
• Shyness in social situations
• Depression
  
• Adapting to change (i.e. adjusting to college, a new job, children leaving home)
• Anxiety
• Food issues (restricting, bingeing, purging, compulsive overeating)
• Breakup of a relationship
• Death of a loved one
• Sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse
• Trauma 
• Illness