Jim Cosenza: Supportive Counseling and Psychotherapy

Questions

I’m having an emergency, what do I do?

When experiencing an emergency, when feeling like you are in danger, or being dangerous to yourself or others, dial 911 or immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

At the emergency room you will speak to various health professionals, doctors, nurses, or social workers. Please inform them to contact Jim during this emergency.

Do I need counseling?

You may be feeling some or all of the following:

Depressed or withdrawn or hopeless.

You often feel isolated and lonely.

Difficulty concentrating.

You’re concerned about alcohol or drug use, or friends and family have expressed concern.

You’re experiencing unexplained fatigue or lack of motivation.

You’re thinking about hurting yourself or others.

You’re repetitively injuring yourself.

You feel fearful or anxious or angry.

You feel dissatisfaction with your job or school, or have persistent conflicts with co-workers or supervisors.

It’s difficult to find much pleasure.

You don’t enjoy the things you enjoyed in the past.

You’re crying a lot.

Relationships with your family, partners, or friends are strained and hurtful.

You’ve isolated yourself from family, partners, and friends.

It’s hard to keep a job, complete household tasks, or make progress toward goals.

You’re coping with a chronic illness.

Family secrets.

Coming out.

Gender identity and emergence.

Negotiating a changing, complex, or non-traditional family.

Will I be judged?

Jim works to create a safe, comfortable environment, where you’re neither judged nor criticized. Sometimes our own internal negative critical voices overwhelm us. Sometimes the criticism of others makes life difficult. Our work together is to create a space where shame and judgment are balanced by respect and dignity.

Is there a particular theoretical approach?

We will identify your strengths and enhance your natural problem-solving abilities through practice. We will identify goals and develop manageable, measurable objectives. Our joint goal will be to help you feel good about yourself, strengthen interpersonal relationships, be more successful, satisfied, and effective.

Jim’s clinical approach and interventions are informed by the integration of such theoretical frameworks as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Theory, Systems Theory, Feminist Theory, Mindfulness and Acceptance, and Motivational Interviewing.

What will my first session be like?

You will have an opportunity to get acquainted with Jim, ask him questions, and communicate your goals, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Your wellbeing is important. It’s important for you to be comfortable with your therapist. If you’re not comfortable, Jim will work with you to find someone who would be a better fit.

What can I expect during a session?

Therapy sessions will last approximately 45 to 50 minutes each. Jim provides a warm, non-judgmental, supportive environment, helping you feel safe and comfortable. Together you will examine feelings, thoughts, actions, and the context in which they occur. You will explore and practice alternative thoughts and actions that relieve distress.

How long will I be in therapy?

Therapy and counseling can be an open-ended process, or a precise solution-focused intervention. Your strengths and problem solving abilities will be reinforced throughout the therapeutic relationship. Jim will continually check-in with you, re-evaluating progress towards your goals, discussing the process, and identifying your needs.

What is an LCSW?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is a license issued by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Professionals who have completed a Masters Degree from a university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, completed two years of postgraduate social work employment, received professional supervision by a licensed supervisor, and passed an exam from the Association of Social Work Boards may apply. In addition, every two years the state requires LCSWs to complete 30 hours of clinically focused continuing education.

Social Work incorporates all social sciences, applying theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of individuals, groups, and communities, by enhancing the quality of life, preventing and alleviating distress, pursuing social justice, and effecting positive change through development of the full potential of each individual, family, group, and community.

What is a CADC?

A Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor is a certification issued by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. The candidate for certification must complete 225 hours of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence education, complete 4000 hours of work experience in the field of substance abuse and dependence, complete 150 hours of professional supervision, and pass an exam given by the Association. Every two years the Association requires CADCs to complete 40 hours of continuing education in alcohol and drug abuse.

What is an EAP?

An EAP is an Employee Assistance Program. This is a special benefit that not all employers provide. It is a confidential benefit provided by your employer for you and your eligible dependents. In order to assist you, the employer has contracted with an EAP Provider who in turn is contracted with Jim to provide assessments, referrals, and short-term, solution-focused counseling, to help you reduce stress and resolve concerns.

Generally EAP sessions are provided at no cost to you. Please discuss details and limits of your EAP benefits with your Employee Assistance Program Representative.

How do fees work? Do you accept insurance?

For your convenience contractual relationships with Medicare, many insurance companies, managed care plans, and EAP providers have been developed. Some clients prefer to pay directly for services rendered. Checks and cash are accepted. Fees and co-payments are expected at the time of each visit.

What about e-mail?

Clinical services are not provided via e-mail. Generally, e-mail is used to schedule appointments or provide other basic information.

Can we talk on the telephone?

Telephone conversations are primarily used for scheduling and arrangements.

Is medication right for me?

Some patients take prescription medications to help with their mood. Primary Care Providers and Psychiatrists can prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are physicians who are specialists in the treatment of mental health care. Primary Care Providers, also known as your “family doctor” or internal medicine physicians, manage a variety of medical health concerns for adults. Prescription medications are not for everyone. We would work together to determine your needs, and sometimes we would work collaboratively with the prescribing physician to provide comprehensive care. A written Release of Information would be obtained to authorize open communication with the physician. Use of prescription medications can be a deeply personal decision.

Is therapy confidential?

Illinois law and the National Association of Social Workers require Social Workers to protect the privacy and safety of their clients. If during the course of communication a client discloses they will hurt themselves or others, causing serious bodily harm, engaging in elder abuse or child abuse, reporting to appropriate authorities is mandated.

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