About Therapy
Therapy is a lot like going to the gym.
If you don’t leave a little sore, you’re probably not putting enough into it.
You see, therapy is hard work and pushes you to challenge yourself. There’s a reason the things that bring you to therapy haven’t been addressed to this point.
Exploring, often painful, experiences can be emotional; and the work involved can be tiring. You may discover that some of the things that trigger your concerns are woven into your life. To find relief, a new perspective may be necessary. Learning and focused practice of new skills makes success more likely and your ability to handle challenges more consistent.
Most of us are comfortable in our comfort zone; and stretching ourselves, stepping out of our normal, is a lot like a workout. It’s clumsy and awkward at first. Then, eventually, you “get it,” and the progress takes off.
And just like at the gym, if you’re doing it right – if you’re putting in the work with commitment and consistency – you will end up stronger.
A compassionate, understanding, and nonjudgmental approach to healing…
With genuine kindness, we’ll challenge your patterns and beliefs to help you break the cycles you’re stuck in. If it’s the cycle of an abusive and dependent relationship or the self-destructive behaviors that derail opportunities, together, we help you recognize the realities and make positive change.
Using worksheets, you can explore the people, places, things, and times that trigger problematic responses from you and work to identify and break the patterns.
With technical guidance from us, YOU will determine your goals and how you will get there. For us to decide the where and how is less successful.
Our objectives and pathway may not match your vision for your life or your capabilities. This approach also allows you to take ownership in the process and immediately invest in your change and growth. A clarified idea of what you want to work toward clears the clutter and a pathway often emerges.
We will build your strengths and develop new skills together to achieve your goals.
We often find that it’s not a lack of wanting to change – it’s a lack of the know-how. Our immediate response is not always the healthiest, and learning to recognize the “launch” is key to intervening in the progression. Awareness followed by any of the various techniques develops the toolkit of healthier strategies.
We are real people who have real life experiences that allow us to empathize with our clients. To be truly compassionate, it requires the ability to imagine what someone else is feeling, drawing from our own experiences, and feeling a little of what they are. This can’t be learned and comes natural to us.
With obvious intent, we look for ways to understand our clients’ situations, which allows us to connect with them, be objective, and help without judging their decisions or struggles.
A standard session lasts 45-50 minutes and is generally structured, advancing clients toward their goals efficiently and with consideration for their abilities.
Significant time and energy are spent exploring the clients concerns and utilizing techniques to offer new and more constructive perspectives. Common among our approaches are theories to change the way clients think, behave, and react to their experiences.
We also work with our clients to increase their awareness of the things that upset them and the patterns that lead to the upset or result from it. Efforts are focused on enhancing the connection clients have with themselves, their families and the world as a whole.
We are the trail guides, helping you choose the best path to arrive at a place you picked.
Individuals, couples, and families feel comfortable here.
We’ll work together in a well-appointed, accessible, and welcoming office with a personal touch.
At your appointment time, you are greeted by one of our providers and offered water, tea, and coffee, as well as magazines and books for readers of all ages.
The offices have oversized, comfortable sofas, loveseats, and chairs and soft lighting. The wall art is themed around the growth and strength found in nature.
The building is designed with privacy in mind, while the setting, across from the park, is beautiful and relaxing.
Our goal is to graduate you out of therapy.
Not because we don’t care about you… but because we do.
Sometimes that happens fast; other times it takes longer. The duration depends on the type of concerns that brought you in – and the amount, frequency, and quality of work you’re willing to do.
People experiencing more significant troubles tend to have more to work on which takes longer. Additionally, life is continually happening and providing more challenges to our energy.
The initial stage of therapy is focused on the development of the relationship between you and the therapist. The connection created is vital to the trust that is required for meaningful exploration and guidance. Once the relationship is solid, the exploration of your concerns and your sense of their impact informs your therapist.
Next, the exchange and growth can begin which leads us to the setting of goals for your therapy. Along the way you may find yourself learning more about your feelings and concerns, completing “homework” to prompt awareness and skills building, and practicing strategies for change and intervention.
Early impressions of therapy vary. Some clients say they start feeling better right away, because they feel like they’re finally doing something about their problems. Other clients report feeling a little worn out, because they’re dealing with the things they’re unhappy with in their life. Long-term, clients are more positive about their ability to cope with things and feel less vulnerable and fragile regarding their past.
We realize how significant it is to seek help.
You wouldn’t be here and looking at our site if you weren’t feeling dissatisfied with something in your life.
Looking for help takes courage, and you should be commended for making it this far. Don’t quit now! Trust your gut and the path that brought you here. We want what’s best for you and remember…
We’ll be respectful of your time, privacy, and the expense associated with therapy.
Call us today for a free consultation. (630) 358-9821
About “Dr. Mike” (Michael Tavolacci, Ph.D.)
My approach to counseling…
Taking every situation and pulling the positive growth opportunities from them is preferred. What people experience, good or bad, shapes and molds them. They can make challenging situations into opportunities for positive growth… ultimately using the adversity to steer them toward their goals.
I consider myself a flexible therapist, so I don’t “force you into my approach.” Rather, I adjust to meet you where you are emotionally. I’m accepting and supportive while being gently directive and structured.
Clients often say they like the fair and firm way their thoughts and actions are challenged during sessions.
A little more about me…
I’ve worked hard to earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science, three master’s degrees in Human Development, Management, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development.
However, my most valuable degree is the informal one I earned as a student of life, hard times, and survival… by being a human being like you. I have experienced profound loss and the confusion and grief that follow. Like most, I have struggled with life’s challenges, and I’ve persisted… finding my direction and a positive path to my goals.
As a child from a divorced family and a long-time police officer, I’ve seen more than my share of adversity, inhumanity, and emotional injury. I know what it’s like to have these experiences disrupt my life, impact my relationships, and shape my attitudes. I also know what it’s like to fight, scratch, and claw my way back.
The combination of formal training and life education I’ve received make me uniquely able to help you.
About “Dr. T” (Nahrain D. Tavolacci, Psy.D.)
My approach to counseling…
When people hold back on their thoughts and feelings, the damage can be significant. As a therapist, it’s vital to be open and clear, both celebrating the successes and speaking hard truths. Clients trust their therapist to be open and honest, challenging their misperceptions with respect and a genuine intent to guide them with their best interest in mind.
I approach sessions from the standpoint of a trusted friend who is not afraid to tell it as it is—a friend who happens to have a wide variety of clinical skills and techniques. I draw from a variety of approaches that fit the circumstances and dispositions of my clients. I have experienced success using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I’m honored when I’m often told by clients that they’re comfortable talking to me about anything without feeling judged or ashamed.
A little more about me…
Struggle and emotional pain are relative to each person’s experience. Like so many others, I’ve been through ups and downs and also had my own unique challenges. I know how I felt in those times and empathize with the pain others feel.
I chose to become a clinical psychologist, because it allows me to support my clients when they’re hurting. People don’t seek out a therapist because everything is great. People need a therapist when they feel as though they can’t handle things on their own. Being in service to others is the most fulfilling profession I can imagine.
I am privileged to help, and I’m honored to have been given the chance to make a difference.