Adolescents

Junior High, High School & College can be a really challenging time for kids.

You are searching for answers. Your child is starting to change. You’re worried. It’s so hard to watch them struggle. You’ve done all you can and you’re ready to add more people to your child’s support system.

You just want to make sure they have a safe person to talk to and help give them tools to make good choices for their life today, and for their future.

We get it. That’s why we’re here!

The benefits your adolescent will see from doing therapy at Inspire:

  • Your teen will learn about their feelings
  • Your teen will have strategies for dealing with unpleasant feelings
  • Your teen will understand what “triggers” some of their feelings and have different tools for those situations
  • Your teen will learn how to calm themselves in arguments
  • Your teen will learn how to advocate for themselves, with confidence and kindness
  • Your teen will learn healthy and positive relationships with friends, siblings, parents
  • Your teen will start to feel control of their impulses and behavior
  • Your teen will be able to be more present and focused
  • Your teen will learn healthy ways to communicate their feelings
  • Your child will start to feel more confident
  • Your child will feel happier
  • Your child’s relationships with you & your family will improve

Our therapists work closely with parents, families, Social Workers, psychiatrists, or whoever is in each child’s life to ensure therapy is most effective.

Inspire also offers support for everyone in the family (parenting, families, couples, etc.) to provide the best outcome for each child and their family system.

We love seeing our clients gain confidence, manage the obstacles they’re facing and begin to live their best life — even during the challenges of adolescents.

What does the adolescent counseling process look like?

The counseling process is designed to help empower you as a parent and support your teen to live their best life. Together, with your support at home and the therapist’s support in sessions, your child will learn tools to help them thrive at home, with friends, and in school.

The first session will be approximately 60 minutes. Ideally, one or both parents/caregivers attend the first session with your child. Prior to this appointment, you will have the opportunity to talk with the therapist to voice your concerns and address what you’d like to see improved with your child.

In the first session, the therapist will introduce themselves, explain the counseling process and then ask you, the parent, a couple of questions. First, why is your child amazing? Second, what do you hope to see for your child as a result of counseling? These questions are designed to create a positive experience for your child. If you have negative feelings or concerns, you will have the opportunity to discuss those on the phone with the therapist prior to the session. We find counseling is more effective if kids feel good about themselves and focus on the positive results of the therapy process. This lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Then the parent is asked to have a seat in the waiting room, while the therapist continues with the child. If the child or parent is not comfortable with that, the parent is welcome to stay the entire session.

The therapist will go through new client questions with your child to get to know them, their history, and their present situation. The second session is our unique formula for goal-setting. In this session, your child will connect the desires of your goals with their heart and deeper desires in life.

The remainder of the sessions will then be primarily just your child and their therapist. They will work on skills and tools to address challenges and live their best life.

As the parent/caregiver, you can talk with your child’s therapist to learn ways you can be supporting your child at home. You will also have the opportunity to attend sessions with your child or attend sessions individually with the therapist to focus on parenting support.

In order to see lasting results, a commitment of at least 8 weekly sessions is best. We are flexible and can work with different situations. However, to make an impact, it is important to recognize that change of any kind, requires attention and time. After your child’s 8 sessions, you can work with your therapist to determine the next steps (reducing therapy to biweekly/monthly or terminating).

How much does therapy cost?

Counseling is a fee-for-service program. Inspire accepts insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We are in-network with BCBS PPO, Humana, Aetna, and United Behavior Healthcare. We recommend at least an 8-week commitment to begin seeing lasting results.

All billing policies and information can be found by clicking this link to our Rates & Insurances page.

Why Inspire Counseling Center is the right place for your adolescent’s therapy

At Inspire, we don’t just focus on clinical symptoms–we focus on results. If there is something holding your teen back (anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship troubles, etc.), we have clinical tools to help. BUT, we don’t stop there. We want to INSPIRE your child to live their best life. Our goal is that every client leaves a better person.

Why? We believe your child is a gift to this world. We believe that inspiring one person to live their greatest life, will inspire another person. We believe the world will change with love, connection, and inspiration. One person at a time. Your role in this process is vital. When you get support for yourself or your family, you are doing your part in this community and world to spark change.

Our adolescent therapists know the North Shore, know trends, Instagram, Snapchat, the school systems, but are also able to provide a safe and supportive environment with tools for them to work through life’s challenges–today and for their future adult life.

Your teen will learn tools to use for the rest of their lives. The lessons they learn today will carry into future relationships, workplaces, and in their adult life.

We will work closely with you, caregivers, family members, Social Workers, pediatricians, psychiatrists, etc. to ensure a unified and effective plan for your child.

Counseling is an investment in your child’s future. Give them tools they can carry through school and into their adult life.

Take the Next Step. Support Your Teen in Living Their Best Life.

To schedule an appointment call (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email [email protected].

How do I choose my Therapist?2024-01-24T17:27:07-06:00

You are welcome to search therapists by speciality type, location, service or insurance accepted by clicking here. 

We’re here to hold your hand! Choosing a therapist is a very personal experience. Scrolling through bios is helpful, but there’s a lot you can’t tell just by reading on the internet. Our Therapist Matchmakers are here to find the right fit with the right professional for your unique situation and personality style.

To talk to a LIVE human (and part of our Inspire intake team!) just call us at (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email [email protected]

We can’t wait to help you find the right match and get you started!! It’s our favorite part.

What will the first session be like?2023-10-25T02:13:43-05:00

The first session lasts approximately 60 minutes. You’ll have paperwork to complete virtually before your session. The therapist will spend time introducing themselves and getting to know you, your story and your dreams. At the end, you’ll have the option to schedule your next session based upon your availability and goals. There is no pressure to book another session. We’re here for you to come and go as you need.
FOR MINORS UNDER 18: If the session is for a child 12 years or younger, the first session is just with the therapist and parent (s) or guardian. If the client is 12-18, we ask that a parent (or guardian) attend the first session for the first 10-15 minutes. The parent will be able to meet the therapist and help make the child feel comfortable.
PLEASE NOTE: Please share any concerns about your child with the therapist or Intake Team prior to the session— not in front of your child in the session. This is to protect your child and foster a positive start to therapy!

What will all the other sessions be like?2023-10-25T02:14:39-05:00

The second session is our unique formula for goal setting. In this session, your therapist will help you connect and understand what your heart really wants in this life. The remainder of the sessions will then be working on skills to tackle any obstacles in the way of you living your best life. In order to see lasting results, a commitment to at least 8 weekly sessions is recommended. However, we are flexible and can work with you to accommodate your schedule and goals.

FOR MINORS UNDER 18: Parents will not be required to attend the sessions but must be available for the last 10 minutes of the session in case the therapist would like to touch base with you or for any scheduling changes.

How much does therapy cost?2023-10-25T02:16:18-05:00

Counseling is a fee-for-service program. Inspire accepts insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We are in-network with BCBS PPO, Humana, Aetna, and UnitedBehaviorHealthcare. All billing policies and information can be found by clicking this link to our Rates & Insurances page.

 

 

 

 

Take the Next Step

Request an Appointment

Allow me to introduce you to Tim Mauery, MHP, Northwestern clinical intern. Tim has a beautiful and challenging story that led him to counseling at Inspire. 

If you looking for someone who really "gets it", Tim brings clinical tools, but also personal ones in life, marriage and parenting, He knows how firsthand lost and discouraged it can feel when your kids or family are struggling.

Tim is a devoted husband and father of 3 daughters (and two female dogs!), who has lived in the Chicagoland area for more than 25 years.  Prior to becoming a therapist and getting his second Master's Degree, Tim was studied human behavior through advertising and consumer insights. 

Tim was compelled to become a therapist  after seeing the life-changing results of counseling for his own family. 

In 2016, his youngest daughter, who was an elite athlete, experienced a traumatic brain injury at the age of thirteen. Mental challenges accompanied her physical injury.

Though the next 8 years, they explored a variety of treatments to lessen his daughter's physical and emotional pain. 

They navigated residential programs, therapeutic boarding schools, inpatient psychiatric units, wilderness programs, substance abuse programming, executive functioning training, transitional and sober living programming, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

Individual and family counseling were a cornerstone for their recovery. Through counseling, his family not only survived--but became stronger and closer. 

That is the sole reason he changed his professional path and dedicated his next chapter in his career to helping others through life’s challenges.

While Tim and his family endured challenges they never have imagined possible. He knows it is possible to heal and grow through even the darkest times. 

He has a unique perspective (as the only male in his entire household!), and loves supporting men, parents, couples and families to navigate finding their new normal. 

To schedule an appointment with Tim, call (or text) 847-919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com
Had a blast speaking today at @northwesternu course for the Principles of Entrepreneurship! 💜💜

Such bright, engaged students with awesome questions!! 

I vulnerabily sharing the mistakes, lessons and bumps in the road that led Inspire to where it is today. 

It’s an honor to be able to serve the community and share some of the invaluable lessons I’ve learned on this journey. 

Some of my top lessons:
- the road to where you want to go is a windy path. It may seem like you’re going in the wrong direction, but if you keep moving and growing you’ll get there.
- make friends with mistakes, they teach you more than anything else
- always look to add value and make other people look good and feel happy 
- who you surround yourself with matters, choose kind and positive people 
- what you do today matters, every choice you make moves you toward your goals or away (even if you can’t see it at first) 
- look to delight & surprise people with excellent work 
- act as if everyone sees everything 
- if you want to be noticed, act in the best interest of your group or organization, not yourself 
- get support from people you admire, guides, mentors, coaches, therapists - have someone in your corner to encourage you, help you navigate challenges and give honest feedback
Why do so many boys and men suffer in silence? 🤔

Research shows over 6 million men suffer from depression every year. However, only 16% of men in the U.S. received mental health treatment or counseling in 2022.

💪One of the hurdles males face is the fear of judgements (their own or other's) about counseling. They don't want to be a burden, feel embarrassed, don't want to appear weak. 

💪The other challenge is that males often show symptoms differently for depression. 

Typically, people associate the feeling of sadness with depression. However, according to Mayo Clinic, for many males, sadness is NOT the main symptom.  Headaches, digestive problems, tiredness, irritability or long-term pain sometimes can be symptoms of depression. So can feeling isolated and seeking distraction so that you don't have to deal with feelings or relationships.

Other depressive symptoms for Males may look like:

➡️Physical symptoms (headaches, digestive problems, and pain)
➡️Escapist behavior (spending a lot of time at work or sports)
➡️ Irritability, Anger or aggressiveness 
➡️Alcohol and/or drugs
➡️Risky behavior (reckless driving)
➡️Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
➡️Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
➡️Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

At Inspire, we are proud to be serving a GROWING number of males (of all ages!). 

This week we'll be highlighting some of our own male therapists who are proudly helping support other males in the community.
Halloween seems like an innocent, fun holiday--but it can bring up social anxiety, hurt feelings and panic as kids choose their costumes, trick-o-treating groups and plans.

Every year our phones ring with upset and concerned parents. But, the halloween hurt feelings is not talked about enough. We are here to help if Halloween is more *tricky* than a treat this year.

So, why does Halloween bring up so much turmoil?

One of the trickiest parts of Halloween is the fact that you can dress up or go trick-o-treating by yourself, with one friend, 20 friends or more. There is no minimum, no limit, no tickets, no assigned seating, no teachers or helpers–it’s mostly a kid run event. If you’re left out, there is no real logistical reason. 

If you think your child might be getting left out:

🧡Check in with yourself. Ask yourself how are YOU feeling? Knowing your own feelings helps regulate your brain to think more clearly.
🧡DON'T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS WITH YOUR KIDS FEELINGS. As parents, we're often more upset than our kids about situations--especially if you are friends with your kid’s friend’s parents. It is important to remember your feelings are not the same as your child’s feelings. 

If your child is, in fact, feeling sad, scared or left out, you can:

🧡Listen and validate their feelings. Naming feelings calms the brain and makes feelings less intense.
🧡Share a memory when you felt similarly. This normalizes and creates connection–which is what your kids need most in these situations. 
🧡RESIST SOLVING THEIR PROBLEMS. Ask your kid, “What do you think we should do?” While it’s tempting to text another parent, or make a plan to get your kid involved--it’s more empowering for your child to feel part of the solution in their challenges. If they see you fix the problem, that actually keeps them feeling helpless, relying on you to navigate challenges for them.

We know it's not always simple. We know every circumstance is unique and complicated. 

If you’d like a customized a strategy or plan to help, we're here. There's nothing that makes us happier than helping families thrive through challenges.
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