"Therapy is often challenging and a process where honesty and vulnerability is important. So choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential."
- Dr. Jennifer Panning
I believe that psychotherapy helps individuals in the often challenging process of change and growth. Many times potential clients, especially those who are new to therapy, want to know what therapy with me might be like. Here are some of my fundamental beliefs about therapy, my role as the therapist and the therapeutic process.
I believe in the power of being heard by an objective, compassionate listener. Many people have asked me how a session with a therapist is different than having a conversation with a family member or friend. The difference is that I have no bias, no agenda and no pointed advice based on what I think you “should” do. My goal is to empower you to build awareness and make choices based on your values.
I do not believe that therapy has to be a painful process. I enjoy infusing my work with warmth and humor.
I believe that awareness can lead to change. However, sometimes it takes making behavioral changes to build confidence, increase motivation and then lead to changes.
I believe that acknowledging your reality — your beliefs and feelings — to yourself and to others can be very powerful. Many times seeing the complexity of a situation or dynamics of a relationship can be very empowering.
I think that therapy clients are very courageous individuals for acknowledging that they want something to be different or better in their lives, and for admitting that they need some help in these pursuits. I often learn from my clients and feel inspired by seeing the hard work they are making towards growth. I do not believe that individuals have to be in long-term therapy to make progress. I love having clients who work hard, achieve the goals they had coming into therapy, then ideally learn how to become their own therapist and go out into the world.
I tend to be an active participant in the therapeutic process by making reflections, discussing underlying themes or patterns, and asking powerful questions. I believe in following an individual’s energy or lead. I respect that an individual knows him or herself best. What I bring to the therapy relationship is training in human behavior and development, an ability to listen not only for what is being said but what may be underneath, and a willingness to engage in a relationship with the potential for healing and understanding.
I believe (and the research supports this) that a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for success. Therapy is often challenging and a process where honesty and vulnerability is important. So choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential. Sometimes it is apparent from the beginning that a therapist and client “click”. There is a level of comfort, of feeling that the therapist “gets” you or if she doesn’t is trying to understand you better.
Since therapy is a relationship ideally based on trust and comfort level, it sometimes takes several sessions to feel that things are ‘moving’ in therapy. Changes are hard to make, but I think that they are much easier to make in the context of a supportive relationship than alone. I tell clients that I too wish that I could wave the ‘therapy wand’ and make their problems disappear, but the reality is that change, growth and healing take time.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship but that ultimately the client is responsible for doing the work, both in and out of session. I recognize that even weekly therapy is only one hour out of the many hours a week that a client lives in the world, and thus believe that the greatest progress in therapy is made when a client practices insights achieved in therapy or homework that we decide may be beneficial to progress. I will hold my clients accountable in making choices that work for them and understanding that they have the ability to create the lives they want.
Therapy is challenging work, but important, healing, interesting and ultimately, freeing work. I find that clients who are motivated to make real changes and be open to learning about themselves typically get the most out of therapy.
I believe in respecting a client’s individual differences which may include spiritual/religious beliefs, and issues related to culture, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation.
Although I do diagnose psychological disorders for insurance purposes as well as clarity for an ongoing issue, I don’t believe that individuals must or should be diagnosed in therapy.
Finally, if you have read the above and feel that we may be a good fit to work together to meet your goals, please call me so we can talk
further.
FOR YOUR CONSULTATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
Call 847.864.0600
or click here to email.
Jennifer C. Panning,
Psy.D., P.C.
636 Church Street, Suite 510
Evanston 60201
847.864.0600
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