Meerae Zastoupil, LMFT

Couples Therapy

What is couples or relationship counseling?

One of my true passions is working with people in relationships. My focus in relationship counseling is on improving communication and problem-solving skills, understanding relationship patterns, increasing empathy and emotional engagement towards one another, which, in turn, improves the sense of connection between partners.

This work can feel more focused and results-oriented than individual therapy may seem at times. 

When and why do we need relationship counseling?

According to research conducted by John Gottman, most couples wait, on average, six years before seeking counseling for relationship problems. This means that the relationship is in a high level of distress when they finally get to counseling, and it can take a lot of work to make the repairs that are necessary to save and improve the relationship. My wish for couples is that more of them will begin to turn to couples therapy as a preventative measure — a way to learn to take care of their investment in one another and learn skills and tools to help keep their relationship joyful and strong.

How do we begin?

We will meet for the first session together with all of us in the room for a comprehensive 50 minute assessment. I may also request to meet individually with each partner. To summarize, getting started entails a thorough assessment, as a team and individually. After this assessment, we will mostly meet all together as we move forward.

Will our relationship make it?

Most couples come to me seeking hope, healing, and repair of a relationship that has experienced some damage and distress. We can work on healing your relationship and learning better ways for you to connect and feel heard and valued. But some people seek couples counseling because they need help disengaging from a relationship with kindness and care. They want to separate in a way that allows them to to be good to one another. This is something I can also help with. Some clinicians feel that all relationships must be saved. I recognize that sometimes relationships need to end or transition into a friendship or something else.

What brings people to relationship counseling?

Some of the relationship issues I have worked with have included communication problems, sexual issues, recovering from affairs and infidelity, and co-parenting issues. When working with relationships, I sometimes give exercises to practice at home between sessions.

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What is your training in relationship and couples counseling?

In terms of my training and philosophy about working with couples, my strongest influences are Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy and John Gottman’s Relationship Institute work. I have also completed a 32 hour Clinical Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, taught by Sue Johnson. 

Individual Therapy

In my therapy sessions, we’ll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. I’m confident you’ll find my personalized Individual Therapy beneficial and inspirational. Get in touch to book an appointment.

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What is Individual Psychotherapy/Counseling?

Individual psychotherapy consists of a client working one-on-one with their therapist/psychologist in a confidential, safe, and comfortable environment. The duration of therapy varies among each individual, some may attend individual therapy for several sessions while others prefer long term therapy over months or years.The purpose of individual therapy is to help an individual explore their beliefs, values, feelings, behaviors, memories, etc., with an idea of reaching a goal and gaining an understanding of oneself. That goal can be something specific such as, “I want to learn how to cope with my anxiety,” or something broader, “I just need a place to discuss my problems openly.”

What to expect with Individual Psychotherapy:

Once you decide which professional you feel would be a good fit you will contact their office to schedule your first appointment. This professional may ask you some questions over the phone to make sure that their office will meet your needs. They may ask if you will be using health insurance or paying out of pocket, what would be a convenient day and/or time for you to come in for a consultation, questions about demographics (age, reasoning for coming in, etc.). These questions help the professional determine if their office is conducive to help you meet your needs.

After contacting me you will set up a consultation at my office to meet and discuss what to expect with your therapy experience. We will discuss your reasoning for seeking therapy and come up with a collaborative treatment plan to help meet your goals and needs. This plan can be written and specific, or can be discussed verbally. This is an open discussion to ask any questions or curiosities you may have about what to expect with this experience.

You will leave your consultation knowing what to expect while working with me, such as how often you will be coming in, what goal you will be working to meet, your therapist’s contact information, etc.

Family Therapy

What is Family Counseling?

Family counseling is a form of psychotherapy in which a family go to counseling to resolve conflict and/or improve communication within the unit. The counseling can be short term or long term depending on the goals of the family.

What to Expect with Family Counseling:

I may want to meet with each member of the family separately to get a perspective of what goals need to be met for each individual which will help the family’s goals long term. I will then meet with the entire family unit in therapy sessions. You will have a conversation with the therapist that will help determine how often the family or couple should come in for sessions as well as a collaborative conversation to help determine what goals need to be met.

Online Therapy

I offer individual therapy services online as I know that transportation, childcare, and other stressors can prevent individuals from being able to participate in treatment.

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In the United States, therapists must be licensed in the states where their clients are located. I am currently licensed to practice in the state of Illinois and Ohio.

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If you’re new to this concept of online therapy, you may hesitate to consider it as an effective option for your counseling needs. You may have questions about confidentiality, effectiveness, and the possibility of gaining a real, trusting connection with your therapist. I can tell you that recent research shows online therapy being just as safe and effective as in-person therapy. Yes I believe research is important, but I also think it really comes down to personal preference. While some people simply prefer to see their therapist face-to-face, others may choose the convenience of secure virtual therapy sessions. So it is a matter of choice, convenience, and your comfort level that is truly the deciding factor...

I invite you to give it a try and see if online therapy could be the way for you!

Below are some answers to common questions:

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

You will simply need a smartphone, tablet, or a computer connected to the internet and a private place to talk. It works best when you are connected to a WiFI or directly to the internet router to have the best experience. Using the data on your phone may cause slower connection or more interruptions in the live video stream.

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WHAT PROGRAM DO YOU USE TO SEE CLIENTS?

I use secure HIPAA compliant website called Ring Central for all video sessions. It is simple to use and does not require any downloads from you. 

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WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO CONNECT?

When you schedule an appointment, I will send you initial paperwork to complete and submit online along with the link that will take you to my virtual waiting room. I encourage you to test it out few minutes before the appointment to see if everything (video/microphone) is working on your end. I will get notified when you have signed in and join you at the scheduled time.

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IS ONLINE THERAPY FOR ME?

I’d like to mention here that online therapy may not be suitable for everyone depending on their mental health needs at the time of the initial contact/assessment. You and I will discuss and decide together if virtual sessions are the best way to support you and help you improve the quality of your life.

Still unsure about seeing your therapist through an online medium? Let’s talk!

Benefit from my professional experience and wide range of psychological services.