Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorder, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Cecilie
Cecilie Cody is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience in mental health. She prefers to help her clients with their primary concerns while learning about past experiences that add to current struggles. She feels very fortunate to have worked with experienced art therapists at the Cook County Jail, learning how to navigate therapeutic relationships with severe power differentials. Cecilie has experience with children, families, and adults, developing group therapy techniques, and implementing art therapy to help people process trauma and stress caused by severe mental illness.
Cecilie earned her master’s in art therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She uses evidence-based practices in cognitive behavioral therapy so the client can gain perspective and reduce their symptoms. She emphasizes the client's strengths and resiliency during sessions and brings a positive attitude to sessions.
The first few sessions are designed to increase personal comfort and familiarity with Cecilie as the client begins to open up. She likes to start the session with a discussion about the main problem, what has worked, what hasn’t, and what strength and resiliency factors can be identified in the face of these obstacles.
"Over the last 20 years, my experiences with adults, children, teens, and families have taught me about the fragile nature of human beings and their impressive resiliency in times of crisis."
Get to know Cecilie
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work best with clients who attend their appointments and express their personal preferences during the session.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with clients who are interested in making improvements in their lives.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
That they have all the answers, they just might not know it yet.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I like the structure as well as the freedom allowed on this platform and with this company.
What inspires you?
Sharing laughter, having a good session with a client who notices things are getting better.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
The client explains some of their issues, concerns, and events leading up to the decision to make the appointment. The extent and limits of confidentiality are explained, and possible treatment goals and schedules are discussed. We don't get too deep into personal history unless it helps explain the current issue.
We review informed consent, confidentiality, and no show/late policies. We also design the schedule for further sessions, according to client’s comfort level and availability.
We talk about what has worked, what hasn’t, and identify strength and resiliency factors in the face of these obstacles.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Getting to know unique aspects of the client's life and helping them feel hopeful about the future regardless of what is going on.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
Being nervous is completely okay and normal. I view it as my job to help the client relax and be comfortable so they can relax and talk about what is happening in their lives without feeling judged. I'd prefer to a client cancel late rather than not show for their appointments. I am very understanding about life getting in the way and usually able to work around a scheduling issue.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
Being nervous is completely okay and normal. I view it as my job to help the client relax and be comfortable so they can relax and talk about what is happening in their lives without feeling judged. I'd prefer to a client cancel late rather than not show for their appointments. I am very understanding about life getting in the way and usually able to work around a scheduling issue.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I like to swim, hiking, reading, spending time with my dogs and family.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I am a bit of an introvert as I get older, but my relationships are very important to me. I love learning and traveling.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 20 years
- Graduating institute
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Additional details
Practice information
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