Therapy Services
Therapy offers a structured, supportive space to slow down, untangle what you’ve been carrying, and begin reconnecting with yourself in a deeper and more sustainable way.
We will work together to understand patterns, process difficult past experiences, and develop practical tools that support emotional regulation, resilience, and lasting change.
You don’t have to
do it the way
you’ve always done it.
Potential Outcomes of Therapy
While every individual’s journey is unique, clients often experience:
• increased emotional clarity and self-understanding
• improved stress tolerance and nervous system regulation
• stronger boundaries and healthier relationships
• reduced burnout and overwhelm
• greater confidence in decision-making
• reconnection with personal values and identity
The goal is not perfection — it is sustainable well-being.
What the process looks like.
1. Consultation
We begin with a brief consultation to determine whether therapy is the right fit for your needs and goals.
2. Initial Assessment
During our first session we explore your history, current challenges, and what you would like to shift or improve.
3. Ongoing Sessions
Sessions focus on both insight and practical change. Together we will work on:
• understanding patterns and emotional triggers
• nervous system regulation and stress management
• boundary setting and relationship dynamics
• self-compassion and identity beyond caregiving roles
• sustainable coping strategies
Therapy is collaborative and paced according to your needs.
My work integrates several evidence-based approaches including:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Nervous system regulation strategies
• Trauma-informed care
I believe healing happens when insight, compassion, and practical tools come together.
Experience & Credentials
Christine Bayer, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Illinois)
I have several years of experience supporting individuals navigating stress, caregiving roles, burnout, and life transitions.
My clinical background includes work within the Veterans Health Administration where I have supported caregivers and families coping with complex medical and emotional challenges.
In addition to clinical training, I bring a lived understanding of nervous system dysregulation, burnout, and the process of rebuilding balance and resilience.
Fees & Insurance
Private Pay
Individual Therapy Session (50 minutes): $175
Private pay offers increased privacy, flexibility in treatment planning, and avoids diagnostic labels being shared with insurance companies.
Insurance Accepted
I currently accept a limited number of insurance plans including:
Aetna
Carelon Behavioral Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Cigna
More to come upon completing the credentialing process
Insurance availability may change. Please inquire to verify coverage.
Important Note: Therapy vs Coaching
Both therapy and coaching can support meaningful personal growth, but they serve different purposes and operate under different guidelines.
Understanding the distinction helps ensure you receive the type of support that best fits your needs.
Therapy
Therapy is a clinical mental health service provided by a licensed professional.
Therapy focuses on understanding and treating emotional or psychological concerns that may be impacting your wellbeing, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day.
Therapy may involve:
• exploration of past experiences and how they influence current patterns
• treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns
• nervous system regulation and emotional processing
• clinical assessment and diagnosis when appropriate
• treatment planning and documentation as required by licensing boards and insurance providers
Therapy can be reimbursable through insurance when services meet medical necessity criteria. Since I am licensed in Illinois, clients must be physically located in Illinois at the time of the session to receive therapy services.
Coaching
Coaching is a non-clinical service focused on personal development, growth, and forward movement. It is generally faster paced than therapy.
Coaching is designed for individuals who are generally functioning well but want guidance, structure, and support as they work toward specific goals or life changes.
Coaching may focus on:
• personal clarity and decision-making
• life transitions and identity shifts
• boundaries, burnout recovery, and lifestyle change
• accountability and goal implementation
• building sustainable habits and nervous system awareness
Coaching does not involve diagnosis, treatment of mental health disorders, or insurance billing.
How to Know Which One Is Right for You
If you are seeking support for mental health symptoms, emotional distress, or unresolved experiences that continue to impact your life, therapy is likely the most appropriate starting point.
If you are primarily seeking guidance, accountability, and structured support while creating change in your life, coaching may be a better fit.
If you're unsure, that’s completely normal. During the consultation process we can determine together which option would best support you.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering therapy and would like to explore whether we might be a good fit, you’re invited to schedule a consultation.