The building sits on the southwest corner of Lakewood and Berwyn Ave, just a few blocks west of Edgewater's Berwyn station on the Red Line El train. There is ample street parking and no meters or residential restrictions.
The entrance is marked "Pastoral Counseling" on the far south door of the building facing Lakewood Ave. A door bell is provided for times when that door is locked. Please ring the bell on your first visit and I will meet you at the door and show you to my office.
Below are some questions frequently asked by clients. Please feel free to call me directly at (773) 450-3395 if you have further questions or to set up an appointment. You may also contact me through email at: davehowser@caravancounseling.com
Who is Caravan Counseling?
That is the name of my private practice. It comes from the following metaphor: As we journey in life, there are times that we travel independently and alone. Sometimes we become fatigued or need assistance and look for helpers, mentors, collaborators or those who comprise a supportive community of like-minded people. We may join their "caravan" for a time to replenish our resources as our paths converge before continuing on our individual path.
What types of counseling is offered?
Depending on one’s goals and needs, the following modalities are offered: family, couples (married and partnered), individual and child therapy. Periodically, a group may be offered to focus on a particular issue. Examples include: Depression and Self Esteem Support Group, Men's Therapy Group, or a Grief and Bereavement Group.
Are there different styles of counseling…what is best for me?
There are a variety of reasons that one seeks counseling. A clear understanding of those issues helps the therapist and client, together, to choose from several different therapeutic approaches. Some therapeutic styles may be directive or behavioral and others might be more process oriented or reflective. An integrative style is one in which the therapist takes into consideration which approach will match with certain personalities or be more effective with certain goals during the counseling process. These factors are also considered when choosing the modality of therapy- individual, couples or family therapy. Pastoral Counseling is also offered (see below).
What is pastoral counseling?
Life events as well as one’s family and cultural background contribute toward the formation of ethical and moral value systems which are in process throughout one’s entire life. Pastoral Counseling is a type of counseling that identifies the faith resources that an individual has formed and employs them as an additional focus for reflection. Examining these factors in depth can help provide insight for growth and direction. Pastoral Counseling is open to those of all faith traditions and is focused on the spiritual path as identified by the individual. Pastoral Counseling is not imposed on anyone, but is an additional approach for those requesting it.
What if I don’t believe in God? What if my faith is different than the therapist’s?
Belief in God or a particular faith system is not required for therapy. For those who are uncomfortable with Pastoral Counseling, psychotherapy is also available. Pastoral Counseling helps to identify one’s values and ethics when faced with a difficult dilemma and may not be tied to a particular faith. It does not impose a belief system on the individual. It uses the faith system identified by the client and works within that system.
What is the cost?
It is my goal to provide affordable therapy services to those who want them. For that reason, fees are set at a reasonable rate and every effort is made to only raise rates as needed. A sliding fee scale is available on a limited basis to clients demonstrating financial need. Payment is expected at each session. Twenty-four hours notice (one full business day) is required when canceling or rescheduling appointments. Clients are responsible for session fees when adequate notice is not provided.
Can I use my insurance? What insurance do you accept?
I am a contracted PPO provider with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, Cigna, and United Behavioral Healthcare. Please contact your benefits provider to confirm your eligibility and/or precertification before your intake appointment. I have listed my credentials on the introduction page. If you do not have one of the above listed insurance companies and your health insurance allows for out-of-network providers, contact them to confirm those requirements.
When using insurance, please provide the following information about your policy at the intake session and inform me if a monthly billing statement is required for you to submit. You are responsible for payment at each session.
your member number
pre-authorization number, if required
copay or coinsurance amount
deductible amount, if applicable
When are appointments?
Sessions are only available by appointment. There are a variety of times in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings available for appointments during the week. Usually evening appointments are reserved for those who have job schedules which may conflict with daytime appointments. There are limited appointments for therapy on Saturdays; weekends are typically reserved for leading workshops and retreats.
How long does therapy last?
A typical session is scheduled weekly and lasts 50 minutes. The length of time that one is in therapy depends on the issues presented and the pace of progress. Some choose to work on a specific issue and then end when that issue feels resolved. Others use therapy as a continuous or periodic resource and may see a therapist for years with breaks from time to time. Let your therapist know what works best for you and your situation. I would hope that you would gift yourself the time to work with your therapist for as long you need it. It is helpful to know at the beginning if insurance or other factors restrict the number of sessions available.
What is the affiliation/relationship with North Shore Baptist Church?
North Shore Baptist Church has held a long-standing commitment to hosting counseling services for its members and the wider community. The counseling services and other programs that I offer are my private practice and are independently offered as a resource to NSBC and the larger community. In other words, we work together for certain programs, but the counseling is separate and independent of the church.
