I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I encourage a therapeutic relationship based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Additionally, I encourage clients to utilize their strengths as tools to address their needs, life challenges, and enable progressions. Some common themes clients and I have worked through are depression, anxiety, communication skills, addiction, loss, grief, relationship issues, divorce, LGBTQ struggles and domestic violence.
I approach therapy with an eclectic perspective by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. While also incorporating my professional and academic background in trauma, addiction, crisis intervention, domestic violence, divorce mediation, and community mental health during the session. I strive to meet you where you are and collaboratively develop a treatment plan to address your needs.
Taking the first steps toward change takes courage, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Systemic Therapy
IL LCSW 149.012167
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen OBrien. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Wonderful and thoughtful therapist.
Written on Jun 05, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 9 months on issues concerning addictions, and family conflicts
Have been working with Karen for over 2 years and truly appreciate our connection. I’m not an easy person to connect with so definitely admire her qualification on many fronts and ability to recommend methods of copying with difficult personal situations.
Written on Jan 20, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 years and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching
Karen is the best!
Written on Oct 04, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I don't know how I was coping before therapy, best decision I have ever made
Written on Aug 11, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Karen is a kind compassionate therapist for me. I look forward to our sessions and she’s really good at connecting and reading my mental state. I love how warm her energy is and she has a natural smile to her face that helps me feel at ease and open to going deep. I’m so thankful for this platform and this incredible person I’ve been lucky to be paired with.
Written on Jun 09, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Karen is very kind and patient. She gives her full attention and makes you feel heard.
Written on May 17, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and relationship issues