Kristen Jacobsen, LCPC - Therapist & Owner

My clients seek out therapy when they:

• Are constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, and second guessing

• Always say yes because they fear disappointing others

• Never feel satisfied with their work

• Feel like they don’t measure up

• Have feelings of intense fatigue and guilt

• Worry about past or future decisions

• Experience self-criticism and doubt

• Hold themselves to a higher standard than they hold others

• Chase goals because of a fear of failure more than a desire to succeed

• Experience black-and-white (all-or-nothing) thinking

• Have a never ending “to do” list

• Constantly overschedule themselves

• Have difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Can come off as cold/logic-driven/stoic/unemotional to others

• Feel anxious about the judgment of others

• Believe that if they (mentally) beat themselves up, then they’ll do better

• Have intermittent feelings of acute sadness

I help by:

• Offering validation and compassion without judgment

• Identifying and questioning what you value in life and what you are deserving of

• Assisting in deconstructing thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve you

• Identifying why you are getting stuck and how you can move forward

• Creating a safe space in which you can explore some deep seated emotions that are creating distress (no more bottling them up!)

• Assisting you in remaining focused on the present instead of living in the past or future

• Enabling you to understand your emotions more authentically and be more accepting of them

• Teaching you tools to manage your anxiety and communicate more effectively

• Educating you about healthy boundaries and how to effectively establish these in your relationships

Regain control of your life, your mind, and your relationships

I became a therapist because I never want anyone to feel like they’re alone in this world or continually misunderstood.  I have personally struggled with Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, therefore I know how impactful it can be.  I understand life can be overstimulating sometimes and what it's like to feel paralyzed and confused about how to tackle these challenges.

It can be easy to fall into negative patterns in which we imagine all of the worst case scenarios and feel as though we have to have a contingency plan for each.  I want you to understand that your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and the beliefs you’ve developed growing up can be counterproductive in adulthood. I try to apply humor to some of the idiosyncrasies of life, and my clients often find themselves laughing during sessions.

If you’re ready to feel more content with life, learn ways to manage your anxiety, feel a sense of relief, and have healthier relationships, I would feel privileged to work with you to accomplish these goals. 

More about me and my approach:

I grew up in Philadelphia and lived in Australia and Nashville before moving to Chicago in 2004.  I am the oldest child, with 3 younger brothers.  I received a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Educational Studies from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. I started Cathartic Space Counseling in 2013 and have been expanding my practice ever since. I am also an adjunct professor in the Psychology department at National Louis University in downtown Chicago and Wheeling.

When I’m not seeing clients or teaching, I can be found doing pilates or riding my Peloton, watching/reading psychological thrillers, taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback to various dog parks, searching for the best New York style pizza Chicago has to offer (still have yet to find it!), or spending quality time with my friends & family.  I recently moved to the northwest suburbs with my husband and two children.

My clinical focus is on anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and relationships.  I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults and have had the privilege of interacting with clients and families who have presented with a wide range of clinical issues and unique needs. In addition, I have experience providing individual, family, and group therapy in both outpatient (office) and inpatient (hospital) settings.  

My approach is eclectic, and I tailor my therapeutic techniques according to each individual client's needs.  For those requiring a more directive approach, I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). These are especially useful for clients struggling with anxiety and/or depression.  For those who are comfortable with a non-directive approach, I utilize more Client-Centered techniques.  I also incorporate Mindfulness practices into my sessions as a method of managing symptoms and staying grounded in the present.

I have been featured on CBS News, The Chicago Tribune, Psych Central, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Empire Broadcast Radio, Chicago Parent Magazine, National Broadcast Radio, and the Best of Deerfield Awards.  All of these can be viewed on the "In The Media" page.