CATHARTIC SPACE COUNSELING

Helping anxious perfectionists break free from people pleasing, self-sacrifice, and overthinking

Chicago-based, but conveniently online. Just as effective, but way more practical.

You have a simmering undercurrent of anxiety, and your entire life feels like a list of obligations.

You feel weighed down, overwhelmed, and stressed.

You’re pathologically helpful and a self-proclaimed people pleaser, so you find yourself gritting your teeth to make it through the day……but you paste a smile on your face and fake it.

From the outside you’re successful, high-achieving, respected, and known for going above and beyond, but internally, you know your truth.

You’re overly self-critical, procrastinate often, script conversations in your head, and worry about everyone else’s expectations of you.

What if you could feel confident saying no to things that don’t serve you? What if you could learn how to put yourself first without feeling selfish? What if you could live a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling life?

Let me help you get clarity on what you’re feeling, why, and how to fix it. We all have “blind spots” that hold us back in some way, and it takes an outside perspective to help identify these.

Even if you think…

you’ll let others down
you’re not as smart or capable as your colleagues
you need to have a clear plan
mediocrity is unacceptable
you have to maintain this facade in order to be successful

I will show you how to shift your thoughts and behavior in ways that will pave a clear path to joy and confidence. There is no greater investment in life than discovering your full potential, and that comes through insight and self-awareness.

If you’re feeling conflicted when it comes to making change happen, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.

Schedule free consultation

Green leaf on the side of a white background.

Your life is busy enough as it is, that’s why I’ve chosen an exclusively virtual practice. I am licensed to see clients residing in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Meet your anxiety therapist

Kristen.

Hi, I’m

I’m so glad you’re here. I specialize in treating people with anxiety because that has been my lived experience. Therefore, I am both a personal and clinical expert in this area. With over 13 years of experience helping individuals with anxiety and perfectionism, I’m confident you have the ability to become the very best version of yourself.

Learn more about working with me

As seen on

How can therapy help?

High-Functioning Anxiety

Are you constantly overthinking and getting stuck in the “what ifs” of life? Do you have difficulty controlling your worry and find yourself expecting the worst case scenario?
I will help you find relief and increase your confidence in your ability to handle challenging situations. I will assist you in embracing the unknown and adapting to change. You will feel more at peace and content with your life.

See how I can help
Perfectionism

Do you find yourself ruminating about mistakes and obsessing about what you could have done better? Do you have a hard time celebrating your accomplishments and feel like an imposter at times? Do you fear being judged by others?
I will help you achieve a growth mindset and redefine what failure means. You will acquire more acceptance of yourself, increase your ability to recognize positive qualities, and set more realistic expectations.

See how I can help
Relationship Counseling for Individuals

Are you afraid of getting hurt again? Is it hard to be vulnerable with others and communicate how you’re feeling? Do you have a hard time saying “no” or asserting your needs?
I will help you gain confidence in your ability to have a healthy relationship. You will improve your communication skills, become better able to get your needs met, and learn how to set boundaries. You will ultimately experience more connectedness in your life.

See how I can help

"It is difficult to put into words how much you have helped me. When I desperately reached out to you, I was working 18 hours a day, barely sleeping, putting up zero boundaries at work, and struggling to understand myself and my relationships; I couldn’t have imagined the person I have grown to be today. I am so much more confident trusting myself, understanding my values, putting up boundaries, and being comfortable with work/life balance."
“This process has been transformative”
“Kristen has such a warm, patient presence. I have literally felt anxiety melt within me as she gave space and nonjudgmental understanding for what I shared.”

You’re worth investing in!