Kristen Jacobsen, LCPC
Therapist & Owner
As seen on
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:
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 also been an adjunct professor in the Psychology department at National Louis University for 6 years.
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. After living in downtown Chicago for 15 years, I now reside in the northwest suburbs with my husband and two children.
My clinical focus is on anxiety, perfectionism, and childhood trauma.
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), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Polyvagal mapping. 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.