Karolina Kowal, LPC

So many of us seek therapy because we feel lost, frozen by anxieties, stuck in our past trauma, devastated by loss, or simply because we want to understand ourselves better. My approach to individual work is centered around cultivating a deep understanding of your world-view and experience, without judgement. This approach allows me to have an unconditional positive regard toward those I work with regardless of their belief systems and approach to life. Beyond the support and connection essential to a beneficial therapeutic relationship, I'm here to help you build insight as a means to empowerment. Knowing yourself beyond whom you think you are, beyond the thoughts your brain creates, to become an observer of self and create a wise mind is an empowering path. It can relieve our anxieties, help us effectively cope with the many challenges in life, and inform our decisions from an enlightened perspective. I have a special interest in working with individuals in transitional life stages that often shape how we see ourselves, including emerging adulthood, transitions to parenthood, and late adulthood. I also specialize in grief work with those who have experienced loss in adolescence and young adulthood.

I seek to work with any couple looking to enhance their connection, regardless of the level of distress they are currently experiencing. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), in the process of completing a rigorous certification process. EFT is focused on enhancing emotional connection through a series of therapeutic stages that are informed by the distress patterns in your relationship. My belief in this empirically studied approach to couples work has been validated through my experience working with couples from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds in many stages of their relationship. The work of repairing a connection is complex and often difficult but our desire to be connected, loved, seen, and valued by our partners is universal.

I was trained at Northwestern's Family Institute and completed a 2-year post graduate fellowship prior to joining the Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling. My strong belief in the mind-body connection is present in how I work and inspired a certification in Reiki. Prior to receiving an MA in Counseling, I worked in management consulting.