Kari Holman

Mental Health Expertise

Let’s start with my areas of expertise. As a mental health therapist, I work with a wide variety of challenges. Some common mental health issues I work with include anxiety and depression, self-harm or self-injury, a family of severe mental illness, bipolar disorder, and even folks in the aviation industry. My two personal passions, though, are my fellows in the LGBTQIA+ community and trauma/PTSD. I am a clinical certified trauma professional and incorporate EMDR when appropriate.

Why I Became a Therapist

My therapist's “origin story” is a little unconventional. Honestly, it started the day my own therapist looked at me and said “Have you ever thought about being a therapist?” Given I have a distinct memory of telling my cousin years prior “I could never be a therapist” I take this as a lesson in the unpredictability of life and a reminder to “never say never.”

My Philosophy on Therapy

Having moved from the therapy couch to the therapist chair I definitely have my own philosophy of therapy based on my experiences as a client. Chiefly, I take the mysticism out of therapy. I am no wizard or guru. Nor am I all that different from my clients. I am trained and experienced, that’s all. I share with my clients the neuroscience that explains why their brains are acting in this way and the psychological science behind why we are doing the therapeutic interventions that we are.  You are the expert on your own mental health

I firmly believe each client is an expert on her, him, or themselves. Therefore, we will get the best results working as an equal and collaborative team. I am convinced if my clients knew what I know they would be able to overcome their challenges. That is exactly why they are in therapy in Illinois! To learn what I know. 

Although I am person-centered and strengths-based at my heart, I will take from my chest of knowledge and training and incorporate the evidenced-based approach that best fits each client and her, or their challenges. My job is to help each client become the most fully actualized version of themselves possible and to keep educating myself so that I can bring more and more to the table for them.

I’m a laid back therapist who is truly interested in my clients

Clients tend to like my laidback attitude. While I don’t take myself too seriously the same does not apply to my clients. If a client is putting their trust in me the very least I can do is listen and give them my all.

I find the story each of my clients tells fascinating, and I feel honored when a person chooses me to help them write the next chapters in it. And while you are likely not the first person to bring X issue to my door the way you experience it and how your respond to it is uniquely you. I find great joy in helping my clients become the truest, most actualized versions of themselves. More joy than I actually thought possible in a job.

My Professional Training in Mental Health & Latinx Mental Health Focus

Finally, I did my professional training as a therapist at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in Latinx mental health. I am by no means an expert on Latinx-American mental health. My biggest takeaway from the concentration was in learning how to think outside of my own cultural box and to seek out the cultural considerations of each of my clients even when we appear similar on the surface.

I love being a therapist in Northbrook, Illinois

While this is not where I thought I was going to wind up, I love my job as a therapist. The biggest challenges are the biggest reward, and I want to help you with yours. If you need support through therapy in Illinois, I am here to help. I offer therapy all over the state including areas like Winnetka, Wilmette, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, Chicago, West Loop, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park. I hope to join you on this mental wellness journey!

 E-mail me with any questions: kari@obsidiancounseling.com