Contact Options

Client Portal(847) 438-4222 x 121Contact Form

Personal Statement

We are all on a personal journey. Life can feel difficult and overwhelming at times. I am passionate about helping you where you are at within the context of a safe therapeutic environment. Have you had feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or depression? Or are you feeling stuck, wondering about life and where you fit in? Maybe you’re struggling in a relationship or marriage? I understand these struggles and want to help.

Who I Serve

I see adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I am a Couples and Marriage specialist; I am highly trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I have completed many years of clinical training in EFT and have helped many couples regain closeness and improve their communication. EFT is clinically proven to help couples who have become alienated by negative interaction cycles. I am an active member of the Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (CCEFT) and the International chapter (ICEEFT). I am also an active member of NW Lake County EFT Therapist Peer Group. I also have extra training working with adolescents. In my previous training as a school social worker, I enjoyed counseling teens and leading groups. I also worked with adolescents for many years at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, which provided me the opportunity to address a broad range of mental health issues.

Specialty Treatment Areas

  • Couples conflict
  • Anxiety/OCD
  • Depression
  • High functioning Autism

Additional Treatment Areas

  • Repairing relationship after emotional and physical affairs
  • Interpersonal relationship issues
  • Men's relationship issues
  • Social Anxiety
  • Emotional regulation

Theoretical Approach

I am highly trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is scientifically proven to help couples recover from distress and become happier in their relationship. I also have extra training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness techniques, Hope and Brief Therapies and keep up to date on current research methods. My treatment approach varies depending on the needs of my clients. I am committed to building rapport and trust with each client, meeting them where they are at emotionally, and setting goals based on their needs. My goal is to create an environment where clients feel safe and supported during the therapy process.

Insurance Networks

  • Private pay
  • Aetna
  • BCBS PPO
  • Cigna (Evernorth)
  • Medicare
  • Optum/UBH
  • TriCare

Education/Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois
  • Master of School Social Work from Aurora University
  • B.A. in Psychology at Trinity International University, Deerfield IL
  • Ethics Certificate: National Institute of Health (NIH)
  • Mandated Reporter Training: Department of Children and Family Services

Affiliations/Memberships

  • National Association of Social Work (NASW)
  • International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
  • Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (CCEFT)
  • Adjunct Professor in Psychology at Trinity International University

Client Testimonial

"I am a colleague and friend of Karen's and have completed several trainings in Emotionally Focused Therapy with her. Karen is an excellent therapist who is specially trained for couple's work in Emotionally focused Therapy. She has great experience working with individuals and couples struggling in relationships as well as many other issues. You can trust her to be thoughtful and caring about your treatment. I highly recommend her as a kind, compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable therapist!"

- Kate Kroening

"Karen Robbins is a very caring and loving person by nature. She has an educated and tender way of listening to others. If you need special assistance at this time in your life, I highly recommend Karen and her care at Cherry Hill for your counseling service needs."

- Laura Swindon

"Karen Robbins is a very knowledgeable compassionate person."

- Donna Bornemann