Kristen Kasperek , LCPC, LPC

Kristen Kasperek is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and a National Certified Counselor, bringing eight years of direct experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in both individual and group settings. She previously served as a Psycho Social Rehabilitation Therapist and earned certifications in OCD and PTSD, developing a strong background supporting people with chronic mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.

Kristen also works extensively with clients facing challenges related to self-esteem, self-worth, strained relationships, and grief. She supports undergraduate and graduate students through tools such as the MBTI and the Strong Interest Inventory to help clarify academic and career directions, and she provides practical career services including job search guidance, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and negotiation coaching.

Her counseling approach is intentionally relaxed and non-threatening while maintaining professional structure. Kristen focuses on helping clients take that often-difficult first step and then builds individualized strategies designed to produce meaningful progress and a more fulfilling life. She holds a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling with a focus on mental illness and career counseling, and an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. Kristen welcomes the chance to work with people seeking direction, greater inner calm, or help moving past obstacles.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based approach Kristen uses to help people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT often focuses on specific patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and difficulties with sleep or eating, teaching tools clients can use between sessions.

Kristen also integrates career-focused counseling to support clients exploring education and work decisions. This work can include guided self-assessment, use of inventories such as the MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory, and hands-on support with resumes, interview preparation, and career planning to help align day-to-day work with personal values and strengths.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kristen collaborates with each person to determine what methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts strategies over time so therapy stays relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into a busy schedule or maintain continuity when travel or other commitments arise. Working remotely can increase access to licensed professionals and allow therapy to be integrated more easily into daily life.