Kristen Laakso

I believe therapy is an active, collaborative process. I work with clients to uncover what’s getting in the way of the life they want and to find ways forward—whether that means addressing unhelpful patterns, building healthier relationships, developing new coping strategies, or deepening self-understanding. I draw from a primarily psychodynamic approach, helping clients explore the underlying roots of their struggles so they can create lasting change. I am particularly interested in working with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and issues of self-worth. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a language teacher, magazine editor, and museum guide in Paris, where I met my husband and where our two daughters were born. I hold a BA and MA in French Literature from the University of Southern California, studied art and architecture at Christie’s Education, and am currently earning my Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago. Having lived in both Europe and the U.S., I bring a multicultural perspective to my work and tailor each session to the individual.