KK Portrait of Kathleen Kaufman

Kathleen Kaufman, LCSW

Calm, practical guidance for everyday challenges

24 years in practice · based in Illinois · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Kathleen

Kathleen Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 24 years of experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship struggles. Kathleen works with both women and men and aims to meet each person where they are.

She uses straightforward conversation and practical problem-solving. Sessions focus on goals and steps people can take between meetings. Kathleen adapts the pace and focus to what feels most useful for each person.

Book with Kathleen Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Her approach draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships shape current patterns. She also uses client-centered methods to follow the person’s lead and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for managing intense emotions. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are woven in when they fit a person’s goals.

Kathleen has worked across many settings over more than two decades. That background gives her experience with parenting stress, caregiver strain, compassion fatigue, and challenges like ADHD or bipolar mood concerns. She also addresses issues such as abandonment, codependency, and family of origin problems.

She keeps language simple and focuses on practical tools. People can expect direct feedback, collaborative planning, and attention to their daily life demands. Taking the first step can feel hard, and Kathleen acknowledges that while helping people move toward clearer goals.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships influence present patterns and helps people understand recurring trust and closeness struggles. It can be useful for intimacy issues, abandonment concerns, and family of origin problems.

Client-Centered Therapy places the person’s experience at the center of the work. The therapist follows the person’s lead, listens closely, and helps clarify goals so tools and steps match what matters most.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for managing strong emotions and improving distress tolerance. It is often used for anger, impulsivity, emotion regulation, and coping during major life changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with a person to identify goals, try methods that fit, and adjust the plan based on what helps. That collaboration shapes which approaches are emphasized over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility across formats. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat provides quick check-ins, and text-based messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and maintain continuity when schedules change.
Book with Kathleen Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship problems. Other focus areas include parenting issues, grief, anger, self-esteem, and career concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. Sessions aim for clear goals, practical steps, and feedback you can use between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She has 24 years of professional experience working in mental health settings. That experience includes work with caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, and family of origin issues.
What credentials and region apply to her practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Illinois. Her practice is based in Illinois.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she use?
She works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are costs handled for therapy?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and are managed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
24 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

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