Karen Block

MA, AMFT
she/her

In my work as a therapist, I most often ask my clients, “how is this serving you and what does it cost you?” I believe we have patterns of behavior that are developed early in life and carried out over time. We internalize societal or familial narratives and believe them to be our own truths. But what if we challenged those beliefs? What if you and I were able to identify the origin of the narrative and then assess if it served you and your relationships in the present, or if it costs you too much? 

With my clients, I create a safe and inviting space for you to work through life’s challenges individually, as a couple, or as a family. My worldview and therapeutic approach are systemic, meaning that no single event or feeling exists on its own. This outlook also informs the different ways in which I incorporate various storytelling tools into my sessions. We might reference music, movies, or use art in order to tap into your narratives in different ways. And if we’re talking about your feelings, you can be almost certain that I will bring up “Inside Out,” no matter your age.

I will challenge you with compassion, humor, and a dash of thoughtful directness. I know that clients enter therapy with a variety of expectations, therefore I will always work toward making the environment as welcoming as possible for individuals, those in intimate partnerships, and families. I will meet you with warmth, curiosity, and a caring personality, and I welcome you to come as you are!

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University in Chicago, IL. I am a part of the therapist network “Gesher Campus Care.” Gesher, meaning “bridge” in Hebrew, is an organization of therapists who are trained to understand the complexities of Jewish identity, experience, and history. The network was created to connect Jewish college students across the country with culturally sensitive therapists as antisemitism continues to rise. I am proud to be a part of this network while serving clients of all religious backgrounds. 

Outside of my work, I am most often spending time with my husband and daughter. I enjoy sunsets, crafting, an eclectic mix of music, reading fiction, and trying to keep up with the latest TV shows (though mostly watching past seasons of reality TV), which have all gotten increasingly more difficult to do since becoming a mom.