Karen Davidson, MSW, LSW

Children, Adolescents, College, Young Adults, Adults, Parents

Sports Anxiety, Behavioral Challenges, ADHD, Parent Coaching, Play Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Relationship Challenges.

Hello! As a North Shore native, growing up in Winnetka, attending New Trier playing softball and hockey, I understand the rewards and unique challenges adolescents face today in this community. I was also a D1 athlete, playing softball at Valparaiso University where I also got my bachelors in Social Work.

I have a passion and love for helping kids with behavioral challenges, after working in Special Education in a self-contained program. I developed a love for working with, not only the children, but their entire family system. When a kid is struggling, it impacts the whole family. I quickly realized my passion to do more for children who have challenges with behaviors and are in need of additional support.

As a kid who had challenges in school myself, I see the power of overcoming those hurdles and how it can open the doors to your entire future. I want nothing more than to see my clients take their challenges and learn to turn them into their superpower.

Sports Anxiety

As a D1 Collegiate Athlete, I understand firsthand the pressures athletes face. Fear of failure, anxiety, trouble focusing, overthinking, trouble sleeping, injuries, worrying about play time, and most of all trouble performing in intense moments of pressure – all very real challenges while trying to do what we love most.

Learning how to succeed in sports is a powerful way to learn how to succeed in life. Overcoming losses, learning to push yourself through seemingly impossible situations, being a team player, enduring through slumps, managing stress in high-pressure situations, learning how to win, receiving coaching – all skills that develop character and absolutely help in life.

I’ve seen firsthand the power of simple breathing techniques, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools to help athletes not only thrive in their performance, but be able to actually enjoy their time playing.

Don’t just take my word for it, top athletes everywhere are seeing the importance of their mind for their performance. Most recently, University of Michigan’s star QB, JJ McCarthy (TikTok video!), openly talks about how meditation is one of the key secrets to his success, and overcoming depression.

When you learn to harness your mind, everything else falls into place. When you’re working hard to play the sport you love, you should be able to do just that — love the game.

I’m still a big sports fan, watching the Yankees and NFL any chance I can. I’m also a Mad Dog Spin instructor and powerlifter.

I believe being an athlete doesn’t just apply to sports. It’s a way of life.

Experienced Child & Adolescent therapist

With a masters concentration of infant and early childhood mental health, the last several years I honed my skills at Josselyn Center, helping children and adolescents and their parents struggling with a wide variety of challenges, specializing in trauma informed work.

I’ve seen the power of play for kids and adolescents in sessions and how transformative a light-hearted, playful approach can be to help them open up, learn and thrive. I absolutely love it!

I am trained in Person-Centered Therapy and specialize in TFCBT, play therapy, DBT, and CBT. I utilize a collaborative approach to treatment based on the individual’s goals, values, and strengths using a trauma informed lens as well as meeting where you are at in treatment.

My goal and style is to provide a safe and non-judgmental healing space where we work together as a team to strengthen your talents, and implement healthy coping skills. I am excited to help you in your journey!

Parent Support

When your child is struggling, it impacts everyone in the family. No one more than you as the parent. While I work with kids and adolescents, I’ve seen how important it is to partner with parents, and create a 360 degree plan. When the therapist and parents partner together, kids thrive with the consistency in their sessions and at home.

I love empowering parents to feel clear, calm and part of the process in their child’s plan. I can meet separately with parents or offer support in family sessions, based on the needs and availability. Ultimately, parents make the biggest impact in their child’s life, and I’m here to help make that a rewarding experience for the whole family.

For Fun…

You will find me powerlifting and running with my Golden Retriever named, Jeter! As you can tell by my dog’s name, I am big sports fan and enjoying watching the Yankees and the NFL any chance I have. I also love traveling and hanging out with friends exploring the newest restaurants around town.

And, while my name is Karen, I have to tell you, I’m anything BUT a “Karen” ….you’ll see!

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]