Hi, I'm Karem Muksed, a therapist helping individuals and couples break free from chronic distress, suicidal ideation, destructive patterns, and disconnection
When anxiety, chronic distress, or overwhelming emotions take over, it's easy to feel trapped in cycles of self-doubt and disconnection. I work with individuals and couples navigating relational struggles, overwhelming emotions, and self-sabotaging patterns that hold them back from the life and relationships they want. Whether it's chronic anxiety, impulsive behaviors, or conflict that feels impossible to resolve, I take a grounded, process-based approach to help you break destructive cycles and rebuild a life rooted in courage, connection, and what matters most
√ Empirically supported & Evidence-Based Treatments
√ In-person and virtual sessions available
√ A variety of insurances accepted
√ Fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic
Have questions? Karem is a Licensed Social Worker at The Chicago Therapy Group. You can call or message Karem directly at (708) 847-3886 or at karem.muksed@chicagotherapy.com.
How the Therapy Process Works
1. Initial Contact and Consultation
You can reach out via email, or phone to schedule an initial consultation. This is a brief conversation to understand your needs and determine if we are the right fit.
2. Scheduling Your First Appointment
After the consultation, you can book your first therapy session. Options for in-person or virtual sessions are available.
3. Assessment and Goal Setting
During the first few sessions, Karem will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your concerns, history, and goals. Together, we will identify areas of focus and create a personalized treatment plan.
4. Engaging in Therapy
You will then begin regular therapy sessions, using empirically supported approaches tailored to your needs. These sessions will help you work through challenges, break unhelpful patterns, and develop coping strategies.
5. Progress and Ongoing Support
Throughout the process, Karem will continuously monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide ongoing support. Clients will have the opportunity to reflect on improvements and work toward long-term goals.
Treatment Approaches
A variety of empirically supported therapies are used to address your unique needs. These approaches are designed to help you overcome challenges, break free from harmful patterns, and cultivate lasting change.
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Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy is a hands-on approach where we navigate challenges together, like learning to drive with me supporting from the passenger seat.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Focuses on building psychological flexibility, a key component for mental wellbeing and strength.
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Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
IBCT is an empirically supported treatment for couples in distress. It is effective in reducing distress and strengthening relationship.
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps individuals build a fulfilling life by accepting their experiences and making meaningful, positive changes for growth.
Pricing
Individual Sessions (out of pocket)
$160
You're seeking therapy to address personal challenges like stress, anxiety, or trauma, and you're looking for a space where you can feel supported and understood.
Insurance accepted:
Aetna
BlueCross and BlueShield
Cigna and Evernorth
Sliding scale: You may qualify for reduced rates based on eligibility.
Payment methods: Discover, Mastercard
Couple Sessions (out of pocket)
$160
You're seeking couples therapy to address challenges in your relationship, whether it's communication issues, conflict resolution, or rebuilding trust.
Insurance accepted:
Aetna
BlueCross and BlueShield
Cigna and Evernorth
Sliding scale: You may qualify for reduced rates based on eligibility.
Payment methods: Discover, Mastercard
About Karem
As a young adult, I often took refuge in stories. I would walk for miles — sometimes under the heavy heat of summer, sometimes during lunch breaks — just to reach the library. Other times, I would sit with an uncle, listening to him share stories over tea and games of dominoes. In those moments, I found something that stretched my perspective and offered new meaning.
As a therapist — and mostly as a human — I know how easy it is to get lost in our own stories, tangled in the parts that hurt, and forget that we are not alone. My work is rooted in helping people find their way back to themselves, especially when the path forward feels heavy or uncertain.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating chronic anxiety, relational struggles, impulsive behaviors, and body-focused habits. Many of the people I work with find themselves caught in destructive patterns — cycles of self-doubt, disconnection, or emotional overwhelm — often feeling "not enough" and longing for deeper connection with themselves and the people they care about.
My approach is values-based, acceptance-based, and practical. I focus on helping you build resilience, emotional courage, and habits that support real, lasting change. I believe healing doesn’t require perfection — it begins with small, meaningful shifts that realign us with the life and relationships we want to build. This belief inspired me to create a small ebook offering practical tools for shifting ineffective relationship habits — because even small changes can open the door to profound transformation.
If you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by old patterns, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I would be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward a life — and relationships — anchored in values, meaning, and deeper connection.
Karem’s Speciality
Complex Trauma
Grief & Loss
Depression and Anxiety
Chronic Distress
Relationship Issues
Boundaries and Limits
Motivation, Values, and Commitments
Life Transitions & Burnout
Mindfulness and Meditative Practices
Education, Licensure, & Awards
University of Chicago-Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
Master of Art’s - Clinical Social Work
Illinois Licensed Social Worker
University of Chicago- Obama Scholar
Future Leaders Foundation- Fellow
The Family Institute at Northwestern University - Mindfulness and Behavior Therapies Program Fellow (2023-2024)
FAQS
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The first session typically serves as an intake session, where the focus is on gathering a detailed history, exploring the presenting problem, and discussing the treatment goals.
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The answer depends on what you would like to address and what you would like to be able to do by the end of treatment.
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Therapy can be quite challenging, and it’s common for things to feel worse before they get better, especially at the beginning. Generally, therapy is effective when you begin to relate to yourself differently, which in turn affects how you relate to others.
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Individual: $160
Coupe: $160
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Yes, I currently accept BCBS PPO, Cigna, and Aetna
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The answer depends on your goals and what you hope to achieve. Typically, once the initial goals are met, we can transition to biweekly sessions.