Hi, I'm Karem Muksed. I help couples and individuals shift patterns that feel impossible to break so they can focus their energy on what matters most.
When anxiety, distress, or overwhelming emotions take over, it's easy to feel trapped in cycles of self-doubt and disconnection. I work with you navigating relational struggles, addiction, overwhelming emotions, and self-sabotaging patterns that hold you back from the life and relationships you 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 Clinical 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 I help
꩜ Therapy for high-conflict couple
꩜ Individual Therapy
꩜ Culturally Sensitive Therapy
꩜ Mindfulness-Based Therapy
꩜ Relationship Therapy for Individuals
꩜ Therapy for Chronic Distress
꩜ Therapy for Life Transitions
꩜ Therapy for Addictive Behaviors
꩜ Therapy for First-Generation Immigrants
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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Process Based Therapy
Personalized, evidence-based approach targeting key processes to promote lasting change and personal growth
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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
Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, yet we can pass our years trapped in the same old patterns...We may want to love other people without holding back, to feel authentic, to breathe in the beauty around us, to dance and sing. Yet each day we listen to inner voices that keep our life small.― Tara Brach
About Karem
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I specialize in working with first-generation immigrants, high-conflict couples, individuals interested in understanding and improving their relationships, and those experiencing chronic distress who want to live well.
My areas of expertise:
Couples in high-conflict relationships
First-generation experiences and family expectations
Couples therapy for multicultural relationships
Relationship-focused therapy for individuals
Therapy for individuals experiencing chronic distress
I’m here to support you in showing up fully and living in alignment with your values across all areas of life.
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My approach to therapy is practical and compassionate. I aim to be genuine, collaborative, and nonjudgmental.
Here are three key areas that guide my work:
Clarity of vision: Together, we identify your values, goals, and what truly matters to you.
Understanding what keeps you stuck: We explore the patterns that may be holding you back.
Creating meaningful change: We use targeted interventions and strategies to help you move toward living well.
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As an Iraqi-American who grew up in Chicago speaking Arabic and Spanish and having lived across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, I bring a deeply multicultural lens to my work.
As a first-generation individual, I’ve experienced many of the same challenges my clients face, including:
Being the oldest child in an immigrant family and serving as the family translator
Balancing different cultural values and expectations
Navigating the pressure to succeed while staying connected to one’s roots
Grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and self-expression
These experiences have shaped how I understand culture, family dynamics, and the complexity of identity. They also fuel my passion for helping others understand their experience and find authenticity in their own journeys.
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University of Chicago-Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
Master of Art’s - Clinical Social Work
Illinois Licensed Clinical 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: $135
Couple: $135
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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.