Karissa Low (she/they)
Student Intern Therapist

Hello! My name is Karissa (she/they), and I am a second-year graduate student pursuing a master’s in clinical social work at the University of Chicago. I am currently training to be a psychotherapist who practices contextual behavior therapies.  

Like many persons whose jobs are centered on serving people in need, I was drawn to psychotherapy after being a client myself. After rigorous dedication to my own healing, I wanted to give back; when I felt hopeless and lost, a clinical social worker went from a perfect stranger to my biggest advocate, walking alongside me in my journey to create a life worth living. Today, I hope to return the time, energy, and compassion extended to me to others. I believe therapy is centered on relationships and am committed to showing up for you, no matter the circumstances or level of suffering you may be experiencing. 

 

In the past I have worked with survivors of sexual assault, offering crisis services like hotline support and counseling. I have also worked with chronically homeless individuals living with severe mental illnesses here in Chicago at a women’s shelter, facilitating psycho-education groups and assisting with residential responsibilities.

 

I work with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults in individual and couples therapy. In therapy sessions, I utilize contextual behavioral therapies such as acceptance commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. 

 

 I am originally from San Diego, California, and have been living in Chicago for a little over a year. I love animals (my favorite animal is elephants) and walk or dog-sit on the side when I can. I love being outdoors, and am thankful to live near the lake (I miss the ocean dearly). I also enjoy reading, writing, cooking food with my partner, watching movies, listening to music, and caring for my plants.