About Me

Hinckley-Big Rock High School - 1973
University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana - 1978
Chicago School of Professional Psychology - 1989
Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and Wisconsin

I was born in 1955 and grew up in Big Rock, IL on a small farm. My father worked for Illinois Bell as a telephone man. He farmed before and after work. My mother stayed home to care for my 5 younger siblings and me. Mom opened a grocery store in Big Rock called “The Little Store” when my siblings and I were older. After my parents retired, they transformed our land into Deer Valley Golf Club, a 9-hole golf course designed by my father, John Flodstrom.

While growing up, I was active in student government and the pom squad. I wrote about 4H and school events for two local newspapers. My hobby was sewing. I loved making clothes for my family and me. In addition, farm chores, helping Mom in the store, and a part-time job as a waitress kept me busy. In the 1970’s I saw Dr. Joyce Brothers on television and knew I wanted to be a psychologist someday.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Family Studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. After graduation I became a kitchen designer for St Charles Kitchens. It was fun designing kitchens for families living on the Gold Coast, Michigan Avenue and the North Shore of Chicago. The life I saw there was very different from the small village of Big Rock where I grew up.

While working as a kitchen designer, I entered the clinical psychology doctoral program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I graduated with honors in 1989. I’ve worked at a battered women’s shelter in the Chicago housing projects, in a community clinic, within the Department of Children and Family Services, at the Solomon Grade School in Chicago, and for Directions in Learning – a therapeutic day school for middle and high school students in Glenview, IL.

In 1987 I joined a private practice, Partners in Psychiatry, based in Glenview, IL. I’ve been on staff at Edward Hospital and Linden Oaks in Naperville and Forest Psychiatric Hospital in Des Plaines. I opened my own private practice in Naperville in 1990.

Along the way I married, became a mother, and divorced. In 1999 I closed my practice and was fortunate to be a stay-at-home Mom. My practice reopened in 2008. Two years later I moved to Thiensville, Wisconsin to live with my college sweetheart. Thiensville is a wonderful village that reminds me of my hometown, Big Rock. When my fiance suddenly died November of 2014, I decided to stay.

My office is located in a charming, yellow Victorian in Thiensville's historic district. The front porch, sunny windows and beautiful woodwork create a relaxing, lovely environment in which to contemplate your life.

People tell me they enjoy meeting here. This old painted lady is private and has a lot of history. The calm atmosphere is the perfect place to step away from your life, take stock, see things from a different perspective and imagine new possibilities as you create the life of your dreams.

FAITH AND ATHEISM

Personal belief is an important part of therapy.  My clients come from many religions and backgrounds.  I support your beliefs while we build health.  Many of my clients are atheists.  Even though I personally rely on my faith in God, I respect and enjoy working with those from all faiths, including atheists. I admire anyone with the integrity to be their true, honest self.

MY PERSONAL APPROACH:

Every therapist develops their own style. I find that, for me, an open and personal style is the most effective way to help people. My style is transparent and approachable.  I believe that people have a right to know the experience and biases I bring to my work.

Many come to therapy feeling ashamed for needing help.  Clients often think they should be able to solve their problems on their own.  I understand. However, as someone who has been in therapy myself, I know that we sometimes need the perspective of a trained professional to clearly understand our issues and create possible solutions. Why would you deprive yourself of what you need to live your best possible life? Often, it’s the strongest and most capable people who seek my services. Therapy is for people with the courage to face their problems and try something new.

My practice is small by design. I accept only a limited number of clients before closing my practice to new clients. Keeping my practice small allows me to provide personalized, thoughtful care. Many of my clients use the telephone and internet for support between sessions. I charge for this time so that I can afford to be available between sessions.

Sometimes, I share personal stories during sessions. My stories let clients know they are not alone and recovery is possible. When therapy is complete, clients often tell me that one of my personal stories was the turning point in our work together. To read my stories, please check out my blog.

Warmly,

Karin