

	Karen O'Brien, MSW, LCSW, Divorce Mediation Educationation Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the co-founder of Touchstone Counseling Services. She received her Bachelor's and Master's, in Social Work, from George Williams College at Aurora University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and she is a member of The Phi Alpha Honor Society and The National Social Work Honor Society. During her undergraduate work, she was also awarded the George Williams BSW Award. This honor is given to a graduating student who demonstrated outstanding excellence in the areas of academics and field work experience. Experience Karen's commitment to the field of Social Work and the clients she serves is also demonstrated in her diverse background. She has experience working in the areas of community mental health, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and community organizing. In addition to providing counseling, Karen has also developed and facilitated grant programs for: The Yellow Ribbon Program, The Illinois Violence and Protection Authority, The Retirement Research Grant, The Wheat Ridge Grant and The Robert Wood Johnson Grant. Part of her grant work consisted of giving lectures and trainings to numerous schools, churches, and other community institutions. Karen is dedicated to utilizing her skills in the community. She is passionate about volunteer work and she has assisted in the areas of domestic violence, the homeless and youth ministry. She was also apart of a steering committee in DuPage County, which assisted in researching and dispersing a two million dollar grant, for depression, into various community institutions. Karen is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, The Aurora and West Town Community Resource Teams and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. Karen serves a variety of ages and provides counseling to adolescents, adults, couples and families. She is committed and passionate about empowering individuals in their growth process, helping them to acquire an understanding of daily mental health needs, and enhancing skills that will aid them reach their full potential. Karen provides strength based, holistic and practical services in the areas of: stress, grief and loss, life transitions, depression, anxiety, anger management, crisis intervention, relationship issues and low self esteem.