Kaari Hobson is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and clinical mental health therapist dedicated to helping clients find healing, growth, and balance in their lives. Since beginning her work in the behavioral health field in 2024, Kaari has supported individuals through life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and a genuine belief in every person’s ability to create positive change.

Kaari earned her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University, where she focused on Clinical Mental Health with a special emphasis on supporting military members, veterans, and their families. Before becoming a therapist, Kaari worked in veterinary medicine—a background that continues to influence her work today. Her love for animals shines through in her practice, where she often incorporates her three therapy dogs—Louie, Bindi, and Lycan—into sessions. Together, they help create a calming, supportive environment that encourages openness and healing. Kaari believes strongly in the power of the human–animal bond particularly with dogs and horses and the lessons it teaches about trust, empathy, resilience, and connection.

Kaari’s approach to therapy is straight forward and direct, however, it is also warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. She tailors each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Above all, Kaari believes that the therapeutic relationship is central to growth and healing. She strives to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they work toward personal empowerment and emotional well-being.

A proud Rockford native, Kaari is passionate about travel, animals, and Mexican food. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her exploring the outdoors with her dogs, horseback riding, road tripping, shopping, attending concerts, or spending quality time with family and friends.

Areas of Focus:
Personal empowerment, trauma recovery, domestic violence survivorship, anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, self-compassion, self-esteem, career planning, and confidence and relationship building.

Populations Served:
Ages 12+, Teens, young adults, adults, women, minorities, college students, veterans, first responders, and families.