Karen Shaughness , LCSW

Karen Shaughness is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York with 38 years of professional experience. She practices from a broad clinical background, offering support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, addictions, family challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, career transitions, and related issues.

Her work is informed by a patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and respect for each person s pace and priorities. She integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness alongside motivational interviewing when appropriate, tailoring interventions to suit individual needs and goals.

Karen brings experience from a hospital setting and a longstanding interest in addressing both acute and long-term concerns, including compassion fatigue, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and obsessive or compulsive symptoms. She values a holistic view of wellbeing and supports clients through life changes, separation or divorce, substance-related struggles, and workplace or first responder stress.

Outside of clinical work she enjoys outdoor activities, especially anything near water, and spends free time kayaking, attending concerts and films, gardening, and taking long walks and hikes with her Golden Retriever.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person s unique perspective and creating a supportive environment where clients lead the pace of change; this approach is helpful for relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, and coping with life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, making it a practical option for anxiety, depression, panic, and many stress-related problems. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance skills that can reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, useful for stress, trauma symptoms, and chronic worries.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time to support meaningful progress.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage in that process - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - so people can choose the format that fits their schedule and comfort level. These options make it easier to access regular support while balancing work, family, and other commitments, and they allow therapists to tailor care in ways that suit each client s everyday life.