Karen Shaughness , LCSW

Karen Shaughness is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York with 38 years of experience. She uses a client-centered approach to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Karen aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk through what matters most to them.

She commonly addresses relationship concerns, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem struggles. Karen also supports people coping with parenting stress, workplace strain, and changes in life circumstances. Women's issues are included among her focus areas.

Her work draws on cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to help people notice patterns, try small changes, and reduce distress. Motivational interviewing is used when someone needs help finding the drive to change habits like substance use or unhealthy routines.

Karen has long experience with mood disorders, bipolar conditions, panic and social anxiety, and obsessive or compulsive behaviors. She also supports those dealing with compassion fatigue, first responder stress, and the fallout from disasters. Practical skills and steady listening are part of how she approaches these topics.

Outside of clinical work she values time near water, paddling a kayak, gardening, and walking with her Golden Retriever. Her bedside manner is described as warm and open, and she aims to respond to initial messages within about 24 hours.

Approaches that fit online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's goals. It helps people feel heard and shapes sessions around what matters most to them, which can work well over video or phone.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It uses clear, practical exercises people can do between sessions to reduce anxiety, depression, or unhelpful habits.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple ways to notice thoughts and sensations without getting swept away. These practices can help with stress, sleep problems, and managing strong emotions during life changes.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels workable, then suggest one or a mix of methods. That collaboration helps shape session pace and homework so it fits daily life.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is helpful for face-to-face conversation and teaching skills. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and work for people who prefer not to be on camera. Live chat or text messaging can be a shorter check-in or a way to keep progress between sessions. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy schedules.