Profile / United States
Karen Shaughness, LCSW
New York
LCSW - anxiety and addiction focus
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
- Motivational interviewing
About Karen
Karen Shaughness is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 38 years of experience. She focuses on common problems such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship strain, and addiction. Karen also notes work with trauma and grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, and issues around self-esteem and intimacy.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside client-centered and mindfulness approaches. In sessions she helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and patterns, try different responses, and practice new coping skills. She also draws on motivational interviewing when someone needs help making and sustaining change.
Karen has worked in hospital settings and with a broad range of life problems. That background shapes a practical style that emphasizes clear steps and real-life skills. She often addresses mood disorders, panic and social anxiety, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, and substance use concerns.
People seeking help for family or relationship conflict can work through communication problems, codependency patterns, divorce and separation stress, and parenting strain. She also lists first responder issues, compassion fatigue, and workplace difficulties among her areas of focus.
Outside of clinical work Karen spends time outdoors and enjoys kayaking, walking with her dog, gardening, and films. Her approach aims to be straightforward and focused on concrete tools people can use between sessions.
How CBT, client-centered work, and mindfulness translate to online sessions
CBT focuses on identifying specific thoughts and behaviors that keep a problem going and testing small changes. It is useful for anxiety, mood difficulties, sleep problems, and worry about relationships. Client-centered work emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental conversation where the therapist follows the person’s concerns and priorities rather than imposing a fixed agenda. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and support clearer thinking, which can help with stress, compulsions, and emotional overwhelm.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, try different techniques, and adjust the plan based on what is helping. Clients often combine elements of CBT, client-centered listening, and mindfulness skills to address different parts of a problem.
Confirm current session formats before booking so you know what is offered for remote work. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week and reduce travel time. They also allow brief check-ins when a shorter conversation will do, or work well when someone prefers not to use video. Ask about specific options and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire so the format fits your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
38+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she most often help with?
She works with anxiety, stress, depression, addictions, relationship and family issues, trauma and grief, sleep problems, and self-esteem concerns.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to teach practical skills to change them through experiments and practice between sessions.
What is her background and experience?
She is an LCSW with 38 years of clinical experience, including work in hospital settings and with a wide range of mood, anxiety, and addiction concerns.
What credential and location apply to this clinician?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices in New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment structured?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.