Karen Shaughness, LCSW
Licensed LCSW with 38 years experience
- Provides client-centered care
- Uses CBT and mindfulness
- Addiction and trauma experience
About Karen Shaughness
Karen Shaughness is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing on Long Island in New York with 38 years of clinical experience. She has worked across a range of settings, including hospitals, and has supported people coping with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges, addiction, family dynamics, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting concerns, career transitions, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Her approach emphasizes a client-centered philosophy that values warmth, openness, and collaboration, combined with evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to address thinking patterns, emotional regulation, and practical coping skills.
Karen brings a holistic perspective to therapy, integrating motivational interviewing and other strategies when appropriate to help clients move toward their goals. She finds working in a hospital setting rewarding because it exposes her to diverse life experiences and complex needs. Outside of clinical work she values time outdoors and often seeks the calming influence of water - kayaking, gardening, attending concerts and films, and taking long walks or hikes with her Golden Retriever are among her recreational pursuits.
Her practice has focused on helping people navigate major life changes, manage symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, and rebuild relationships and routines after difficult events. She communicates promptly with initial inquiries and typically responds within 24 hours.
Karen brings a holistic perspective to therapy, integrating motivational interviewing and other strategies when appropriate to help clients move toward their goals. She finds working in a hospital setting rewarding because it exposes her to diverse life experiences and complex needs. Outside of clinical work she values time outdoors and often seeks the calming influence of water - kayaking, gardening, attending concerts and films, and taking long walks or hikes with her Golden Retriever are among her recreational pursuits.
Her practice has focused on helping people navigate major life changes, manage symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, and rebuild relationships and routines after difficult events. She communicates promptly with initial inquiries and typically responds within 24 hours.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
CodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFirst responder issuesIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Karen Shaughness have?
Karen Shaughness has 38 years of experience.
Is Karen Shaughness a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is NY LCSW 071776.
In which languages does Karen Shaughness provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Karen Shaughness located?
She is located in New York.
How can I work with Karen Shaughness as my therapist?
You can work with Karen Shaughness through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Karen Shaughness work with international clients?
No. Karen Shaughness does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Karen Shaughness cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Client-centered therapy focuses on building a trusting, empathetic relationship in which the therapist follows the client's lead and supports personal growth and self-understanding. This approach is helpful for people working through relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skill-focused method that helps people identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop new strategies for coping with anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. It emphasizes concrete techniques and measurable progress.
Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and feelings, which can reduce rumination and improve emotional regulation for those facing anxiety, trauma responses, or sleep difficulties.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Karen works collaboratively with clients and other licensed professionals to determine which methods best fit an individual’s needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts strategies over time based on what is most effective for each person.
Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone meetings, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules and varied comfort levels. These options make it easier to access therapy from home, while maintaining continuity of care during life changes or when in-person visits are impractical.