Karen Lakritz , LCSW

Karen Lakritz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. The LCSW credential indicates specialized training and licensure in clinical social work, qualifying her to provide assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns.

She has supported people dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and substance use linked to loneliness. Her practice also includes work with individuals coping with severe bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, bringing long-term clinical experience to complex presentations.

Karen has a mild stutter and some dyslexia, and she understands the practical and emotional challenges faced by non-neurotypical individuals. That lived experience informs her empathy and approach to communication and adaptation in therapy.

For much of the past nine years she has spent large portions of the year living in Canada and is familiar with the health and housing systems there, which can be useful for clients navigating cross-border issues.

Her therapy style is warm and supportive. She emphasizes treatment delivered with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, balanced with clear expectations and accountability to help clients make tangible progress.

Her clinical approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, and rational-emotive methods, and she collaborates with each person to identify what best meets their needs and goals. She notes that real change takes work and commitment and is ready to help those seeking support.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward a meaningful life. It is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and coping with ongoing or chronic challenges.

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and emotional regulation. It is particularly useful for intimacy-related concerns, attachment difficulties, and relationship problems.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental support to strengthen self-awareness and self-esteem. This approach can help people feel understood and build confidence in making changes.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Karen collaborates with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging can make it easier to access licensed professionals from different locations. These options offer flexibility for scheduling, reduce time spent traveling, and allow therapists to tailor interventions to the communication style and practical needs of each person.