Karen Shaughness , LCSW

Karen Shaughness is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing on Long Island, New York, bringing 38 years of clinical experience to her work. She has supported people facing a wide range of concerns - from anxiety, stress, and depression to addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma, grief, sleep problems, parenting challenges, career transitions, and mood or attention disorders. Her background includes work in a hospital setting, which contributes to a broad familiarity with diverse life circumstances and complex needs.

She practices with a warm, open, patient-centered stance and endorses a holistic approach that blends practical techniques and reflective work. She commonly integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help clients explore thoughts and behaviors, develop coping strategies, and build greater present-moment awareness. In addition to individual concerns, she has direct experience addressing codependency, communication problems, first responder issues, and compassion fatigue.

Outside of clinical work she values time outdoors and finds being near water restorative. She enjoys kayaking, attending concerts and films, gardening, and taking long walks and hikes with her Golden Retriever. Her long career is marked by steady commitment to helping people navigate life changes and manage the stresses that arise along the way.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Karen Shaughness commonly draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices in her work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship and helps people set their own goals while receiving empathic support - it is often useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and coping with change. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve functioning - it is frequently used for anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive thoughts. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical skills for managing stress, reactivity, and emotional overwhelm.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to explore which methods align with their needs, preferences, and goals, blending elements of different approaches when that best supports progress. The therapist aims to tailor the plan so that therapy feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and therapists can also connect through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals without long commutes.