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Karen Lago-Fairey

Karen Lago-Fairey, LCSW

New York

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LCSW - Relationships and Family Concerns

  • Client-centered work
  • Cognitive behavioral techniques
  • Mindfulness practice

About Karen

Karen Lago-Fairey is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) based in New York with 45 years of experience in mental health care. She has worked in hospitals, clinics, and for more than two decades in private practice. Her work has included support for people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and she lists concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family problems, depression, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, and self-esteem.

Over her career she has also treated mood disorders, addiction problems, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and issues related to aging and seasonal affective disorder. She names blended family issues and family-of-origin concerns among her additional focus areas. Her background includes long-term clinical work across settings, which informs how she approaches current clients.

Her style is varied rather than tied to a single method. She uses client-centered ideas to listen for what matters most to the person in front of her. She applies cognitive behavioral techniques when needed to address specific thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness and solution-focused ideas appear when short-term coping and clear steps are useful.

Psychodynamic elements are used to follow patterns that repeat across relationships. Trauma-focused practices are applied when past harm affects present-day functioning. In session she combines these options based on what the person brings and what seems to help.

People considering help in a blended household or stepfamily situation can expect straightforward conversation about roles, boundaries, and practical next steps. She asks about current struggles and past patterns, and then helps set realistic goals for change.

Therapeutic approaches used and how online sessions can fit

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the person. It helps people clarify their concerns and decide on the next steps they want to take. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thoughts and behaviors and can help with anxiety, mood problems, and compulsive patterns. Mindfulness therapy teaches brief practices to notice thoughts and feelings and reduce reactivity in stressful moments.

Choosing which approach to use is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that match a person's goals, needs, and preferences. That planning is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Confirm the current session options before booking, since the biography does not list formats explicitly. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a normal day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed. They can also help people keep appointments during busy weeks or when leaving the home is difficult. The therapist will discuss practical scheduling and approach during the first contacts so sessions align with daily routines and goals.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

45+ years

Listed in

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?

She lists stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family problems, depression, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, and self-esteem among her concerns.

How would she describe her therapy style?

Her approach is eclectic. She mixes client-centered, CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and solution-focused ideas to match what each person needs.

How much experience does she have?

She has worked in mental health for 45 years, including hospitals, clinics, and over 23 years in private practice.

What credential and location does she hold?

She is an LCSW licensed in New York and practices there.

In which language are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.

What session formats are available?

Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.

How are costs handled?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.

Karen Lago-FaireyLCSW

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