Karen Lago-Fairey, LCSW - Therapist in New York

About Karen

Karen Lago-Fairey is a licensed clinical social worker with 45 years of experience in mental health. She practices in New York and has spent the last 23 years in independent practice. Her work includes therapy with individuals, couples, and families affected by mood and addiction issues as well as trauma and abuse.

She has worked in hospitals and clinics and has supported people who survived domestic violence and sexual assault.

Background and approach

Her background also includes treating personality disorders and conditions with organic causes. Karen brings long-term experience to each appointment. Her approach is eclectic and holistic.

She draws from several therapy styles to match what each person needs. Sessions focus on practical conversations, developing coping skills, and looking at patterns that get in the way of daily life. Karen uses client-centered methods to build a respectful, collaborative relationship.

She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and mindfulness practices to help with stress and anxiety. These methods are blended to address depression, relationship struggles, addictions, self-esteem, and family problems. People can expect straightforward talk that aims to clarify goals and make small, workable changes.

Her long career means she can adapt tools to fit aging concerns, blended family issues, obsessive or compulsive patterns, seasonal mood shifts, and other focused needs.

Therapy approaches and online care that fit family life

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building a respectful relationship so the client feels heard and understood. It helps people set goals and steer the work at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behaviors. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve focus in daily life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about needs, goals, and preferences and recommend approaches together. That collaborative process helps shape a plan that fits the family situation and individual comfort level.

Online sessions make it easier to keep therapy consistent around busy schedules. Video calls let people meet face to face from home, while phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexible options for shorter check-ins or when travel is difficult. These formats support steady progress and let licensed professionals adapt tools and timing to each family's routine.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does Karen address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, self-esteem concerns, and related areas such as mood disorders and OCD.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is eclectic and holistic, blending client-centered care with cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and solution-focused techniques to meet practical needs.

What is her professional background like?

She has 45 years in mental health, has worked in hospitals and clinics, and has spent 23 years in independent practice supporting individuals, couples, and families.

Where is she licensed and located?

She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, with license NY LCSW R031103-01 and practices in New York.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats does she offer?

Therapy is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.

How are fees and payment handled?

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

How do I begin therapy with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Relationship issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 45 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

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