- Collaborative
- Goal focused
- Experience driven
About Karen
Karen Pelligra is a licensed mental health counselor who works with people facing stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and other life challenges. She practices from New York and brings 22 years of experience across outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric settings, and home-based family services. Karen aims to provide steady support while people take concrete steps toward feeling better.
Her approach is collaborative and straightforward. She listens first to understand what matters most, then helps set small goals that fit daily life. Sessions focus on skills and strategies that reduce symptoms and build coping tools people can use between meetings.
Karen draws from several practical approaches, including client-centered techniques that prioritize the person's perspective, cognitive behavioral methods to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and mindfulness practices to calm the nervous system. She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing when those tools match a person's needs.
Over two decades of work in different settings has given her experience with depression, grief, trauma, addictions, parenting concerns, chronic illness, and relationship stress. She aims to meet people where they are and to help them find manageable ways to move forward.
People who are considering therapy can expect a warm, goal-focused process. Karen helps people identify clear steps, practice new skills, and track progress in concrete ways.
Approaches that translate well to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's experience. The therapist follows the person's lead and creates space for them to say what matters most, which helps build trust and clear goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and teaches practical skills to change patterns that keep someone stuck; it is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved relationships and can be helpful when intense emotions cause repeated crises.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and everyday life. That choice can change over time as progress is made and priorities shift.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when that is helpful, and reduce travel time. Many people find these practical benefits help them keep therapy consistent while working toward their goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Karen address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, trauma, addictions, eating concerns, parenting stress, and other life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a collaborative, supportive style that emphasizes listening first and then setting practical goals. Sessions often include skills practice and clear steps to try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 22 years of clinical experience working in outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and home-based family services.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) licensed in New York and practices from New York State.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions scheduled and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.