- Depression and anxiety
- Life transitions
- CBT and DBT tools
About Karen
Karen Pelligra is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 22 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on common concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions like divorce or empty nest. Karen also addresses issues including addictions, anger, parenting strain, and coping with major change.
Her work draws on straightforward, practical conversation. She listens first, then uses approaches that fit the person's immediate needs. Sessions often focus on problem solving, managing difficult feelings, and building everyday coping skills. She uses a mix of methods rather than a single set of techniques.
Karen's background includes outpatient community mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospital care, and home-based family services. That variety informs how she balances short-term work and longer term concerns. She brings two decades of firsthand experience with both crisis settings and ongoing therapy.
In sessions she integrates Client-Centered ideas with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools when helpful. Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing are part of her toolbox for motivation, emotion regulation, and symptom management. The focus is on clear steps people can try between meetings.
She works in English from New York and does not accept international clients. Before scheduling, readers should confirm current session formats and scheduling options through the platform process.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Karen integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) alongside Client-Centered methods. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them. DBT focuses on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, offering skills for handling intense feelings and conflict. Client-Centered therapy emphasizes listening and shaping goals around what matters to the person.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Karen will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That can mean starting with symptom relief, then adding skills for long-term coping, or combining techniques when that makes sense.
The therapist's biography does not list specific session formats here, so confirm available online options before scheduling. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into study, work, or travel schedules. They also allow shorter check-ins, fewer commute hours, and the option to use video or audio based on what suits the client. A clear plan for between-session practice is part of how approaches like CBT and DBT are applied in remote work.
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 problems does she help with?
She works with depression, anxiety, relationship stress, grief, trauma, addictions, and related concerns such as parenting strain and coping with life changes.
What is her approach in sessions?
Sessions are practical and collaborative, combining Client-Centered work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy strategies to manage feelings and solve problems.
How much experience does she have?
She has 22 years of experience working in outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric settings, and home-based family services.
Where is she based and what is her licence?
She practices from New York and holds the New York LMHC credential.
Does she offer therapy in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not state specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.