Karen Cappello

LCSW (she/her)6 years of experienceNext available
4.8 (18)
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

If you’ve been feeling not quite like yourself, or like you’re working so hard just to keep it together, you’re not alone. I help women and teens who feel stuck in their own heads—overthinking, second-guessing, and quietly carrying more than they let on.

On the outside, maybe you appear successful—but inside, you’re navigating anxiety, overwhelm, or the weight of past experiences shaping how you see yourself.

Together, we gently work through what’s been weighing on you so you can feel more grounded, more confident, and finally at ease with who you are.

First session

Your first session is a gentle starting point—no pressure, just space to land and be heard. We’ll talk through what’s been weighing on you, what you’re hoping for, and begin to make sense of the patterns that keep showing up. You can expect to feel listened to, supported, and leave with a clearer sense of your goals — at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Strengths

What sets my work apart is how deeply I understand the inner pressures so many women and teens carry—and how to gently work through them. I specialize in supporting women used to pushing through anxiety, perfectionism, or the weight of past experiences, even when it’s quietly taking a toll. Using EMDR, we help your brain soften the intensity of what you’ve been holding onto, so it doesn’t keep showing up the same way. Our work is collaborative and tailored to you—so you can feel more steady, more sure of yourself, and move through life with a greater sense of ease and clarity.

Ideal clients

My specialty and focus is working with children, teens and women who feel a lot—and often carry more than they show. Many are high achievers, overthinkers, procrastinators, helpers, problem-solvers, and people-pleasers… the ones others rely on, but who rarely slow down for themselves. For kids and teens, this can look like big emotions, anxiety, or shutting down. For women, it often feels like pressure, self-doubt, or never quite feeling “caught up.”

Treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR is a way to help your brain finally file away painful experiences instead of replaying them on a loop. When something overwhelming happens, your brain can get “stuck.” That’s why you might know you’re safe now, but your body still reacts with anxiety, shame, or panic. In EMDR, we gently guide your brain using eye movements or tapping while you briefly focus on the memory. This helps your nervous system reprocess it the way it was supposed to in the first place. You don’t erase the memory. It just loses its charge. You can remember what happened without feeling hijacked by it — and that’s where real freedom starts.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Sometimes your brain tells you stories that feel true — “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess things up,” “Something bad is about to happen.” Those thoughts shape how you feel and what you do next. In CBT, we slow that process down. We look at the patterns, gently challenge what isn’t accurate, and replace it with thoughts that are more balanced and realistic. It’s not about forced positivity. It’s about clearer thinking, calmer emotions, and more intentional choices.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) helps you stop fighting your thoughts and start living your life. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, self-doubt, or painful memories, ACT teaches you how to make room for them without letting them run the show. You learn how to notice your thoughts without automatically believing them, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. It’s less about “fixing” you and more about helping you move forward — even with discomfort — in a way that feels aligned, grounded, and meaningful.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is exactly what it sounds like — we focus more on solutions than problems. Instead of digging deep into everything that’s gone wrong, we look at what’s already working (even a little), your strengths, and what you want life to look like. You set clear goals. We identify small, doable steps. Momentum builds quickly. It’s practical, forward-moving, and empowering — especially if you’re ready for change and don’t want to stay stuck in the past.

Location

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions
1680 SW Bayshore Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984

Identifies as

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Accepted insurance

Reviews and ratings

4.8 rating (18)2 reviews
January 14, 2026

Great memory and really makes me feel understood and heard.

Verified client, age 45-54Review shared after session 5 with Karen
August 28, 2025

Karen always has a challenge to turn around what I am doing or thinking. What if... She is calm, warm and funny. I highly recommend her.

Verified client, age 65+Review shared after session 26 with Karen

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Schedule 60 min