Kari Fager, LCSW

Kari Fager is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who approaches each person with compassion and a focus on practical, strengths-based growth. She works collaboratively to unpack difficult experiences and to develop new or reimagined paths forward for those facing trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and challenging life circumstances. Kari offers an empathic, eclectic approach and provides the option for faith-based counseling when clients prefer to integrate spiritual beliefs into therapy.

Kari earned her Master of Social Work from Dominican University and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a treatment frequently used for addressing traumatic memories. Her background includes work in both the United States and international settings, and she has experience across clinical and community-based environments. This varied experience informs her ability to tailor interventions to the needs of individuals, families, and caregivers dealing with grief, self-esteem concerns, parenting challenges, and issues related to guilt, shame, and forgiveness.

Outside of her professional role, Kari enjoys spending time with family in nature and is often found attempting to train her labradoodle Norah to become a therapy dog. She aims to create a supportive space where people can explore coping strategies and move toward greater resilience and wellbeing.

Trauma-informed methods and flexible online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is a structured, goal-oriented approach that can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a targeted therapy that helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact - it is often used for post-traumatic stress and other trauma-related symptoms. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on understanding how traumatic events affect thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and it offers strategies to restore a sense of safety and control.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kari works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and together they determine which methods or combination of methods are the best fit. This partnership helps ensure that treatment aligns with the individual’s values and pace.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be arranged by video call or phone, and alternatives such as live chat or text-based messaging allow for support that fits into busy schedules or mobility limitations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from home or while traveling within allowed regions, and access consistent support during times of transition.