- Strengths focused
- Goal oriented
- Respectful approach
About Kari
Dr. Kari Schlessinger is a New York licensed psychologist with 18 years of clinical experience. She focuses on practical support for people facing stress, anxiety, low mood, anger, and struggles with self-esteem. She also helps those coping with parenting pressures, caregiver stress, communication breakdowns, and isolation.
Her style is straightforward and respectful. She treats each person as the expert on their own life and builds on existing strengths. Sessions aim to clarify goals, try workable strategies, and track small changes that matter day to day.
Clinically, she uses approaches drawn from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. That means conversations are shaped by the client's concerns, while also testing out specific thoughts and behaviors and boosting motivation for change. Techniques are presented in simple, usable steps rather than jargon.
Dr. Schlessinger pays attention to common stressors for caregivers and first responders, and she supports people working through impulsivity, mood challenges, and communication problems. She focuses on practical tools for managing intense feelings and improving everyday relationships.
Her practice invites people who want clear direction and respect for their experience. The work is collaborative and paced to each person’s needs, with an emphasis on building confidence and small, sustainable shifts over time.
How these approaches shape online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's priorities. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects concerns, and helps set goals that matter to that person. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact and offers concrete skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and address angry reactions. Motivational interviewing helps build readiness for change by exploring personal reasons and strengths in a nonjudgmental way.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each client to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That conversation guides whether sessions emphasize skills practice, values and motivation, or a listening-centered style.
Session options are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm available formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions help them apply tools between meetings and keep continuity when life is unpredictable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Dr. Schlessinger help with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, and parenting difficulties, plus caregiver stress, communication problems, impulsivity, isolation, and mood-related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is practical and collaborative. Conversations center on the client's goals while introducing clear strategies to try between sessions.
How long has she worked in the field?
She has 18 years of professional work experience supporting people with a range of stress and mood concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She practices as a New York psychologist with the credential listed as NY Psychologist 016617 and works from New York.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.