Kari Fager

Compassionate trauma-informed social worker

LCSW California

Experience: 6 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Languages: English

About Kari

Kari Fager is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and self-esteem concerns.

Background and approach

She approaches each person with compassion and meets them where they are, guiding them to explore difficulties and consider new ways forward that fit their values and daily life. Her work blends cognitive behavioral strategies with trauma-focused methods and EMDR when appropriate, offering an adaptable, strength-based style.

She can incorporate faith-based elements if a client prefers that orientation. Kari trained at Dominican University for her Master’s in Social Work and brings six years of experience working in both clinical and community settings in the United States and abroad.

Outside of clinical work she spends time with family, enjoys being in nature, and is attempting to train her labradoodle Norah to become a therapy dog. Her practice operates in California and sessions are offered through a variety of online formats to accommodate different schedules and needs.

How trauma-informed methods and CBT translate to online care

Many of the approaches Kari uses are adaptable to remote work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured exercises and goal-focused work, which often translates well to video or phone sessions. EMDR is a trauma-focused method that involves processing distressing memories with guided bilateral stimulation alongside therapeutic processing; trained clinicians can use modified EMDR protocols in the context of remote sessions when appropriate.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kari helps clients explore options, considers their goals and comfort level, and adjusts techniques over time so therapy aligns with what feels most helpful. This collaborative planning is intended to make each client an active participant in selecting methods and pacing.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for people balancing schedules and life demands. Video calls enable face-to-face interaction, phone sessions remove the need for video, and live chat or text-based messaging can provide shorter check-ins or more frequent support between sessions. These options help make consistent care more accessible across varying routines and locations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Kari address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and coping with life changes, with additional focus on forgiveness, guilt and shame, veteran and armed forces issues, post-traumatic stress, and women’s issues.

What is Kari's therapeutic style like?

The approach is empathic, strengths-based, and eclectic, combining tailored cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma-focused interventions and EMDR when appropriate. Sessions can include faith-based elements if a client prefers that orientation.

How long has she been practicing?

She has six years of professional experience, including work in both clinical and community-based settings in the US and internationally.

Where is Kari licensed and based?

She holds LCSW credentials and practices in California; her license is listed as CA LCSW 94366.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are provided in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

Clients may choose video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How are sessions priced and billed?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are needed to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

GriefParenting issues

Additional focus areas

ForgivenessGuilt and shameVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPost-traumatic stressWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Trauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English