Karen Ciego, LCSW

I’m Karen Ciego, LCSW — a trauma-informed therapist, consultant, and EMDR practitioner based in New York City. I specialize in helping first-generation professionals of color who have worked hard to build successful, demanding careers but often feel anxious, depleted, or disconnected beneath the surface. My work centers on the truth that achievement doesn’t always bring peace. Many of my clients carry invisible weight — cultural and familial expectations, perfectionism, or a lifelong drive to prove themselves. I help them find relief from those pressures so they can move through the world with calm, clarity, and confidence. With over a decade of experience across hospitals, schools, nonprofits, financial institutions, and the entertainment industry, I bring a deep, real-world understanding of what it means to navigate success under pressure. I’ve also trained and supervised dozens of social workers, blending clinical precision with cultural awareness and compassion. In our sessions, you can expect therapy that feels both practical and transformative. I use EMDR, parts work, and evidence-based tools that address both the mind and body, creating space for long-term relief, not just short-term coping. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and culturally attuned. Together, we’ll uncover the patterns that keep you in survival mode and build new ways of relating to yourself and others — so that success finally feels aligned, easeful, and real. Contact me right now to embark on a journey towards coming home to yourself.