Karen Rafferty Keighley, MSW, LICSW Adoptee- Focused Therapist

Helping adult adoptees make sense of the lifelong stuff that comes with adoption from a therapist who’s been there!

Specialty

Adult Adoptees

I’m a therapist who works with adult adoptees who are tired of questioning who they are, carrying stuff that was never theirs, and trying to figure out big life transitions—without sugarcoating it, without fixing you, and with space for real feelings (and the occasional swear) so you don’t have to do it alone. I’m also an adoptee myself, so this work is personal. I know what it’s like to move through life without solid roots, to question where you belong, and to carry an ache that doesn’t always have words. Along with my clinical training, I bring lived experience—meaning I’m not just talking about this from a textbook. I’ve walked it, wrestled with it, and learned how to build a sense of self, safety, and meaning even when your story starts with loss.

Why "Cut Off Genes" Therapy?

So, why name my practice "Cut Off Genes Therapy"? First off, yes, it’s a pun on those denim shorts I rocked in the 90s, but it’s also a nod to the very real "ghosts" in the room. Adoptees often navigate a "mirrorless world" where no one shares their nose or their knack for piano, and thanks to sealed records, their medical history is basically a shrug emoji. This name signals that we’re not just here for the "happy new beginning" fluff—we’re here to dig into the messy, severed roots and validate that feeling of being a biological alien in your own family tree. It’s about acknowledging that while love makes a family, genes still make… well, you.

Who is Karen?

Hi, I'm Karen (she/her)! I’m an adoptee-focused therapist, a career path I chose because I lived it. I was adopted as an infant, but my world turned upside down at age 29 when my biological family found me. I spent years navigating the tension between an adoptive family who wanted things to stay the same and a birth family who wanted to make up for lost time. That experience taught me that adoptees need more than just general support—we need someone who 'gets it.' I became the therapist I wish I had.

Therapy with karen

How it works

Whether you've a newbie to therapy you're a seasoned veteran, my approach is different. I'm authentic & direct while remaining curious, not judgmental. I'm going to show up in a comfy spot, likely next to my dog, Annie. I'm going to earn your trust so we can be honest together & do the work. I will ask you what your goals are early & often, as they most likely will change, as will you! That's the point, right? Together we will process the experiences you had, the feelings you've assigned those experiences and then deconstruct whether this continues to serve you positively or not.

* I provide individual therapy sessions for adults age 18+.

*Session fee: $200/ 50 minute session.

*All sessions are virtual.

You will receive a HIPAA secure link for our sessions and log in from the comfort of Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island- the states I'm licensed to practice. This will provide you the flexibility to save time without the commute, which allows you to prioritize your mental health.

I accept certain insurances. Clients are responsible for confirming their insurance eligibility.