Polly Mortensen , LMHC

Polly Mortensen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who brings empathy and practical experience to therapy. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Community Psychology and has spent many years supporting people through both acute and long-term challenges. Her work began in psychiatric rehabilitation and outpatient day treatment, and she has provided home-based therapy for people living with HIV as well as services for children and adults in foster care.

Over the course of her career she has supported individuals with trauma histories and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to clinical counseling, she has an extensive background in vocational and rehabilitation counseling, working in New York and Florida for 14 years and serving as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. That vocational experience complements her clinical work, allowing her to help clients explore educational and career choices alongside emotional growth.

Polly draws on a warm, life-experience informed style and integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, along with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and trauma-informed practices. She tailors each plan to the person in front of her, combining counseling theory, practical coaching, and an appreciation for resilience so clients can move toward greater well-being and self-sufficiency.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Growth and Healing

Polly Mortensen uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive environment where the client's values and goals guide the work; this approach helps when people need a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore feelings and life decisions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns; CBT is practical for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Mindfulness therapy offers tools to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity; it can be useful for coping with emotional overwhelm and improving day-to-day focus.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Polly collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so the work remains relevant and effective for the individual.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while accessing support from licensed professionals and therapists.