I have been a social worker for over 20 years and have worked with many people who are focusing on increasing their quality of life by focusing on healing those things which have been standing in their way.
I have experience treating people of all ages coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital issues, blended families, divorce, death, chronic pain and eating disorders. My special areas of expertise are chronic pain, grief and eating disorders including weight management. I was a Registered Dietitian for over 30 years, have a PhD in Nutrition with an emphasis in communication and have been an LCSW for over 20 years. I have completed the Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). I also have completed Level One of the Gottman Institute. I enjoy focusing on process/insight-oriented modalities and feel the excitement as my client achieves an “aha” moment in the therapeutic process. I am comfortable looking into family of origin topics as well as end of life issues. Because of my health background I am also comfortable dealing with medical issues and take a more holistic approach to clients. I do believe that alternative therapies including somatic therapy can be helpful in the therapeutic process.
I have spent most of my career continually learning new techniques and theories to provide the best care of my clients. I have a tool box of helping techniques which are based on evidence based theories to include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy, Socratic Questioning, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
My education background includes a BS. In Foods and Nutrition ( which took 13 years to receive due to “life”), a Master’s degree in Health Education, a PhD in Nutrition and a Master’s in Social Work. I taught a Body Image and Eating Disorders class for over 15 years at the University of Utah. I also have training in gerontology and enjoy working with older adults who may be in transition and with families that are struggling with older adult issues. As a widow, I also was a single mother for over 5 years with 2 teenage sons and understand the complexity of singlehood and blended families.
I look forward to working with you.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy
UT LCSW 294863-3501
NC LCSW C016211
SC LISW-CP 15501
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Carolyn Hollingshead. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Carolyn has a way about her that just puts you at ease. She is very easy to talk to and has a vast experience pool to pull from when working through my issues.
Written on Oct 30, 2024 after therapy with Carolyn for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
She’s always willing to talk send me information to read up on and educate myself on as well as help me navigate my relationships with others and most importantly myself
Written on Jun 17, 2024 after therapy with Carolyn for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I enjoy working with Carolyn, She is thoughtful and listens well. It's important to me to work with a woman of my age and experience. I highly recommend Carolyn.
Written on Jun 08, 2024 after therapy with Carolyn for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
She is simply the best.
Written on Oct 23, 2023 after therapy with Carolyn for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Carolyn Hollingshead is respectful, understanding, patient, kind, and funny. She is everything you want in a therapist. She gently pushes me to be healthier and stronger. She makes me feel seen, heard, and understood. She guides with words, years of experience, books, and articles. I am so thankful for her.
Written on Jul 26, 2023 after therapy with Carolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
I have complete confidence in Carolyn
I trust her
I am grateful for her
Written on Jul 06, 2023 after therapy with Carolyn for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes