I believe in the strength and resilience of the human spirit. We all have times in our lives when we encounter difficulties and need a supportive person to help guide us back to a path of healing and growth. Maybe you've experienced a recent event in your life and you are not sure how to cope with it. Or maybe something has been bothering you for quite a long time and you feel like now is the time to talk to somebody about it. I can help you find that inner strength you have so you can discover just how resilient you truly are.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's Degree in Counseling and Community Psychology. I've worked in the field for the past 20 years, and I really enjoy what I do. I’ve always been an empathetic person, even when I was a kid. I started my career working with individuals with serious, long-term mental health challenges in a psychiatric rehabilitation focused outpatient continuing day treatment program. I also worked in a home-based therapy program for individuals with HIV and mental health needs. Later I worked with children and adults receiving foster care. Other experience includes working with individuals with trauma backgrounds and, also, the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition to mental health counseling, I have worked in the field of vocational and rehabilitation counseling in both New York and Florida for 14 years. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I understand the challenges that people with disabilities face. It has been my privilege to have played a role in counseling hundreds of individuals with unique ABILITIES in their journey toward self-sufficiency and success. As a vocational counselor, I am well-versed in educational and career coaching. I can help you discover the potential within you and help you make the vocational and educational choices that are best for you.
My approach is warm and friendly, and I draw from life experience, Eastern philosophy, and solid counseling theories to help you overcome whatever may be holding you back. Counseling modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. I will tailor our time together based on your specific needs.
Whatever you are going through, I am confident that you can get through it. I look forward to standing by your side and seeing you grow and shine!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Personality disorders, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NY LMHC 000426-01
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Polly Mortensen. 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.
My therapist Polly, has been excellent on sharing her expertise, guiding me, redirecting me, encouraging me, and overall has contributed to a significant increase in my quality of life
Written on May 15, 2024 after therapy with Polly for 3 years and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
Polly feels like a caring, empathetic and invested member of the family.
Written on Apr 23, 2021 after therapy with Polly for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Polly has created a safe, caring and equal space where I feel comfortable to talk and be heard. We are working together to better understand what is going on in my mind, she has supported me so kindly, I have grown and have been given the skills to continue to grow and calmly dismantle self esteem issues, anxiety, depression and boundary issues.
I am truly grateful
Written on Oct 02, 2020 after therapy with Polly for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I just started my sessions with Polly, and she has made it a point to ensure that I'm comfortable with how we're proceeding, as well as the different ways for me to attend my sessions. I like the video chats, and sometimes I can't do them, so the messaging works well.
Polly is patient, punctual and l
Written on Aug 17, 2020 after therapy with Polly for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
Compassionate helpful excellent really cares about the person's well-being works with somebody encouraging five stars
Written on Aug 13, 2020 after therapy with Polly for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Polly is wonderful. She does not judge at all, has thoughtful insights and has been instrumental to me beginning to get myself back. I highly recommend her.
Written on Aug 13, 2020 after therapy with Polly for 2 weeks