Stephanie Carlsen, CSW
"You don't have to have it all figured out, you just need a space to show up exactly as you are."
If you’ve been carrying a lot, holding things together for your family, your kids, or everyone around you, while quietly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted, I want you to know you don’t have to do this alone.
You might be a parent who loves their kids deeply but feels like you’ve lost yourself in the hustle of raising them. You might be worried about your child or teen and unsure how to help. Or you might be a teen or adult who’s been in survival mode for so long that slowing down feels unfamiliar or even scary.
Wherever you are right now, you are welcome here.
Who I work with
I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Many of the people I work with are adolescents and parents, especially moms and dads who feel burned out, stretched thin, or disconnected from themselves after years of caring for others.
Some clients come to therapy because something feels “off.” Others come because they’re exhausted from pushing through, managing big emotions, or trying to be everything for everyone. You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy; you just need a place where you can be honest and supported.
When I work with kids and teens, I focus on helping them feel safe, understood, and confident in expressing themselves. When I work with parents, I also provide space for you to reflect, regulate, and reconnect with who you are beyond your roles.
How I work
My approach to therapy is rooted in connection, safety, and compassion. I believe healing happens when we feel seen and supported, not rushed, judged, or “fixed.”
You don’t need to come into therapy with the right words or a clear plan. We’ll move at your pace and figure things out together.
I use a blend of evidence-based approaches, including DBT, EMDR, play therapy (for kids, teens, and adults), TBRI, and parts work. Sessions are tailored to each person’s developmental stage, needs, and nervous system.
My role isn’t to change who you are, because you aren’t broken. My role is to help you reconnect with your body and emotions, rebuild trust in yourself, and develop tools that make daily life feel more manageable and grounded.
In our work together, you can expect:
- A therapist who listens deeply and meets you where you are
- Practical tools for emotional regulation, coping, and communication
- Support for individuals and families, when appropriate
- A calm, safe space where you don’t have to have it all together
I’m especially passionate about helping clients heal from trauma, including experiences from childhood or patterns that continue to show up in adulthood and parenting. Healing can feel heavy, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.
About Me
I’m a Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Utah State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Weber State University. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in early childhood intervention, middle schools, parenting education, and facilitated children’s grief support groups. I’ve also volunteered at a domestic violence shelter.
These experiences, and being a mom of three, have deeply shaped how I show up as a therapist. I understand the emotional weight of parenting, the pressure to “get it right,” and how easy it is to lose yourself while caring for everyone else. I bring that understanding into the therapy room with empathy, realism, and zero judgment.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, playing video games, reading fantasy novels, and spending time outdoors. The ocean is my favorite place to reset. Something is grounding about the sound of the waves (and yes, maybe it calls to me a little like Moana).
If we ever meet at a coffee shop, I’ll be ordering a vanilla cream cold brew with caramel drizzle.
Fun fact: I describe myself as “the most social antisocial person ever.” I love meaningful connections, and also a cozy night under a blanket with a book, puzzle, or video game.
What I want you to know
You don’t need to have the perfect words to start therapy. You don’t need to be falling apart. And you don’t need to wait until you’re completely depleted.
Therapy is a place to slow down, understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, and remember that you matter too.
If you’re a child, teen, or parent looking for a space rooted in safety, understanding, and growth, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you take the next step.
Based in Clinton Utah, I offer virtual sessions across the state and in-person availability as needed.
Click here to schedule your free 15-minute consult
FAQs
1. What issues do you specialize in? I often work with clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and big life transitions.
2. Do you work with children and teens? Yes! I have years of experience working with children and teens, including play therapy, early intervention, and family support. I love helping kids and families find ways to heal and grow together.
3. What's your approach to therapy? I use a blend of evidence-based approaches including EMDR, DBT, play therapy, TBRI, and parts work. I tailor each session to meet your unique needs, with a focus on helping you feel safe, empowered, and connected to yourself.
4. What ages do you work with? I work with clients as young as three years old through adulthood.
5. Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions? Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. I usually like to meet in person first, but we can figure out what works best for you.
6. What can I expect in the first session? Our first session is all about building trust and getting to know each other. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin to create a plan together, at your pace, with no rush or pressure.
7. How often will we meet? Most clients start with weekly sessions, and we adjust from there based on your needs and goals.
8. I'm nervous about starting therapy. What should I do? Feeling nervous is completely normal. We can start with a free 15-minute consultation - no commitment, just a chance to talk and see if we're a good fit.
9. What do your clients say about working with you? Many of my clients say they feel safe, seen, and supported, and that therapy helps them leave feeling more grounded, hopeful, and empowered.
10. What's the next step if I'm interested? Click the link to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We'll take it one step at a time, together.