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PM Portrait of Polly Mortensen

Polly Mortensen

Experienced LMHC focused on practical growth

LMHC New York

Experience
21 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Polly

About Polly

Polly Mortensen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York who brings 21 years of clinical experience to her practice. She combines practical counseling skills with a compassionate, person-centered stance to help people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship struggles, and career questions.

Background and approach

Her background includes work with psychiatric rehabilitation programs, home-based therapy for people with HIV, foster care populations, and vocational rehabilitation, giving her a broad perspective on complex life challenges. Polly integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies.

She emphasizes collaboration and tailors interventions to each client's needs, drawing on life experience and diverse therapeutic traditions. Polly also has a history in vocational and rehabilitation counseling, which informs her work around career, education, and ability-related concerns.

Her style is warm and supportive, focused on helping clients identify inner resilience and practical next steps for change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Support



Polly commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy as part of her practice. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve mood and coping, and it is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. DBT emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and managing strong urges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Polly works collaboratively with clients to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. She draws on clients' feedback and life context to adapt CBT, DBT, or mindfulness-based techniques so the work feels relevant and practical for each person.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility around schedules and daily responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care whether someone needs a synchronous conversation or prefers written check-ins between meetings. The variety of formats supports different communication styles and supports ongoing progress from wherever clients are located in New York.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting challenges, ADHD, bipolar, and compassion fatigue among others.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?
Her manner is warm and person-centered, blending CBT, DBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to match each client's needs.
What is her professional background and experience?
She has 21 years of experience, including work in psychiatric rehabilitation, home-based therapy for people with HIV, foster care services, and vocational rehabilitation counseling.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with credential NY LMHC 000426.
Does she offer services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for remote work?
Clients can meet with her via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.
How is cost handled for sessions with this therapist?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English