Carly Christen

As a divorced parent of neurodiverse children, one of my areas of interest is working with parents who need extra support. I help parents process their children’s gender or sexual identities, neurodiversity challenges, adjust to parenthood, adjust to children launching (or not launching), and co-parents going through divorce or separation (I can work with one or both parents).

Anxiety is something we all need, but sometimes our anxious parts take over and try to control the uncontrollable. I can work with you to build a different relationship with your anxiety, learn how to feel all of your feelings rather than avoiding them, and distinguish between the things you can control and the things you can't.

While I am not a fully trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I have had some training and often conduct my sessions through an IFS lens. I work with clients on identifying and accepting all parts of themselves, help them tune into each part's positive intentions and underlying needs, and assist in recognizing when a part is working too hard in ways that are no longer needed.

We all need "why's" for our existence. I believe that we get to create our own purpose and meaning in life, and I work with each client to help them find theirs. This can range from big life goals and spiritual connection to the little things that bring joy each day. Whether it's making the world a better place, or looking forward to the next episode of your favorite show, the things that keep us engaged in life are important.

Humans are relational beings, and navigating relationships can be extremely challenging. The attachment we had with our caregivers growing up often influences the way we show up in adult relationships. I help clients identify and heal attachment wounds, increase compassion for the ways their wounded parts show up in relationships, and help them become their own nurturing rescuers rather than seeking to be rescued or avoiding intimacy.