Introducing Carly
Carly Christen, LMHC (she/her) is one of the therapists at the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative. She shares a little bit about herself here…
How did you get into this field?
Hello! I got into this field after going through my own experiences with postpartum challenges, religious deconstruction, trauma, anxiety, and abandonment wounds. Therapy was stigmatized in my environment growing up, so it took me a while in my adult life to get there. My therapist was the first person who ever helped me look inside for answers and support rather than telling me what to do, think, or feel. This was so challenging, and a game changer! I knew this was the kind of work I wanted to do for myself and for others.
What keeps you in this work?
This work is new and different every day. I love being with people in all of their feelings, going on a journey together to build more understanding, acceptance, and compassion. This work is challenging, interesting, and keeps me present. There is always more to learn and more ways to grow!
“I use a lot of empathy and humor in my therapy space. All feelings and parts of selves are welcome. I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where people can face challenging things.”
Who do you work best with?
My ideal client is a deeply feeling person who is trying to survive a traumatizing world. Someone who wants to learn how to find love, connection, and wisdom in themselves. Someone whose mind is full of "shoulds" and whose body is holding onto shame. Someone who wants to feel safe enough to take risks.
I generally do individual adult therapy, but I also offer co-parenting couples support to parents going through divorce or separation. In my individual work I'm less of a tools person (though I do some of that) and prefer to do deep exploration and healing with people. I integrate many different theories in my work including Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, intersectional feminist theory, existential theory, and psychodynamic theory.
I offer in-person therapy sessions on Mondays and Telehealth sessions Monday-Friday. I am currently out of network (OON) with all insurances but can provide superbills for out of network reimbursement.
What made you decide to be part of the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative?
I was immediately drawn to Terrace View Counseling's social justice values of supporting LGBTQIA2S+, fat, disabled, and neurodiverse folks. I was looking for a place where I could be a truly independent business owner, and still be part of a team. TVCC seems to be a great balance of independence and support. I'm looking forward to consulting and collaborating with the other wonderful therapists there!
What’s something bringing you joy these days?
Going dancing in queer spaces, playing Baldur's Gate with my older kid, listening to Taylor Swift with my younger kid, and working on a good jigsaw puzzle (one of those ones that's challenging enough to take a few weeks but not so frustrating that I want to pull my hair out).
Are there parts of your identity that you want to share with folks?
I am a thin, white, cis-gender, pansexual, divorced, 40+ woman (she/her). I am a highly sensitive person parenting two highly sensitive neurodiverse kiddos. I am an ex-evangelical and a current spiritually figuring it out.
What’s one of your favorite local businesses?
What are you reading, listening to, watching?
Podcasts: Maintenance Phase (though they're on a break), Beach Too Sandy Water Too Wet, How Did This Get Made?
Books: Journeys of Embodiment at the Intersection of Body and Culture (professional), Circe (personal)
TV shows: Yellowjackets, Upload, Taskmaster, and Stargate SG-1
Video games: Baldur's Gate 3, Hades
Carly Christen’s website is under development, but you can learn more about her therapy services here or email her.