Polly MortensenLMHC

Polly Mortensen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with 21 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people find practical ways to cope when life feels overwhelming. Polly aims to listen first and guide each person toward strengths they may not see in themselves.

Polly began her career supporting people with long-term mental health needs in community settings. She also provided home-based therapy for clients living with HIV and worked with people in foster care systems. Later roles included vocational and rehabilitation counseling in New York and Florida, where she supported education and career planning for people with disabilities.

Her approach is warm and down-to-earth. Sessions combine talk, practical skill-building, and simple mindfulness practices. She draws on Client-Centered methods and structured techniques to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and challenges around identity and self-esteem.

Polly has spent many years helping people face career and life transitions, caregiver stress, and relationship difficulties. She also offers support around pregnancy and childbirth-related concerns when they are part of a client's story. Her background includes work with LGBTQIA+ communities and with people who have experienced trauma.

In sessions she focuses on concrete steps - clearer communication, coping skills, or behavioral changes - tailored to each person’s goals. The aim is steady progress over time, not quick fixes. She encourages clients to bring their real-life challenges and questions into the room for practical problem solving.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what they say, and helps people find their own answers to problems like low self-esteem or relationship stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses simple exercises and homework to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful thinking patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches specific skills for handling intense emotions and improving communication. It is often used for anger, mood swings, and stress that feels overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try techniques that fit their needs, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. This is a collaborative process that combines skill practice with steady support.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm current session options before booking. The practical benefits often include easier scheduling around work or childcare, fewer travel needs, and the ability to continue therapy during life transitions. Some people prefer a shorter phone check-in when bandwidth is limited, while others choose a longer video talk for deeper conversation. Discuss format preferences when you schedule so sessions can fit your everyday life.