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CH Portrait of Carolyn Hollingshead

Carolyn Hollingshead

Experienced social worker focused on practical change

LCSW, LISW-CP Utah

Experience
22 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Carolyn

About Carolyn

Carolyn Hollingshead, LCSW, LISW-CP, helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, eating concerns, and life transitions. She writes plainly and listens carefully to learn what matters most to each person.

Background and approach

Her approach aims to relieve day-to-day struggles and build more workable routines and relationships. She brings 22 years of social work experience and a long background in nutrition and health.

That combination shapes a practical, whole-person view of problems such as chronic pain, body image, and eating issues. Carolyn also has experience supporting people through bereavement and end-of-life concerns.

In sessions she blends problem-solving with deeper reflection. Clients can expect to talk about patterns, test small changes, and notice what shifts.

She uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people take steps toward their values. Carolyn also draws on client-centered and mindfulness approaches to make space for emotion and insight.

She mentions the Gottman Method as part of her toolkit for relationship work and uses communication-focused skills when helpful. Her style is patient, curious, and focused on practical gains.

Her background includes a PhD in Nutrition, a long career as a Registered Dietitian, and training in gerontology. She combines academic knowledge with years of clinical practice to support people at many life stages.

Carolyn works with English-speaking clients in Utah and aims to tailor care to each person's goals.

How her approaches translate to online care

Carolyn uses the Gottman Method to teach clearer communication and reduce conflict in close relationships, focusing on practical skills that partners can try between sessions. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify values and take committed actions despite difficult emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is applied to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors that improve daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She listens to each person's goals and preferences, then combines methods that fit the situation. Clients and therapist work together to track what's helpful and adjust the plan as progress happens.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which gives flexibility for different schedules and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for skill practice. Phone sessions can be a simpler check-in when bandwidth is limited. Chat and messaging are good for shorter check-ins, homework, or when someone prefers typing. These options help make therapy more accessible for people balancing busy lives.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Carolyn address?
She supports people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, eating issues, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, chronic pain, ADHD, and life transitions.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style mixes problem-solving and reflection. She helps clients test small changes, notice patterns, and connect actions to personal values.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
Carolyn has 22 years of social work experience and decades of work in nutrition and health, plus clinical experience with grief, chronic pain, and eating issues.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials with licensure in North Carolina (NC LCSW) and South Carolina (SC LISW-CP), and she is based in Utah.
Which languages are offered and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic Therapy

Experience

22+ years

Licensed in

Utah, South Carolina, North Carolina

Languages

English