Carolyn Westgate

Carolyn Westgate is a licensed clinical professional counselor with 22 years of experience. She focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship strain, ADHD, grief, parenting challenges, and related concerns. Carolyn aims to make the first step less daunting by listening with respect and compassion.

She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through what matters most. Sessions are shaped around each person’s goals and life circumstances rather than a single method. Carolyn uses clear, practical tools and gentle exploration to help people manage symptoms and make changes that matter day to day.

Her background includes long clinical practice and leadership in a professionals’ health program, which brought experience with a wide range of life stressors and diagnoses. That work influences how she approaches complex situations and co-occurring concerns. Carolyn stays curious and looks for resources that fit each person’s needs.

In sessions she blends approaches such as Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered work, and solution-focused strategies. These are used to tailor an individualized plan, not as fixed rules. Carolyn also supports people in finding another clinician if the relationship does not feel like the right fit.

People who want straightforward, empathic help with practical steps and steady support may find her style helpful. She practices in Kansas and offers services in English.

How therapeutic approaches and online care work together

Trauma-Focused Therapy helps people process overwhelming or painful events by focusing on trauma-related memories and reactions and building coping skills to reduce their impact. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches ways to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thought and behavior and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful habits and reduce symptoms.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals, symptoms, and daily life, then try methods that fit those needs. Over time, the plan can be adjusted based on what helps most and what feels manageable for the person.

If you are considering online options, confirm the session formats available before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find video helpful for more interactive exercises, while phone sessions can be a simpler option when bandwidth or screen time is limited. Talk with the therapist about which format would best support your goals and routine.