Carolyn Westgate, LCPC

Carolyn Westgate is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 22 years of professional experience supporting individuals and families in Kansas. She offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and accepting therapeutic presence while applying practical, evidence-informed methods to address stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, parenting concerns, and related challenges. Carolyn has worked with diverse populations, including experience as Program Director of the Professionals' Health Program, and adapts care to each person's distinct needs and circumstances.

Her approach blends multiple therapeutic frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy to build individualized treatment plans that align with client goals. She emphasizes collaboration, listening with respect and compassion, and continuing professional learning to locate the most helpful resources for each client. If a client and therapist are not the right fit, Carolyn makes it part of her role to help identify a more appropriate provider so the client can continue forward. She frames therapy as a courageous step and works alongside clients to pursue meaningful, practical progress toward their objectives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Carolyn frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps clients clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions by focusing on committed steps toward what matters most.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured method that identifies unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical skills to change them. CBT is effective for anxiety, depression, panic, and many mood-related concerns.

Client-Centered Therapy is another core influence in her work, emphasizing empathetic listening and collaboration so clients feel heard and empowered to find their own solutions to relationship, family, and personal challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Carolyn works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts techniques as progress unfolds and involves clients in decisions about care.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, manage transportation limits, and maintain continuity of care from home or work while working with licensed professionals and therapists.