About Carolyn
I am the founder of Ascend Counselling & Wellness and bring over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life's challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth.
My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe in creating a welcoming, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself, sharing what’s on your mind, and exploring what matters most to you. My hope is to help you feel heard and understood while gaining clarity, building on your strengths, and finding meaningful ways to move forward.
Throughout my career, I have gained extensive clinical experience working across a variety of mental health agencies, hospital settings, and counselling services. I am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, with Master's degrees in both Counselling Psychology and Social Work.
I have a particular interest in supporting university students and young adults as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this stage of life, including stress, anxiety, and life transitions.
Outside of work, I enjoy camping, spending time outdoors, and making memories in nature with my husband of 23 years, our three teenagers, and our dog.
Treatment Approach
My approach is client-centred and trauma-informed, grounded in evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs, experiences, and goals. I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and somatic approaches to support personal growth and meaningful, lasting change.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety and chronic worry
Stress and burnout
Emotional regulation and overwhelm
Patterns such as perfectionism, overthinking, or difficulty slowing down
Low mood and loss of motivation
Self-esteem, self-worth, and identity concerns
Boundary setting, people-pleasing, and assertiveness
Life balance and feeling overwhelmed
Relationship challenges and communication
Parenting challenges and family dynamics
Women’s issues (role strain, mental load, identity)
Life transitions, major decision, or feeling "stuck"
Grief and loss
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Counselling 2001
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology 2005
Master of Social Work 2020