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I Work With
· Children (5-12)
· Adolescents
· Emerging Adults (17-24)
· Adults
Therapeutic Modalities
· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
· Dialectical Behavior Therapy
· Person-Centered Therapy
· Strength-Based Therapy
Areas of Interest:
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Mood Disorders
· Neurodivergence
· Trauma
About Carly
Carly Atkinson, APSW, has a strong clinical foundation in mental health care, focused on serving adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions. Her clinical practice is grounded in client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, with experience across military, community-based, and medical settings.
In addition to her work as a clinician, Carly brings the discipline, leadership, and resilience developed through her service as a United States Navy Veteran. Drawing from her background in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and psychological first aid, Carly is skilled at building rapport quickly, navigating high-pressure situations with calm professionalism, and advocating effectively for client needs. Carly is deeply committed to promoting emotional wellness and practical growth and strives to help clients recognize their capacity to author their own story—supporting them in creating meaningful change, even in the face of circumstances beyond their control.
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Education and Credentials
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Master in Social Work- Aurora University
Advance Practice Social Worker- Wisconsin
United States Navy, Master-At-Arms
Victim Advocate for Sexual Assault Prevention
What do you like about being a therapist?
What I love most about being a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. It's incredibly fulfilling to support individuals as they navigate mental health challenges and work toward personal growth. I also appreciate that this field encourages ongoing learning, which allows me to stay current with the latest research and techniques. Ultimately, seeing clients gain confidence, take control of their lives, and reach their goals is what makes this work so powerful and satisfying for me.
Individuals/Authors/Theorists who have influenced your work?
Two theorists stand out as having significantly shaped the way I understand people and the healing process. Émile Coué’s work on self-suggestion helped me recognize the power of internal dialogue and the influence of mindset in driving change. While some of Freud’s early theories are dated, they were instrumental in sparking my curiosity about the unconscious mind and how our past informs our present. One of the most impactful authors for me has been Dr. Bruce Perry—his book The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog profoundly deepened my understanding of trauma and the transformative power of connection, particularly in the lives of children and adolescents.
What is your favorite quote?
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" -Eleanor Roosevelt
What is your “go-to” creative or restorative outlet?
Spending time with friends and family is my favorite way to recharge, especially during the Summer months when I can relax on the lake and enjoy boating.
Favorite Books, Podcasts or Blogs?
I really enjoy psychological thrillers and am a big fan of Freida McFadden’s books—her plot twists always keep me guessing. I also love murder-mystery podcasts and have been a long-time follower of Small Town Murder and Stranger Danger.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to immediately heal others—emotionally and physically. There's something incredibly powerful about helping people feel whole again, especially those who are struggling with pain that isn't always visible.