Polly Parks

Polly Parks is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 14 years of experience. She helps people facing depression, anxiety, grief, and anger. Polly also supports clients dealing with issues common in LGBT communities and with addiction recovery. Her style is direct and compassionate, and she aims to make the first steps easier for worried parents and individuals.

Polly uses approaches that center the person's values and emotions. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters and build small habits toward those goals. Client-Centered Therapy guides sessions so the person leads the pace and focus. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps name and work through strong feelings in the moment.

Her background includes work after the Saugus High School student shooting in Santa Clarita in 2019, where she supported students and professionals affected by the event. She has kept continuous licensure in California and remains a member of professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Polly is in long-term recovery from alcohol and brings lived experience to work with substance use and 12-step and alternative recovery approaches. She recommends SMART Recovery alongside mutual-help groups and knows a range of community resources.

Session times are offered in afternoons, evenings, and weekends with scheduled start times throughout the day. To begin, readers are encouraged to select the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to schedule according to therapist availability.

How these approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people identify what matters most and take small, practical steps toward those values. It focuses on actions and habits rather than getting stuck inside difficult thoughts. Client-Centered Therapy gives the client control of the pace and topics and relies on the therapist's empathic listening to guide progress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist discusses options with each person and adjusts methods based on their goals, comfort, and preferences. This is a collaborative process where the client helps decide what feels most useful.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce commute time. They can also let people choose audio-only conversations when video isn't feasible. Talk with the therapist during the matching process to confirm which session types are offered and which will best fit daily routines and needs.