Jolene Carlsen

Whether you are navigating the profound "identity earthquake" of new parenthood or advocating for your child within the complex BC school system, my goal is to be your anchor. Parenting is often sold to us as a series of joyful milestones, but for many, it feels more like a series of transitions that test our very sense of self. With over two decades of experience in education and a specialization in Perinatal Mental Health, I bridge the gap between clinical expertise and the practical, messy realities of family life.

My practice is neuro-affirming and grounded in the belief that connection is the most powerful tool for change. In our work together, I integrate traditional evidence-based therapies (like CBT and DBT) with a somatic, nervous-system lens. This means we don’t just "talk about" the struggle; we look at the physiological roots of regulation. By focusing on the nervous system, I help both you and your child move from survival mode into a state of co-regulation and rhythm.

I believe that play is the "work" of childhood and a vital sign of a regulated nervous system. I incorporate Play Therapy to support children’s social-emotional health, using play-informed strategies to lower the "threat response" in the brain. When we move into a state of play, real healing and learning can begin.

With 20 years of experience inside British Columbia’s school system, I offer a unique "insider’s perspective" on child and youth advocacy. I help families navigate the specific language of BC schools, including ADHD support strategies, IEPs, and the "Designation" process, ensuring your child has the bridge they need between home and the classroom.

I work with children, teens, and individual parents across the Tri-Cities and virtually throughout BC. In our sessions, I utilize a Positive Parenting Framework to provide you with strategies for daily challenges. You are the expert on your family; I am here to provide the clinical framework, communication scripts, and regulation tools to help you lead with confidence. Together, we will identify the gaps in your family’s regulation, and build a sustainable roadmap toward connection.

I am honored to be an anchor for families as they navigate life’s biggest transitions.

Ready to find your rhythm? Please reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see how we can work together.