About

Dear Friend,

I’m excited you found me and I look forward to the
opportunity to work with you. I am a licensed counselor
with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from
Andrews University and dual Bachelors degrees in
Psychology and Communications. My approach is rooted in
integrative, holistic care that considers the broader
community of support around each individual.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across private practice,
primary care settings, educational leadership, and clinical
supervision, supporting clients of all ages. For the past 10
years, my focus has been on specialized trauma recovery
for children and adults, particularly survivors of childhood
abuse, helping rebuild attachment, life skills, and resilience
impacted by developmental trauma.

Personally, I see myself as a lifelong student of life. Free
time often finds me exploring trails, trying new recipes,
discovering stories, or enjoying art. Living on several
continents and experiencing diverse cultures has deepened
my appreciation for both the variety and shared humanity
in all of us—an understanding I bring to my work with
clients.

Mary Ellen Carlson, MA, LPC

Owner/Founder of Longmont Counseling Center

“We felt heard and saw change after just a few sessions. It was clear that she understood the problem and had suggestions on how we could approach solving it.”

-Client Testimony

Counseling is a journey where we seek clarity and support. With thousands of decisions each day, high expectations and demands from all directions, isolation and disconnection, modern life calls for intentionality.

Counseling benefits include:

Collaborating with you and learning about your unique situation will determine what approach (es) may be most helpful.

Regulating emotions and reducing anxiety, fear, or overwhelm.
Reframing traumatic experiences in ways that reduce their power over your life.
Restoring safety and trust—in yourself, others, and the world.
Strengthening coping skills to handle triggers and stress more effectively.
Reconnecting with your body and mind through somatic and grounding techniques.
Empowering growth—helping you reclaim agency, resilience, and a sense of meaning.

Cognitive-behavioral (CBT)
Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
Person-centered
Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Internal Family Systems techniques
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Parent Coaching