Polly Parks , LCSW

Polly Parks is a licensed clinical social worker with 14 years of practice in California. She focuses on practical support for people coping with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and trauma. Polly also helps LGBT clients and those facing issues related to gender and sexuality.

Polly uses clear, down-to-earth methods so clients know what to expect in a session. She draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people notice what matters to them. She uses client-centered listening to reflect what a person is trying to say. For relationship and attachment work she brings in emotionally-focused techniques when helpful.

Her background includes work after the 2019 Saugus High School shooting where she supported students and staff. She has 14 years of licensed work in California and maintains membership in professional organizations related to social work and transgender health. Polly is also in long-term recovery from alcohol and uses that experience when supporting people with substance concerns and process addictions.

Sessions are offered in afternoons, evenings, and on weekends by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Polly has completed the California-required telehealth training course and adapts sessions to the format that best fits a person’s needs. She asks clients not to join sessions while driving.

Many people find the first step intimidating. Polly aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space to talk through hard emotions and life transitions and to help people find clearer next steps.

Approaches and what online therapy looks like

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that line up with their values. It can be useful for mood issues, anxiety, and when someone wants to move toward a clearer sense of purpose. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on being listened to without judgment and on the therapist reflecting a person's experience so they can better understand themselves and make decisions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Polly will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change as therapy progresses, and different techniques may be tried to see what helps most.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is good for fuller face-to-face interaction. Phone calls use less bandwidth and can be a simple check-in. Live chat or texts can be useful for brief check-ins, processing between sessions, or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and different daily routines.