Caroline Cruse

MSW LICSW CMHS

My name is Caroline Cruse, and I am a mental health professional and counselor. More specifically, I am a psychodynamic, fully licensed clinical social worker (LICSW). I received my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington with advanced standing, and have since received my Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) and forensic (SOTPA) certifications through the State of Washington. My social work training has given me invaluable experience with many different people across many different environments and systems. To date, I have worked in inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment settings. I have notable experience working with adult populations, and am especially passionate about working with teenagers and young adults.

While my years in community mental health have prepared me well to handle a variety of significant mental health concerns, I am particularly well versed in handling eating disorders, sexual trauma/sexual disorders, anxiety/depression, borderline personality disorder, and complex trauma. I thrive in sharing space with people from all walks of life, and delving into the individuality of someone’s lived experiences. These experiences may include everyday hassles, or they may include debilitating trauma. I work to help people intentionally validate and process all of life’s moments with equity. As a clinician, I make it my priority and goal to partner with you throughout the treatment process to achieve your optimal quality of life. I believe in a client-centered, relationship-driven, strengths-based approach to our time together. During our sessions, you will find that I will work to connect your values and lived experiences with evidence-based practices which will bolster your autonomy and cultivate healthy relationships in your life. People often describe my style as direct, evidence-based, psychodynamic, relatable, and structured.

Above all, I am eager to provide a safe and comfortable space for you as we meet together. I am highly motivated by the opportunity to share space with others, and to create a down-to-earth, practical, and relatable environment where people can feel seen and heard in all walks of life. I hope to meet you very soon!

If you are looking for some of the more specific therapeutic interventions you can expect to see from my work, I often use: DBT, RO-DBT, Narrative Therapy, TF-CBT, IFS (informed, not currently certified), CBT/CBT+, ACT, EFFT, and exposure-driven (ERP) practices.