Caitlin Norlen

"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become." - Carl Jung

I was born in Littleton, CO and spent most of my childhood and upbringing in Sioux Falls, SD. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from SDSU in 2018. Following graduation, I had a desire to further my education and continue to help people through their struggles and experiences on a deeper level. I went on to receive my Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from SDSU in 2022. I have spent the two years at a community mental health agency in Yankton, SD. My partner and I are thrilled to return to my hometown, and to utilize my learned skills, education, trainings, and experience to help individuals in my hometown and surrounding communities!

My theoretical approaches commonly are, but not limited to, CBT, person-centered, and mindfulness focused techniques. Most importantly, I firmly believe that focusing on creating a strong client-therapist relationship is the key to creating a positive, welcoming, and comfortable therapy process. My therapeutic experiences are primarily working with individuals ages 5 to 18. I also have experience working with parents and families, providing parenting education, and family therapy sessions.

I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, separation and adjustment issues, severe trauma, PTSD, behavioral concerns, ODD, and social skills needs. I have also gained an abundance of experience and knowledge working with high-need individuals including primary focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention. I am passionate about helping each individual start on their healing journey, set goals, and reach their full potential throughout the therapy process.

I am a very active person who enjoys many different activities and hobbies. I own a small cleaning business in the Sioux Falls area, which occupies a lot of my free time and I enjoy every single minute of it. My partner and I have two Australian Shepards who we love with our whole being and enjoy spending time with them. I am a lover of fitness, fall weather, anything pumpkin flavored, long walks, spending time with friends and family, experiences, and traveling.

Advocacy is a strength that I have, especially in the communities I serve. Advocating for individuals who don’t have the voice to do so or need additional encouragement to speak up for themselves is an area I am passionate about. I believe that every single person has the ability to heal, grow, and change in the capacity that they desire. Being a part of someone’s healing journey brings me so much joy and purpose. I look forward to working with you and empowering you through all of life’s challenges and successes!

"Realize that you are not alone, that we are in this together, and most importantly, that there is hope.” - Deepika  Padukone