Tonya Carpenter

Hello! My name is Tonya Carpenter and I am licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the state of Montana. I am currently at Aware, and was previously in private practice for six years. I provided counseling services in a hospital clinical setting for three years prior to private practice. I have also worked in the school setting as a behavior intervention specialist for grades 6-12, and worked with adults with disabilities. I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in Military and Veterans Affairs. As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of supporting our service members.

I have a fairly direct and up front approach as I would rather ask a question directly than assume things are a certain way. I am able to do this while maintaining a warm, nonjudgmental approach with clients. I believe that no one is “broken” and needs to be “fixed” as I hear so many clients say, but that every person is operating in their environment the best way they know how with the tools they have. I would like to be able to go through the journey with you of creating the best quality of life possible.

I am able to help clients with co-occurring disorders, substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Bipolar, child abuse and neglect, communication, anger management, and other diagnosis or life stressors, but have a primary focus in trauma and military affairs. I utilize a client centered, strengths based, solution-focused approach to meet the client where they are. I also utilize evidenced based practices such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), MRT (moral reconation therapy), trauma-focused CBT, and trauma narratives.

I will respond to messages within 24 hours Monday through Friday, and will do my best to accommodate you for scheduling live sessions but currently have limited availability in the evenings and some weekends. I look forward to working with you!