Jessica K. Olson
New to Grow
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to manage stress, emotions, or life changes, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. I help children (6+), teens, adults,and caregivers build emotional regulation skills, strengthen resilience, and create practical strategies for daily life. My approach is trauma-informed and paced with care. I support clients in understanding how past experiences may influence current patterns, while focusing on safety, skill-building, and grounding—not intensive trauma processing. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, somatic awareness, and experiential or strengths-based approaches. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to balance their needs with responsibilities at home, work, or school. Together, we explore tools, insights, and strategies that help you feel more capable, grounded, and confident in your day-to-day life. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is focused on connection, comfort, and understanding what brings you—or your child—to therapy. We’ll explore current challenges, strengths, and goals while moving at a pace that feels safe and manageable. For children, sessions may include play-based or structured activities; for teens and adults, we may use reflective conversation, skill-building, or mindfulness. I’ll explain my trauma-informed approach, outline what therapy will look like, and answer any questions you have. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of direction, an understanding of how we’ll work together, and an initial set of tools or strategies to begin practicing outside of sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I’m skilled at building rapport with clients of all ages and creating a safe, encouraging, and judgment-free environment. My work blends trauma-informed care, practical skill-building, and experiential approaches—such as nature-based or equine-assisted therapy when appropriate. I tailor each session to the individual, integrating insight, coping strategies, emotional regulation tools, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Whether we’re working through stress, big emotions, relationship challenges, or identity exploration, I offer steady support, validation, and hopeful guidance as you grow at your own pace.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with children (6+), teens, adults, and caregivers who want support in managing stress, anxiety, big emotions, life transitions, or feeling overwhelmed. My ideal clients are open to collaboration, willing to practice new skills, and interested in approaches that blend reflection with practical, real-world tools. Many of my clients appreciate trauma-informed care, experiential activities, or nature-based and equine- assisted methods. Whether you’re navigating school challenges, family dynamics, identity development, caregiving stress, or personal growth, I’ll meet you exactly where you are and help you build resilience, insight, and confidence along the way.
Location
Offers in-person in 1851 Wagon Wheel Ln, Negaunee, MI 49866VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another key approach I use to support clients in understanding the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful patterns and experimenting with new ways of thinking and responding, clients can gain practical tools to manage challenges and reduce distress. CBT offers structure and clarity, while still being flexible enough to integrate with mindfulness, somatic awareness, and experiential methods. The goal is not just symptom relief, but helping clients develop lasting skills that empower them to navigate life with greater resilience and confidence.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy is an important part of my work, offering clients opportunities to learn and grow through direct experience rather than just conversation. In equine-facilitated psychotherapy, interactions with horses become powerful mirrors for emotions, patterns, and relationships. The process allows clients to explore trust, boundaries, and connection in a safe and supportive environment, while also engaging the body, mind, and spirit. Being in nature and working alongside horses often brings new insights, fosters resilience, and helps clients practice skills that translate into everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing guides much of my approach, creating a space where clients can explore their own strengths, values, and readiness for change. Together, we look at what truly matters to them, gently uncover ambivalence, and build confidence in their ability to take meaningful steps forward. Rather than directing or prescribing, I partner with clients in a collaborative process that honors their autonomy and draws out their own motivations for growth and healing.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy shapes the foundation of my work, rooted in the belief that each individual has an innate capacity for growth and healing. By offering empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine presence, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel deeply heard and understood. This Rogerian approach emphasizes collaboration rather than direction, empowering clients to explore their experiences, connect with their inner wisdom, and move toward greater self-acceptance and authenticity at their own pace.
Eclectic
I use CBT, mindfulness, somatic awareness, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic insight in an eclectic, client-centered framework. For those drawn to experiential therapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy offers a unique path to healing and connection in a supportive, nature-based environment.