Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate in Leadership from Evangel University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Specializing in women’s issues has been a deeply meaningful focus of my work, and I consider it an honor to be entrusted with my clients’ stories. Rooted in my Christian faith, my approach is grounded in both compassion and clinical excellence. I strive to provide care that is evidence-based, ethical, spiritually sensitive, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a university professor, where I have the joy of teaching, training, and supervising graduate students on their path to becoming licensed therapists.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, my goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you feel heard and supported. We'll take time to get to know each other, and I’ll gather some important background information that will help us tailor a treatment approach that aligns with your needs, comfort level, and personal goals. Together, we’ll begin identifying a few meaningful areas to focus on—always at a pace that feels right for you—so that your therapeutic journey starts with clarity, purpose, and support.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a psychotherapist is the ability to form deep, compassionate connections with my clients. After decades of working with women, I’ve come to understand how vital it is to truly see and hear each person’s story. I bring a heartfelt commitment to creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported. My approach is not only grounded in empathy, but also in equipping clients with meaningful insights and practical tools that empower them to grow, heal, and move toward their fullest potential.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. My clinical training includes certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), both of which are highly effective in addressing trauma and post-traumatic stress. I also have extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured, goal-oriented approach that supports clients in identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which integrates mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. This integrative and trauma-informed approach allows me to support clients in navigating both the emotional and physiological impact of their experiences, while equipping them with practical tools for long-term resilience and psychological well-being.

About Ava Oleson