Coleen Olsson
Hi! I'm a therapist licensed to practice independently in several states. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master's of Social Work in 2006, and have been in practice since. I provide support to help teens and adults who are struggling with depression, mood swings, anxiety, trauma, and ADHD.
I believe in the theory of multiple intelligences, and that we as humans are malleable; we are not just set in one state of being unable to learn new things.
We may cover challenges pertaining to family, work, school, sports, substance use, household and parenting, to name a few.
First session
During the first session, we will get to know each other a little. It will resemble an interview, but there are no wrong answers. We will do an overview of sorts, getting into greater detail in future sessions. I'll be asking some questions to gain a better understanding of your personal history and what you hope to accomplish in therapy. I will explain any policies and procedures that will help us get off to a good start, and answer questions.
Strengths
The diversity of clients whom I have served and each of their strengths and challenges has sculpted me into a well-rounded, adaptable therapist. I don't just teach skills, I use them myself. I believe in the theory of multiple intelligences, and that we as humans are malleable; we are not just set in one state of being unable to learn new things.
Ideal clients
I love working with students on the myriad of challenges they face in this transitional period, with stressors in the academic, social, family, work, and financial domains. I am skilled with helping clients process trauma and develop skills to manage depression, anxiety, anger, and interpersonal conflict in a more productive manner than what they've already tried.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I've received EMDR training and supervision, using it to help people process traumas of all sorts: big, small, one-time occurrences, chronic or multiple occurrences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I help people to find connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions in both general patterns as well as in specific situations, so that they can make changes when something is not going as desired
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT skills in individual therapy to augment our skills work: coping skills, interpersonal skills, etc.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I've used this with persons struggling with unwanted thoughts or actions that feel as though they have to do it even when there's no logical explanation for that. Sometimes this meets the definition of OCD, and other times not
Faith-based therapy
I have formal education in major religions of the world, and use that when the client requests to have their religious beliefs included in our work to help them understand their worldview. I do not use this knowledge when the client does not wish to incorporate beliefs, nor do I use it as a platform for my own beliefs
Location
Virtual sessions