Hi, I'm a therapist (LCSW) who did my graduate degree at the University of Chicago, and has been working in Southern California supporting adults to heal and thrive for the past 12 years. I am a warm, engaged, therapist who helps people to find their sparkle, their fuel, and the skills to move toward what matters in their lives. I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, decision-making, relationship issues, psychosis, and identity exploration.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I will want to hear about what you are facing/carrying, and I will gather enough information to help us to collaborate on a plan for your treatment. You will have a clear understanding of what we are going to do and why I hope it will help.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have learned many effective ways to help people to move toward what matters -- I help people to find energy for their lives, to feel confident about their ability to face challenge and discomfort, and persist in their values. I bring openness, curiosity, compassion, and a wealth of experience to our work and I am genuinely excited about getting to know my clients.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My clients are typically adults who at times feel overwhelmed with the challenges that they are facing. They have talents and strengths and are functioning in some areas of their lives, but have hit a place where they are not sure how to move forward, how to handle what is showing up inside them or externally. I have extensive experience working with college students and young adults, with individuals with international backgrounds (I myself am a TCK), with folks working in the media industry (film/TV, theatre, music, etc) and who are working in rigorous environments.
About Olivia Wills
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have extensive training in ACT and it is a primary modality for my work. I use ACT to help my clients to connect to their present moment, to find new ways to be with their internal experiences, and to identify and move towards what matters to them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have had training in CBT and have trained others in CBT. I primarily use CBT to collect information about the patterns that are affecting my clients, so that we can work together to understand the relevant factors, including how your mind is responding to your challenges.
Interpersonal
I use IPT, Interpersonal Therapy, to help clients to understand their social support networks, to identify relationships that they want to change, to begin to conceptualize how they might move toward that change.
Grief Therapy
I provide very flexible grief therapy, helping clients to understand their grief processes, to engage in meaning making and self care processes as they move through grief.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have had extensive training in ways to be culturally humble and responsive in my clinical work. I have had the privilege to work with very diverse populations, with individuals who have rich tapestries of intersecting identities. I believe it is important to explore how their identities, and society's response to their identities, shape their life experiences, their challenges and victories.