Olivia Ward, LCMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Olivia Ward

Olivia Ward

LCMHC
12 years of experience
Virtual

Greetings! I am happy you are here. I've been a therapist for over a decade and have worked with clients of all ages and genders. I've done this through my work in schools and outpatient community mental health. My experience is broad reflecting years working with clients from various diverse backgrounds. Having worked with children and families for over a decade I have professional experience on identifying root causes of child/teen behavior and a specific set of skills to help address negative family dynamics. Given my lived experience as a child of divorce I understand how difficult this can be for a family unit. As a veteran, I also bring an invaluable and unique perspective to the veteran/first responder population. An avid reader, I often weave metaphor into my work with my clients. I utilize an eclectic approach pulling from a variety of therapeutic tools and believe in a holistic approach in treating the individuals I see.

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

In our first session together, you will get to know me just as I will get to know you. We will discuss expectations of treatment and I will work with you on ensuring you get what you need from this therapy process. This will also be an opportunity for you to make sure I am a good fit for what you are looking for.

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

My style is warm, authentic, compassionate, yet direct. My lived experience has had a profound impact on understanding the needs of the populations I serve. I particularly enjoy helping folks as they navigate transitions and stressful moments of change in their lives whether that be a move, job change, life transition change, or change in a family system. Trust me. It gets better. **My practice is focused primarily on treating children/adolescents, young adults, and adults. I do not currently treat substance use related concerns.**

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

I’ve been using EMDR in my practice for the past 3 years. I have experience using this treatment with both adults and teens. It’s helped clients manage their anxiety and heal from traumatic experiences. The treatment model is structured and I use a variety of approaches with meeting the client where they are in their therapy journey while utilizing this approach.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve been using CBT in my practice routinely. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life. CBT is a solution focused approach to manage anxiety, stress, and and depression.

Family Therapy

I have been using Family Therapy in my practice for the last decade. It's helped countless families strengthen their communication and assisted with helping families problem solve effectively. I utilize an eclectic approach that varies from session with the entire family system and also parallel sessions with caregivers only as needed. It's helped parents strengthen parenting skills and improve relationships with their child.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I have been using TF-CBT consistently with my children/adolescent clients. It's helped many clients process their trauma experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. The treatment is well researched.