WELCOME

I’M KIRA OLSON

My journey to becoming a therapist was orchestrated for me through early experiences and opportunities that presented themselves.  My undergraduate degree was a BS in Exercise Science and BA in Psychology.  

While in college, I led support groups and educational events through the Eating Disorders Task Force and was one of the Founding Members of a wellness program through the Exercise Science Department.  I also conducted research for 3 years at the University’s Center for Research & Innovation. 

My journey to becoming a therapist was orchestrated for me through early experiences and opportunities that presented themselves.  My undergraduate degree was a BS in Exercise Science and BA in Psychology.  While in college, I led support groups and educational events through the Eating Disorders Task Force and was one of the Founding Members of a wellness program through the Exercise Science Department.  I also conducted research for 3 years at the University’s Center for Research & Innovation. 

My professional experiences have included group home counseling, life skills coaching, community education and outreach, and individual, family, and group counseling.  I have worked in residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, home visit, and outpatient settings.  Though I specialize in working with eating disorders/disordered eating, I also am experienced and confident working with substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and self-esteem/identity. I enjoy working with individuals ages 11+, families, and parents. My style can best be described as relational, client-centered, insight-oriented, and compassionate.  

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.  The breaks are seen as a unique part of the pottery’s history, adding to its beauty and value.  Just as the art form embraces imperfections, we have an opportunity to repair “broken” parts of our lives and create something stronger.  Both kintsugi and therapy are about hope and resiliency, about “golden rejoining” of fractured parts and restored purpose. Further, in the Olson Counseling Services logo, there is a sprout branching out of the pottery, signifying growth.  

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS & SPECIALIZATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders
  • Parent coaching for eating disorders or disordered eating
  • Adolescent and college age support
  • Athletes
  • Integration of spirituality for faith-based clients 
  • Eating disorder diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning
  • Professional consultation

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

-Certified in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders
-Certified Mindfulness Based Eating Qualified Instructor (MB-EAT-QI)
-Marketing Chair for SF Bay Area Chapter International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (>5yrs)
-Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

PRIOR EXPERIENCES & AFFILIATIONS:

-Group Home Counselor at Advent Group Ministries
-Life Skills Coach at Cypress Independent Living Services
-Trainee at Momentum for Mental Health Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program
-Associate at Community Health Awareness Council, Outpatient & School Based
-Manager at Eating Disorders Resource Center
-Director of Regional Outreach at Castlewood Treatment Centers
-Admissions & Intake Coordinator and Primary Therapist at Healthy Teen Project (HTP)
-Dancing with ED Board Member
-Eating Disorders Recovery Support (EDRS) Board Committee Member
-Member of Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THERAPY WORKS?

CONTACT KIRA