THERAPY

THE BIG PICTURE

My style is interactive and client-centered. I take a strengths-based approach and often integrate expressive interventions, such as art and humor, when appropriate. As humans, we need support, guidance, and connection. My hope is that therapy offers a chance to validate your humanness, “see” your pain, and help you see your potential.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

FAMILY THERAPY
    In general, family therapy assesses and supports the needs of the family system as a whole.  It can help families strengthen communication, redefine roles and boundaries, reduce tension/conflict, and improve relationships.  In family therapy, each family member will have the opportunity to share their perspective, listen to others, and engage in collaborative problem solving. Family therapy is essential when treating adolescents with emotional or behavioral problems.
    When working with eating disorders, family therapy is often recommended, either general family therapy as described above, or Family Based Therapy (FBT), an approach specifically used in working with eating disorders.  FBT can be especially effective when an individual lacks insight or motivation to engage in treatment, is in denial about the illness, or needs support reducing eating disorder behaviors. We take a strengths-based approach when working with families and believe each person’s input is vital in treatment and family functioning.
Professional Consultation
   “It takes a village..” At Olson Counseling Services, we believe the more resources we share, the more we can help each other and our community.  We enjoy offering 30 minute consultations to clinicians, teachers, doctors, dietitians, personal trainers, or other professionals with questions about work with eating disorders, diagnoses, or training resources.  These consultations currently are offered free of charge as a service to the community.  Please Contact Us to learn more [click to Contact Us page].
PARENT/CAREGIVER COACHING

    Caregivers may feel overwhelmed, depleted, and unsure about how to manage different developmental, behavioral, or mental health challenges.  With eating disorders, parents often need specific education about how to approach supporting their child, how to communicate, and how to offer validation. Parent coaching involves a combination of support and skill-building to help parents align with parenting strategies and effectively navigate significant stages of development.  We help parents establish the necessary structure and boundaries to help a pre-teen, adolescent, or college age student thrive, while also balancing their child’s need for independence and individuation. Coaching might include teaching stress reduction techniques, increasing awareness about family dynamics, strengthening parental confidence, recognizing caregiver blocks, and redefining roles and expectations.

EATING DISORDERS EVALUATIONS

    Loved ones and struggling individuals may wonder if they have an eating disorder, how to determine a diagnosis, and what kind of treatment is necessary.  With the rise in mental health issues and difficulty accessing care, it can be hard to get adequately assessed and begin the treatment process.  Through a two hour evaluation with parents and individual, collateral communication, and 30 minute follow up visit, the therapist will complete a clinical summary of presenting issues, treatment recommendations, and resources and referrals in your area to help get you started on the journey to recovery.  If possible, desired by the client, and clinically appropriate, we may work with you or your loved one directly, but you may also decide to work with an alternate team or be referred to a higher level of care.  Evaluations target eating disorders diagnosis and treatment but also include a general mental health assessment, social/educational functioning overview, family and childhood history, and assessment of goals and barriers.  With written consent, we will also contact any previous or current providers and review relevant charts.  The process takes an estimated 2-3 weeks and costs $650 total.  The assessment is collaborative and strengths-based and orchestrated via an informal interview style.  Please note that this differs from psychological testing/evaluation, which is much more involved and valued at a higher cost. It is also important to keep in mind that the information included comes from a limited time of client contact and data. Comprehensive assessments occur throughout the course of treatment.