488-7718
OliviaS@CenterpointServices.org
(she, her)
I work with adolescents, parents, and families to support health and wellness. I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach in counseling, helping my clients build awareness about their own needs in sessions, whether that is learning healthy coping skills, navigating relationship conflicts, or going for a walk. In addition to the tough stuff, I believe that counseling can be a space to talk about the things that bring us joy! I follow my clients’ leads in what they may want and need each session, as I believe that each person is the expert on their life.
My work draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior (CBT) therapies. These frameworks assert that our emotions are valid and our behaviors make sense in context, while also supporting individuals to get unstuck when our emotions or thoughts get in the way of wellness. I also draw from social justice/feminist and adolescent development frames, seeking to understand young people in context of their lived experiences, families, communities, and culture.
I have extensive experience working with young people struggling with wide range of issues including life transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, and substance use. I have particular expertise working with youth who struggle with anxiety, including high achieving young people who may be working to build self-compassion and self-care into their lives. I also enjoy working with young people who have identities that are marginalized in dominant culture, including LGBTQA youth. I strive to provide affirming support as folks seek to build self-esteem, resiliency, and community around their intersecting identities.
As a lead clinician in Centerpoint’s Gender-Affirming Services program, providing counseling support to trans/gender-diverse youth and their families. I believe that gender diversity is a normal and healthy part of human experience. I seek to provide affirming counseling based on best practices, including the World Professional Association of Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards of care.
I know that each young person and family is unique. I take the time to learn about each family member’s needs, perspectives, and intersecting identities. Gender-Affirming counseling support can look different for everyone, with different levels of focus on topics of gender and other emotional health topics. Youth may want support around emotional struggles in light of cultural pressures, body dysphoria, exploring choices, or building communication skills around identity. Parents may seek support to deepen family relationships, to better understand their child’s identity development, or to explore how to advocate for their children in daily life. I offer a non-judgmental and client-led space to work through some of these big questions. I also can provide support to access gender-affirming medical, school, legal, and peer resources.
