As a social worker and therapist, I welcome your life experiences and I stand with you. I come to each session with an authentic, empathic, and nonjudgmental presence. I will hold space for you and collaborate with you to create self-empowerment and strength throughout your healing process. You set the goals of therapy, as well as the pace at which we will work. I believe you are the driver of your healing, and the expert of your story.
I work with individuals using an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach. I operate from a humanistic existential theoretical orientation, meaning I believe therapy is a collaborative and relational process, and I value you for your inherent worth and dignity beyond your circumstances or behavior. I believe, no matter your wounds, you have the capacity and the potential to heal.
I am enlightened by postmodernism and social constructionism - focusing on your truths, your stories, and working to deconstruct dominant narratives that are not serving you well, as well as developing alternative narratives that may be more life enriching. I value where you want to go in your work, and actively seek not to impose my own agenda onto you. I welcome and embrace flexibility and fluidity in terms of treatment modalities, as humans are not stagnant or fixed beings.
As a social worker and therapist, I focus a lot on decolonization; that is, I focus on incorporating social and healing justice into the work we do together, rather than just applying bandaids and rigid, outdated protocols. To provide real, sustainable solutions to those seeking therapy, we must continually work toward dismantling the larger systems that oppress us.
In a nutshell, I want you to experience vulnerability, growth and joy. I want to know you, challenge you and cheer you on. You are not alone. I believe true wellness stems from community, relationships, and a sense of belonging and connection. As a fellow traveler in this complex and chaotic world, I'd be honored to walk with you on your journey toward healing.
On a personal note, I enjoy being a mother and social activist, exploring different vegan meals, and resting.
Education and Licensure
MSW, University of Washington, 2020
BS in Psychology, Minor in Human Development, Washington State University, 2017
LSWAIC Licensed Associate, Independent Clinical Social Worker, 2020
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Grief and Loss, Disenfranchised Grief
- Attachment
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Issues
- Self-Harming
- Shame and Guilt
- Suicidal Ideation
- Systems of Oppression
- Women's Issues
Treatments
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-based
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- EMDR (in progress)
- Existential
- Feminist
- Humanistic
- Narrative
- Person-Centered
- Strength-Based
- Trauma Focused
Clientele
Individuals:
Age: teens, young adults, and adults
Sexuality: LGBTQ+, Heterosexual
To set an appointment or consultation with Audrey Oliver, give us a call at (425) 242-6267.