Nichole Olson, Ph.D.

Assistant Director, Director of Career Exploration Services

I take an integrative approach to therapy that primarily draws from an interpersonal process approach, but also incorporates mindfulness and acceptance-based, humanistic, and multicultural principles. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the primary mechanism of change in counseling, and I focus on developing a strong working alliance through empathy, authenticity, acceptance, and validation.  I collaboratively work with clients to understand their subjective worldview and how developmental, interpersonal, and cultural factors have shaped their internal working models of self, others, and the world, as well as their relationship with emotions.  My primary aim as a therapist is to provide the client with corrective emotional experiences that allows them to develop more flexible internal working models and experiment with a more adaptive interpersonal style.  I also focus on helping clients learn how to respond to their emotions in a more flexible, accepting, and compassionate manner.  I view collaboration as an essential component of the therapeutic relationship, and I strive to empower clients to have an active role throughout the entire process.  My goal is to not only resolve the client’s current difficulties, but to do so in a way that leaves them feeling empowered and aware of their personal agency and ability to solve future problems. 

I consider myself to be a generalist and I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns.  However, I have developed special interest and training in the following areas: trauma, family of origin concerns, relational problems, body image and eating disorders, working with clients who identify as LGBTQ, concerns related to cultural diversity, and group counseling.  In addition to clinical work, I love engaging in outreach, program development, supervision, and teaching.

I view supervision as one of the most rewarding aspects of my job, and it is one of the primary reasons that I was drawn to a university counseling center.  My approach to supervision is consistent with my therapeutic style and I highly value the relationship that I form with supervisees.  In order for supervision to be effective, I believe that it is essential to create a safe, supportive, and validating relationship where supervisees feel comfortable being vulnerable, taking risks, exploring how their identities and prior experiences impact their clinical work, and identifying strengths and areas for growth.  I also strive to view my supervisees in a holistic manner and understand the multitude of developmental, cultural, and contextual factors that are shaping their worldview, personal lives, and professional identity.  Due to the power differential that is inherently present in a supervisory relationship, I strive to minimize this as much as possible and empower supervisees to take ownership of their training experience.  I also strive to meet supervisees where they are at and provide interventions and feedback that are appropriate for their developmental level.

Additionally, I emphasize the importance of self-care with all of my supervisees.  I think that it is extremely important for all counselors to learn how to set boundaries and find a good work-life balance.  Outside of SCS, you will find me spending time with my partner, young daughter, and dog.  We love spending time with family and friends, going to parks, traveling, cooking, trying new restaurants, working on home improvement projects, and spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.).