THE OLSON
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY CLINIC

Ava (she/her/hers)

CLINICAL INTERESTS

Children /adolescents

 LGBTQIA+

 Individual, couple, & Family Therapy  Women’s issues

 Intimate partner violence

Sexual trauma

Substance abuse

Self-discovery

"To engender empathy and create a world using only words is the closest thing we have to magic” – Lin Manuel Miranda

Ava is a Cedar Rapids native who moved back to the area after living in rural Iowa for 6 years and finishing high school at North Fayette Valley in West Union, Iowa. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. She has experience working with many ages as a nanny, a direct support supervisor for dependent adults, and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her interest in becoming a therapist began in high school as she spear-headed the mental health awareness program at her school. She is entering her second year at Mount Mercy University’s Marriage and Family Program. Her therapeutic interests include systemic thinking, attachment wounds and theory, solution-focused approaches, and narrative approaches.

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Ava believes that everyone should have access to therapeutic services and deserves a kind-hearted, compassionate, and empathetic therapist, which she aims to be. Ava aims to cultivate a non-judgmental environment for all walks of life by being open-minded. She looks forward to connecting with humans in need of assistance and is motivated to help others grow. Therapy should be a safe place for all. Ava will use a collaborative approach to therapy as the client should have a voice in their treatment plan. Also, she hopes to build rapport with clients and work side by side with them as a team.

In Ava’s free time, she spends time with her dog (Willow), friends, and family. She enjoys singing, podcasts, reading, yoga, and watching TV. She enjoys nature walks, kayaking, and pickleball (a newfound hobby) as outdoor activities.