CLINICAL INTERESTS
Individual, couple, and family therapy
Gender affirming
LGBTQIA+ experiences
ADHD and neurodiversity
Self-identity and self-discovery
Life transitions
Grief, loss, and trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Parenting
Erica (she/her/hers)
Hi, I’m Erica (she/her/hers)! Deciding to begin therapy can be a difficult first step, and I am so glad you are here exploring the possibility. Whether you are seeking support in processing past experiences, navigating challenges in the present, strengthening important relationships, or growing into the future you envision for yourself, I would be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.
My approach to therapy is grounded in humanistic, collaborative and systemic theories. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that therapy is a collaborative space where we can explore, make meaning, and create change together. I approach each client with curiosity, compassion, and care, recognizing that our identities and experiences are shaped by the families, cultures, communities, and systems in which we live.
I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that everyone is doing their best with the resources available to them and that growth is possible for everyone. My role is not to tell you who to be, but to support you in discovering what feels most authentic and meaningful to you. Humor and playfulness are also important parts of my therapeutic style. While therapy often involves engaging with difficult emotions and experiences, I believe moments of laughter, creativity, and lightness can be powerful tools for connection, resilience, and healing.
I am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, partnerships, and families. I aim to create an affirming and inclusive environment where clients can show up as their full selves. I value the unique strengths, challenges, and experiences that each person brings into the therapy room, and I enjoy helping clients deepen connection, navigate change, and foster greater understanding within themselves and their relationships.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and mountain biking (though in Iowa, “hill biking” might be a more accurate description!). You can also often find me curled up in my hammock with a good book, listening to music far too loudly, or spending time with my son, who continually reminds me of the joy, wonder, and beauty that come from being human.
To schedule an appointment with Erica please call the Olson MFT Clinic at (319) 368-6493, or note in the appointment form that you would like to see Erica. To access the form, please click the button below: