EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Counseling, Regis University, Denver
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Columbia College, Chicago
CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
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Licensed Professional Counselor with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
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Member, American Counseling Association (ACA); ethical body for mental health counselors
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Child Advocate (CFI), Colorado Judicial System
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Trained Mediator, Phoenix Strategies
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Member, Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee (MDIC); for professionals working with families and children in a legal setting
Julia Olson, MA, LPC
My journey began in 2006, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in fine art and looking for ways to use my artistic background to work with people. Initially I became a preschool teacher at a creative-curriculum school. As an artist and educator, I was struck by how my students embodied a natural gift for play and creativity, and I enjoyed cultivating that gift in my classroom. My students were curious, brave, exploratory, and played freely into each unfolding of their days. I soon came to believe that if this intrinsic creative drive is fostered in an educational environment, then true learning can thrive.
In 2012, after several years of teaching, painting, and writing, I began my master's in Community Counseling at Regis University in Denver — operating under the same belief that creativity promotes learning and growth. What I found through my training in mental healthcare, personal experience with psychotherapy, and ongoing relationships with my adult clients, is that the therapeutic process is a wonderfully creative and transformative one.
My early practical experience involved conducting individual and group therapy with at-risk youth and supportive family members and serving as peer support for children and families grieving the death of a loved one. While this earlier work was challenging, helping children who had been abused or who had lost a parent or sibling to death, I will never forget the relationships that I forged. Through this work I learned that I am most passionate about helping and supporting adults who have experienced adversity as young children.
Now, as a private practitioner, I enjoy the process of working collaboratively with all different types of people to uncover meaningful paths towards wellbeing. While my approach is primarily integrative — I draw from different therapeutic modalities and areas of expertise to fit the unique experiences, personalities, and needs of my diverse clients — I am strongly influenced by Jungian Psychology. Jungian Theory recognizes the arts and free expression as a valuable part of healing. I have knowledge in the areas of depression, anxiety, social fears/anxiety, addiction, anger, confidence, parenting, and relationship difficulties. My side-work involves advocating for children whose parents are in court disagreeing over custody rights.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions about my background and approaches. I look forward to hearing from you.