Hi. I'm Jen Olson (She/her). I am a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with people who are doing their best to cope with overwhelming situations. My focus is working with people who have experienced trauma in their lifetime, or negative relationships in childhood with parents or caregivers. Trauma and negative early childhood experiences can be related to issues with depression, anxiety, substance issues, feelings of self worth, and relationship issues. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from Dalhousie University (2010) and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary (2000). I am a Clinical Social Worker registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and an EMDR Consultant-in-Training. EMDR is an evidence-based, effective therapy for trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and other issues. I have other training as well, including Internal Family Systems, Ego State Therapy, narrative and other short-terms therapies, as well as attachment-based therapies like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT--Sue Johnson) . I regularly consult with experts in the field of EMDR, complex trauma and early childhood attachment. I'm committed to anti-oppressive work and look at life through an intersectional lens.

 

On a personal level, I was drawn to the north since I was young. I feel incredibly grateful to have lived in the north for the past 20 years, both in the Northwest Territories, working with the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ people, as well as the Yukon, predominantly with Kwanlin Dun First Nation. I wanted to live in the mountains because I love nature. I grew up in Saskatchewan camping and canoeing with my family. Hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the times when I feel most alive. I have three kids, some of whom have chronic conditions and are neurodivergent. Parenting, finding a balance between family, work, and myself is something that I navigate on a daily basis. For me what works is to keep life as simple as possible, while still being out in nature as much as I can.