Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Olson.
Hi Ella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have enjoyed working with children since I was in high school, my first jobs included being a nanny, and working at after school and summer programs. I find children to be beautiful reflections of their own worlds with an innate ability to look for moments of joy. I initially wanted to be a teacher, but after working in schools decided that was not the right track for me. My elective college courses were all psychology classes so I put the two together and moved towards becoming a therapist. I continued working with children in various settings through graduate school, including therapeutic schools and behavioral health clinics. I finished graduate school in 2008 and moved forwards with the license process. This lead me to the most challenging and most rewarding roles as a community based therapist, working with kids and families who needed the most support. I completed my 3,000 hours of supervised experience and passed two exams and (finally) became licensed in 2012.
My role continued by working in schools and therapy clinics, always with children and families. I believe I have a natural gift and ability to connect with parents who want support as well as to connect with children at their individual level. It is an honor to be included as a helper in their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I moved to Los Angeles for graduate school and it was difficult navigating full time work and night school while learning how to exist in a large city. I am incredibly proud of my ability to work through that and accomplish my goal.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ella Olson Family Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private therapy practice in Gresham, Oregon. I specialize in play based child therapy for children ages 3-11, Often the children I work with are experiencing significant anxiety, fears or trauma. Some are adjusting to life changes and others are struggling in school or with friendships. I provide consistent caregiver support while their child is in therapy, as I believe this is a collaborative process.
There are not many therapists who specialize in this age range and are experienced in Child Centered Play Therapy. This is a high need for many reasons, including lack of support and resources in schools, community and life stressors for families as well as the lasting impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on young children’s development. I am passionate about early intervention, setting up children for success in their futures.
I help children and their caregiver develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, maintain healthy relationships and achieve success in school and other areas.
How many times do adults come across a child that “just won’t talk”? Children process their words and learn through play. The brain of a young child is still developing problem solving, language and communication and emotional regulation. It is amazing to see how children can freely express themselves through play, art, imagination and freedom of expression. I offer a low pressure experience so that they can open up at their own pace and in the way they are able to.
I believe that children are vastly misunderstood and I sometimes function as an “interpreter” to help those around support them
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting my business (Summer of 2025) was a huge risk, one that I had been considering for years. I hesitated as I am the sole provider for my family and there is not much of a safety net. Despite there being a high need for these services, the changes made to medicaid and insurance last year limited the providers who could serve families using the is resource., including myself. My business model had included working with these families.
This abruptly changed my business plan, leading to my changing my focus from a full time practice to this being a part time adjunct to another job. I had to back out of a lease and was delayed in using other insurance panels, which added to financial burden. I am not generally a risk taker but I have always been determined and committed to my goals and commitments. It takes a lot for me to give up and I believe this is the right thing for me.
dI had the support of friends, family and surrounding professional community which made this feel more possiblle. I think that taking a risk in isolation can be even more overwhelming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EllaOlsonTherapy.com
