Welcome to Olive Branch Counseling Services
Kristin Oliver is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who offers individual therapy, family and couples therapy, group therapy, and private classes.
Serving clients located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida through online therapy.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves. ”
Philosophy and Practice
I have always enjoyed helping people that needed guidance or support. This same passion led me to mental health as a career where I use empathy, compassion, and problem-solving skills to help others find balance in their lives.
My approach is eclectic and will vary based on your needs. I prefer solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and existential and humanistic approaches.
I believe you are the expert in the room, and I am brought along to be part of your growth and healing journey. The most important factor for predicting a positive outcome in therapy is the relationship between us and the rapport we establish.
To me, therapy is about becoming your authentic self and, by doing this, living your best life. Sessions will focus on increasing insight, establishing healthy coping skills or ‘tools for your toolbox’ that can be used daily and achieving goals. We will often set goals to be worked on outside of our sessions to keep the momentum going.
Together, we will work to increase space in your life to become your authentic self, have more fulfilling connections to others, increase self-care and allow yourself periods of grace on this journey.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and adjustment to challenging life transitions (i.e., pregnancy, retirement, parenthood, college, relationships, and career moves).
What to expect at your first session
First, take a deep breath; it is OK to feel anxious and/or nervous. The uneasiness and worry you might feel about starting the therapy are common first-session jitters.
When you arrive at your first session with me, we’ll begin with introductions, and I will go over all the information I need to share during our first session. During this, I will give you a chance to ask me questions about myself, my clinical experience, and my work history. My goal is to build a strong relationship with you during our time together, so if there is something you need clarity on or simply something you wish to know more about me, ask!
Next, we will review the preliminary intake documentation, including my practice policies, session fees, cancellation policies, confidentiality agreements, and other essential details. These documents are provided in advance to review before our first session.
Following this, I will ask the same question I ask all my clients “ why now? What made you finally schedule this first appointment”? We will discuss what has made you seek counseling, what symptoms (if any) you are feeling, and your main goals while attending therapy. The first few sessions will be the most information-heavy of all therapy sessions. They will likely include discussing your childhood, family, work, and relationship history as I learn more about you and your life.
By this point, we will have spent our first hour together! We will schedule your next appointment as long as you feel that the session was helpful and that you felt a positive connection. That said, it is essential not to feel like you are stuck with me if I am the first (or second) therapist you have seen. No therapist can be the perfect fit for every client. Let the experience and our initial interaction advise you on whether you wish to continue with my services or seek someone else; I will talk more about this on day one!
Why Online Therapy?
Online therapy is a valuable resource that has significantly expanded since the beginning of COVID-19. It decreases barriers and is convenient; research has shown it is as effective as an in-office visit.
Click the link below for more information about online therapy.
Education and Professional Development
Years in Practice: 12 Years
Licenses:
LMHC New York
LMHC Florida
CASAC-M New York
Certifications:
Eriksonian Hypnosis and Brief Psychotherapy
SBIRT-Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
SMART Recovery Facilitator
Compassion Fatigue Professional
Professional Development:
Motivational interviewing, Advanced Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-informed care, Counseling for LGBTQI, Clinical Supervision, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
Education:
Sage Graduate School, MA Counseling and Community Psychology 2014
State University of New York at Cortland, Recreation & Leisure Studies, 2004