AMY OLSON

                   

Change happens over time, in a process, oriented in a relationship.

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You are probably reading this because you are hurting and need some help. Most of us get to this place, at some point...if we are truly living.

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And now you are ready to be curious about yourself. To ask yourself difficult questions. To take action. 

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For 25 years, I have been a psychotherapist based in the Triangle area. I practice contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy.  Together, we work to forge a secure, authentic relationship in which you can develop new ideas about yourself, others, and relationships. In therapy, you can examine less understood, conflicted aspects of yourself - parts of you that may be isolated, angry, avoidant, sad, or chaotic and self-destructive. In my office, no topic or emotion is taboo.

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Psychotherapy is about the maturing of the human heart, not just symptom reduction.

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What is it like to work with me?

Well, hopefully pretty natural, all things considered. I don’t apply "techniques" or attempt to solve your problems. However, with good treatment, you will likely find relief from symptoms and begin to see solutions to your problems.

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My style of therapy reflects how humans have always interacted: we sit and have a conversation. But therapy is a very special kind of conversation. One that has the potential, over time, to balance the mind and body.

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And I understand what it is like to be on your side of the couch. I've undergone extensive and intensive psychoanalysis & psychotherapy. This helps me to understand, reflect, and challenge thoughtfully and respectfully.

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Musings...

I live with my family in the Triangle area. A true believer in the integration of mind and body in healing, I maintain daily meditation & embodiment practices. Although I grew up on the southeast coast of Florida, my tastes are truly Southern. Chicken and Dumplings from Lucky 32 in Cary make me very happy. My favorite place for a long weekend is NYC -  Central Park and street food never gets old!  If you checked my Spotify account, you would discover my passion for cover songs - the bigger the stretch the better. Who knew Jay Z or Zeppelin could sound so good covered by a piano and cello?

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Education & Certifications

Graduate of the Eating Disorders, Compulsions & Addictions Program, William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis and Psychology, NYC

Graduate of the Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program, William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis and Psychology, NYC

Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Basic Training, Harvard's McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA

Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy, International Psychotherapy Institute, MD

Certificate in Medical Cannabis, Allegra Learning Solutions @ Western Carolina University

Dancing Mindfulness Certification, Institute for Creative Mindfulness

Approved Consultant, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals

Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals 

MSW, Social Work, Florida State University

MS, Physical Education and Athletic Administration, Eastern New Mexico University

BS, Health Education, Florida State University

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Affiliations

American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work​

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals

Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas

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Awards

American Psychoanalytic Association Teachers Academy Fellowship 2016

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Speaking Engagements

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals NC Chapter

Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas

Metropolitan Society of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists

North Carolina National Association of Social Workers 

Carolina House Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Holly Hill Psychiatric Hospital

American Association of Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work

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