AMY OLSON
Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Change happens over time, in a process, oriented in a relationship.
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.
And now you are ready to be curious about yourself. To ask yourself difficult questions. To take action.
For 24 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 where you can create new ideas about yourself, people, and relationships. In therapy, you can examine less understood, conflicted aspects of yourself - parts of you that may be isolated, angry, avoidant, sad or are chaotic and self-destructive.
Psychotherapy is about the maturing of the human heart, not just symptom reduction.
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, in good treatment, you probably will find symptom relief, and you will begin to see your own solutions to your problems.
My style of therapy reflects the way 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.
Musings...
I live in the Triangle area with my husband and two children. 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?
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, 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 Supervisor, 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
Affiliations
American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas
Psychophysiological Disorders Association
Vestibular Disorder Association
Awards
American Psychoanalytic Association Teachers Academy Fellowship 2016
Publications
Chrome & Creativity: Expressive Pole Dance, Embodiment and Psychic Change, 2023 (available on Amazon)
Speaking Engagements
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
UNC School of Social Work