Denise A. Olson, Psy.D.,
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Denise joined Alliance in August, 2009. She enjoys working within a wide range of contexts, including individual therapy with children, adolescents, emerging adults and adults, as well as family therapy. Denise is also able to provide comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational testing services for children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of special clinical interest include children with emotional and behavioral issues including anxiety issues, bipolar disorder, and life adjustment issues, including grief and loss. She specializes in working with the parents of children with behavioral and emotional needs. Denise is passionate about working with issues of self-identity, self-confidence, and relationship issues. In addition, Denise values the importance of working with issues of faith and spirituality when these issues naturally emerge within the context of therapy.
"My goal as a therapist is to help my clients move toward health and wholeness. Life's challenges sometimes cause us to lose hope. I stress the concept of hope, and believe new strategies can be learned in order to change and grow. I believe the best outcomes in therapy are often determined by the quality of the connection between therapist and client. Therefore, my role is to create a safe, authentic, confidential space where clients can feel safe to look at the obstacles confronting them and feel empowered and supported as they move toward greater health and wholeness. I consider it a profound gift to work with individuals and families within these spaces."
Denise received her master's degree and doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Wheaton College. She completed her clinical psychology residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This experience allowed her opportunity to provide psychological testing services in both an outpatient setting and on an acute care inpatient unit for children and adolescents.
Denise's previous work as an elementary school teacher and principal has given her a solid foundation for working with children and their families, as well as collaborating and consulting with schools. Her scholarly interests include child/adolescent issues, support for families with special needs children, emerging adulthood issues, faith integration and church collaboration.
Denise can be reached at
(630) 653-2300 ext. 201.