Elana is not currently accepting new clients. She is in-network with: PEHP, EMI, Select Health, United/UMR, HMHI-BHN, and University of Utah (Healthy Preferred or Healthy Premier).
My name is Elana Olson, and I am the founder of Green Willow Counseling. I specialize in working with adult survivors of childhood trauma. I work with individuals seeking relief from post-traumatic stress and other trauma-related diagnosis. I have specific experience with sexual trauma, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, attachment and life-adjustment concerns. I also have several years of experience working with teens and young adults struggling with mood disorders, family dynamics, coping skills, and emotional dysregulation. I provide a peaceful and supportive environment to explore past traumas, discuss current concerns, and plan for a more fulfilling future. I believe that each of us has the capacity for healing and growth, and that within us we contain the answers for a more joyful life.
I use trauma informed and spiritually-guided modalities in my practice. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) which is evidenced-based and has proven tremendously effective in providing relief from trauma-related disorders. I am also trained in TF-CBT, which provides a narrative approach to healing. I implement mindfulness, guided meditation and other spiritually-based modalities to strengthen a sense of safety and calm. I believe that each of us has a compassionate, wise, and intuitive part of us that guides us towards healing and growth.
Please keep in mind that I do not offer substance abuse treatment at this time. If you currently use recreational drugs and/or drink alcohol to excess, this will impact your ability to process trauma and we may need to refer you elsewhere. In this case it is important that you receive care by a trained professional that understands the complexities of addiction and trauma reprocessing.
Often the decision to face the past is daunting — we can take the journey at your own pace and decide together when you are ready to reprocess the trauma itself. I will also teach you calming techniques aimed to bring relief and peace in your daily life.
After graduating from the University of Utah with a Masters of Social Work, I worked for a small mental health agency in West Valley where I worked primarily with youth and adults of the Latino community. Previously, I spent five years in teen residential programs in Utah County and I hope to continue my work with the adolescent age group at Green Willow.
I have spent time in a variety of countries and different cultures, including several years in Latin-America (Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) where I learned Spanish. If you are Latina/o I provide a multicultural lens through which to understand your experience and unique challenges. I grew up in Massachusetts and Florida before moving to Utah as a young adult. I am a full time mom in addition to my work as a therapist. I love the outdoors and nature. I believe that living an active and balanced life impacts the way we feel internally and in turn how we relate to the world. Please feel free to reach out via call, text or e-mail so that I can answer any questions and/or concerns you might have. I wish you peace and guidance on your healing journey and hope that I can provide you the safe space to explore whatever your next step may be.
Business Consulting
I am accepting new business consulting clients. I am deeply passionate about helping women create a thriving therapy business. I believe we can help others, do what we love, and make money! We can let go of the mentality that it’s somehow wrong to be financially successful in the helping industry. We can be amazing clinicians and make decent money! Often this means going into business for yourself. I believe the Universe wants to help us succeed. This means that we can literally be guided in the creation of our business or in the expansion of it!
If you are looking for guidance on how to begin both from an emotional and/or structural standpoint, I would love to consult with you in that journey. I take a spiritual and practical approach to helping you create the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.
Below, I have listed some of my the things I love about having my own business:
Setting my own schedule that works with my life
Being a full time mom and a part time therapist
Creating the culture in my practice both for myself and for employees
Being paid what my time is worth
Feeling less stressed
Increased focus and attunement in session
Traveling more with my family and friends
Having more energy for other creative endeavors
Please contact me for more information whether you are just starting or looking to grow your practice by hiring other clinicians.