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About Me.

I am Emma Oliver, a licensed therapist in Florida and New York, and I specialize in trauma, mood disorders, and self-esteem. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped from both my education and personal experiences. I grew up in Vermont in a big, blended family after my parents divorced and remarried, so I understand the beauty and chaos that come with complex relationships. Sports were also a huge part of my life, and being on a team taught me the value of working together, a mindset I bring into my work with clients every day.

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People in my life, including clients, have asked why I became a therapist. I always tell them the same honest answer; "Because when I was younger, I had a therapist who saved my life." I really learned how to befriend discomfort, practice vulnerability, and radically accept things I could not change. This allowed me to find beauty and control within my own life. From my experience as the client, I learned that you can be both a human and a therapist in sessions. This allows the client to have a safe and successful therapeutic process. I keep things real, transparent, and when appropriate, a little humorous. Therapy with me is not about sitting stiffly across from each other while I nod and take notes. Instead, I hop in the boat with you, paddling together as a team. Both of us need to paddle in order to get to where you want to go. 

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When I am not working, I am usually with my fiancé, our foster child, and our little zoo of two dogs and two cats. My dogs go pretty much everywhere with me, and yes, they are just as spoiled as they sound. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I am committed to making therapy a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Whether through my work or just in everyday life, my goal is to help people create a life that feels worth living.

Education

Class of 2018

University at Buffalo,

The State University of New York

Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling. Focused on psychopathology in counseling.

Class of 2015

Clarkson University

Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology. Four year member of Varsity Women's Lacrosse team - NCAA DIII.

Experience

2023 - Present

Therapist, Oliver Psychotherapy LLC

Saint Petersburg, Florida

January 2022 - June 2023

Trauma Therapist, It Begins Within Healing Center LLC

Tampa, Florida

August 2021 - December 2022

Trauma/DBT Therapist, The Sanctuary Counseling LLC

Kenmore, New York

June 2018 - August 2021

DBT Therapist, Best Self Behavioral Health

Hamburg, New York

February 2021 - January 2022

Micro-Current Neurological Feedback Provider,

Mind & Body Family Health Center

Williamsville, New York

August 2017 - May 2018

Intern, Multi-systemic Therapy,

Catholic Charities

Niagra Falls, New York

August 2015 - May 2016

Community Support Worker,

Howard Center Mental Health

Burlington, Vermont

August 2015 - May 2016

Administrative Assistant, Methadone Clinic

Burlington, Vermont

June 2010 - August 2014

Camp Leader, Camp Dudly at Kiniya

Burlington, Vermont

May 2014 - August 2015

Investigator Intern,

Office of the Public Defender

Burlington, Vermont

After gaining years of experience in private practice, I founded Oliver Psychotherapy to prioritize autonomy, ethical practice, and a healthy work-life balance. I specialize in trauma-informed care, utilizing modalities such as EMDR, DBT, IFS, and other evidence-based approaches to address various mental health concerns. I meet weekly with a licensed mental health counselor certified in EMDR, DBT, and IFS for ongoing supervision and case consultation. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy in Florida and New York, tailoring treatment to each client’s symptoms, needs, and goals.

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To maintain my licensure in both states, I complete the required continuing education credits each year for each state. In addition to these mandatory credits, I actively pursue further education in my treatment specialties through non-required courses, reading clinical research and case studies, attending clinical presentations, and participating in relevant training sessions. This ongoing learning ensures I stay current with evolving therapeutic practices within my specialties. I manage a caseload of 25 clients per week, conducting one-hour sessions and producing clinical documents, including letters of recommendation, referrals, affidavits, and accommodation requests. I work closely with clients to foster strong therapeutic relationships, monitor progress, and adjust treatment plans as needed, while coordinating with external agencies and healthcare providers when necessary to provide comprehensive care.

In my role at a small group private practice, It Begins Within Healing Center, I was a therapist for individuals, couples, and families, utilizing EMDR, IFS, and other treatment modalities. I managed an active caseload of 20 clients per week and participated in case consultation with the other clinicians and supervision for further support when needed. I provided personalized care and treatments tailored to each client’s unique challenges and needs.

At The Sanctuary Counseling, I provided individual and family therapy to adolescents and adults, managing a caseload of 30 clients per week. I utilized a range of therapeutic modalities, including DBT, EMDR, CBT, grief therapy, and ACT, to address trauma, mental health challenges, and grief. My focus was on developing personalized treatment plans that prioritized each client’s unique needs and progress.

As a clinical therapist and DBT therapist on the comprehensive team at Best Self Behavioral Health, I conducted mental health screenings, evaluations, intakes, and assessments, and developed individualized treatment plans for clients aged 3 to 18. I provided individual, group, and family counseling. As a DBT therapist, I specialized in working with clients aged 12 to 18 who presented with more critical mental health diagnoses, such as Bipolar I & II, Borderline Personality Disorder/traits, and suicidal ideation and behaviors. I held weekly sessions with individual DBT clients, led DBT skills groups for both clients and their parents twice a week, and was on-call for phone coaching with DBT clients during evenings and weekends. Additionally, I participated in weekly DBT team consultations to discuss high-risk and stable DBT clients.

At Mind & Body Family Health Center, I administered micro-current neurological feedback to patients, utilizing low-impact electrical signals to help rewire and create new brain patterns. By reading neurological scans, I tailored treatment protocols to meet each patient’s specific needs. This type of treatment was crucial in promoting neurological healing and supporting mental health by addressing brain dysregulation, which can underlie various conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The effects of this approach often led to improved emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being. I prioritized creating a safe, supportive, and educational environment for patients, empowering them to actively engage in their healing process.

As a graduate student, I interned at Catholic Charities on their Multisystemic Therapy team, working with parents of youth exhibiting problematic and criminal behaviors. I utilized an evidence-based program to teach new parenting skills designed to reduce negative behaviors. My focus was on enhancing caregiver skills, strengthening family relationships, and improving youth engagement in school, vocational activities, and positive recreational pursuits. This approach was vital in fostering healthier family dynamics and promoting positive outcomes for both the parents and youth involved.

At the Howard Center, I provided individualized, one-on-one support to developmentally disabled individuals, focusing on enhancing daily living skills, promoting community inclusion, and offering behavioral support. My work centered around establishing rapport, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering independence while addressing the mental health needs of each individual. I implemented behavioral interventions and supported clients in developing coping skills, which contributed to their overall well-being and community integration.

As a clinical and lab assistant at the community Methadone Clinic, I was responsible for conducting intake assessments and patient histories, taking and monitoring patients’ vitals, and tracking results from daily lab results. I communicated regularly with the integrative care team to monitor patient progress and share patients’ lab results and treatment compliance. I supervised the medication dosing line, ensuring proper administration and adherence to treatment protocols, which was critical for maintaining patient safety. My role required strict attention to clinical guidelines, patient confidentiality, and effective collaboration to support clients in their recovery process.

During my tenure at Camp Dudley at Kiniya, I served as a counselor for a group of 8-10 adolescent girls, where I facilitated group therapy sessions on topics such as self-worth, the culture of being a woman, and personal growth. I used a therapeutic approach to help campers develop communication skills, foster meaningful friendships, and build self-respect. My work was guided by the camp's motto, "The Other Fellow First," which encouraged empathy, respect, and self-empowerment. This experience helped me cultivate an environment conducive to emotional development and resilience.

As an investigator intern at the Office of the Public Defender, I supported the legal team by conducting investigations related to client cases. I gathered and analyzed evidence, interviewed witnesses, and assisted in the preparation of case files, ensuring that all relevant information was accurately documented. This role required attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to upholding justice by providing critical support to the defense team.

Certifications & Trainings

  • Certified ADHD Professional for Evaluation and Diagnosis (2025)

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness (2025)

  • Licensed Foster Parent in the state of FL (2024)

  • Parents Resources Information Development Education (PRIDE), Foster Care (2024)

  • Trust-Based Relational Interventions (2024)

  • Certified Trauma Professional (2024)

  • Licensed to practice Mental Health Counseling in FL (2023)

  • Grief and Loss Therapy (September 2022)

  • The Gottman Method (2022)

  • Licensed to practice Mental Health Counseling in NY (2021)

  • EMDR (2021)

  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) (2021)

  • LGBTQ Trained Provider (2021)

  • Micro-current Neurological Feedback, IASIS (2021)

  • Grief and Loss Therapy (September 2022)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Certification (2019)

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2018)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety (2018)

  • Motivational Interviewing (2018)

  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TSI) (2018)

  • Enough Abuse (2018)

  • Multisystemic Therapy (August 2017)

Awards & Activities

  • Excellence in Psychology Award – Awarded in Spring 2015 at Clarkson University for applying real-world situations to work experience in the Psychology Department’s thesis paper requirement.

  • 4-year member of Clarkson University’s Women’s Lacrosse team

  • 2-year member of the LGBTQ+ Kickball league

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