Emma Olson, MA, LPC-pending

Kids (3-10), Adolescents (10-18), College, Young Adults

Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, ADHD, OCD, Bullying, Behavioral Issues, Friendship Struggles, Social Skills, Disordered Eating, Stressful Life Transitions, Troublesome Childhoods, Anger Management

Hello, my name is Emma! I grew up in Northbrook, IL and have been living in Chicago for the
past 2 years. I attended high school at Loyola Academy and received my undergraduate degree
from Miami University, majoring in psychology. From there, I attended The Chicago School of
Professional Psychology where I earned my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

My interest in becoming a therapist grew from an ongoing fascination with psychology
and the ways people think, feel, and make sense of their experiences. Studying psychology
gave me a deeper understanding of the human mind, but it also sparked a desire to do more
than just learn about people; I wanted to be someone who could sit with others in their
pain, help them uncover their strengths, and support them in creating meaningful change.

As a result, my desire to become a therapist strengthened during my time as a clinical intern at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook. Youth Services is a non-profit organization that provides individual and group therapy according to an activity-based treatment model. Here, I had the opportunity to work closely with children and adolescents navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. This experience solidified my passion for the field, as I witnessed the profound impact that a supportive and therapeutic relationship can have on a young person’s growth and resilience.

To me, counseling is a space for reflection and growth, where people feel seen, accepted, and
empowered to explore life’s challenges. When you work with me, you can expect a space where
you feel heard and valued. I strive to create an environment that feels safe, supportive, and non-judgmental, centering my approach on collaboration. I’m here to meet you where you are, honoring your pace and journey, while supporting you in stepping outside your comfort zone. Throughout our work together, my goal is to empower you as we navigate challenges and work toward meaningful change. And while therapy can be hard work, I also aim to instill fun, humor, and positivity into sessions, creating an environment where growth feels both meaningful and uplifting!

I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your unique
needs, drawing primarily from Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT). This means I prioritize building a strong and authentic relationship while also offering
practical tools to help you better understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are
connected. Together, we’ll find strategies that feel meaningful and helpful for you.

Children & Adolescents

Working with children is an incredibly rewarding part of my practice, as it feels like a unique privilege to be part of a child’s growth. I recognize that children may struggle with learning challenges, bullying, big emotions, or changes in the family. These experiences can affect their
confidence, behavior, and overall well-being.

However, it is not always easy for children to put their feelings into words. As a result, I create a safe space where children feel comfortable expressing themselves in ways that come naturally to them. In our sessions, I use playful and creative techniques such as therapeutic games, art, play therapy, and sand tray work to help children explore their emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen social connections. These approaches meet kids right where they are, helping them process what they’re going through in a way that feels engaging and developmentally appropriate.

Adolescence can be an incredibly challenging time full of change and uncertainty. As a teenager, I put a lot of pressure on myself to keep up with school, sports, and friendships. I was always trying to “do it all” which wasn’t easy! Looking back, I wish I had someone to help me sort through the stress and remind me that I didn’t have to have it all figured out. That’s why I am passionate about creating an open and non-judgmental space for teens today.

I deeply understand the complexities that come with this phase of life, such as puberty, identity formation, and navigating social pressures. When working with teens, my approach is collaborative and empowering. I work with teens to build self-confidence and healthy coping tools, while also helping them navigate the everyday stressors that come with being a teenager.

No two teens are the same, so I tailor our work to support who they are and where they’re at.

College & Young Adults

College can be an exciting time, but also one filled with pressure and major life transitions.

When I started college, I remember how disorienting it felt to leave behind the familiarity of home and how to belong in a new environment of people, routines, and expectations. Even though I was excited, it took time to find my rhythm and feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

College students are often faced with navigating this new transition, in addition to academic stress, friendships and relationships, or questioning their future direction. This makes it easy to feel overwhelmed. In our work together, I offer a supportive space where you can show up exactly as who you are. I help college students build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and find balance in their lives.

Together, we’ll explore what’s important to you and develop tools that help you feel more grounded, confident, and capable of handling what comes your way. As a young adult myself, I understand how challenging life after college can be. The “What now?” feeling is real.

After graduating college, I experienced firsthand the pressure to adjust to a new phase of life. In therapy, I support young adults through these transitions by helping them build self-confidence, manage stress, and make meaningful decisions about their careers, values, and personal lives. You don’t need all the answers to start. We’ll work together to clarify what matters to you and help you move forward to achieve fulfillment in your life.

For Fun…

Living in Chicago, you can usually find me exploring the city’s vibrant food scene. As a foodie, I am always on the hunt for new restaurants. Additionally, I enjoy spending time outdoors– whether walking along the lakefront with friends or playing beach volleyball in the summer, staying active helps me feel balanced. I especially love pilates, which has become one of my favorite ways to move, reset, and take care of my mind and body.

To schedule an appointment, Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com