Stephanie Olano

About Stephanie Olano, LMFT

Therapy For Adults Online Across California

Hi, I'm Stephanie Olano. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults who have difficulty calming down. My goal is to help you stop getting burnt out and start encouraging you to see healing and transformation.

My Journey To Becoming A Therapist

I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I'm human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have primarily worked as a school-based therapist in Peninsula and South Bay neighborhoods. I was the person you talked to if a teacher caught you crying, or there was a concern for your safety because you wrote a very personal and dark poem in English class. Or maybe you were caught smoking a little “something-something” in the bathroom. I loved doing school-based work, except for the 8 am start time.

I knew on day one of grad school that I wanted to work with teens and young adults. I find the age demographic fascinating and vital in a person’s development. It also helps that I understand the expectations of a typical teen and young adult nowadays. School stress, social norms, identity questions, and self-esteem issues are just a few examples of how life can get derailed for anyone in these age groups. And I don’t judge my client for not knowing how to solve their problems. I won’t shame them about making bonehead decisions. Instead, I sit with my client and try my best to understand them. I show them compassion and patience until we figure ways to get unstuck together.

I also offer an authentic, respectful, brutally honest, and non-judgment environment. I will work with you to develop your coping skills, set healthy boundaries, and learn effective communication skills.

My life experiences are what lead me to become the Therapist I am today.

Helping People Is What I Look Forward To Every Day

Being a Therapist is inspiring. I love guiding people towards figuring stuff out and watching them transform their lives. The most rewarding thing about being a Therapist is seeing a person walk away lighter, more free, and excited about their life.

I am committed to encouraging you to see healing and transformation.

I Have Empathy For Others And Bring An Open Mind And Flexibility In World Views To Sessions

I have a natural ability to:

• Help people identify what they are feeling
• Help people feel comfortable
• Be flexible on the path of discovering what's going on
• Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances

People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can help people feel heard and understood which helps people feel seen and start to heal.

Our Sessions Are Focused On You

Sessions will provide you with the space to be yourself. In feeling safe and comfortable, you'll be able to be yourself and check in with yourself.

It's important to me to create safety within session and stay open to any feedback and questions you may have. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to Therapy. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.

As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies

• I believe that you deserve to feel better
• I believe that there is no shame in asking for help
• I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit
• I believe that taking care of yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the world
• I believe that sometimes small steps in the right direction end up being the biggest steps in the end

My Professional Background

My focus is on providing a culturally responsive and compassionate approach. I stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in Latinx mental health and actively seek to promote anti-racist, decolonized mental health, and sensitivity in my practice. I provide a safe and inclusive place to talk about topics vital to you.

Let’s Discover How I Can Help

Start feeling better and have more energy. Get your free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can explore how I can help.  I'm here for you.

Credentials
California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #118386

Education

M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Palo Alto University (2014)
B.A., St. Mary’s College (Integral Studies) (2010)

Training & Certifications
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Certified Facilitator in Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment (MBSAT) for Adolescents.s
Strength-based Treatment Planning
Completed a workshop in CBT for youth by the Beck Institute.

What I've Done
Since 2013 I have provided mental health services to at-risk teens, young adults, LGBTQQ+ youth, Latinx, and multicultural family systems.
I have worked in three non-profit agencies providing individual, family, and substance abuse counseling to teens and young adults.
I have provided therapy in a school setting for teens in various high schools in San Mateo County.