Olivia Skal
LPC Graduate Student Intern
Serving adults, teens and children
(971) 238-4913
Philosophy and Approach
When someone asks about my favorite parts of the day, my mind usually goes to the moments when I was able to meaningfully connect with another person. Something powerful happens when we are able to honestly share ourselves with someone who is attuned and reflectively listening. In moments like these there is often a level of healing, relief, and deeper knowledge gained about oneself. Regardless of where you find yourself or what you are facing, I look forward to connecting with you. As a counselor, I am trained and look forward to meeting with adults, teens, and children. My approach to counseling is eclectic as I operate from an integrative person-centered approach that utilizes cognitive-behavior, solutions-focused, psychodynamic, and somatic aspects. This means that I am interested in addressing all the parts of you - your thoughts, memories, emotions, actions, relationships, and physical health. Whether walking through grief, loss, difficult transitions, depression, anxiety, relational strife, or more, I will take seriously every aspect of your story, holding it with great care.
Coming to counseling can be intimidating as it necessitates an investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. I commend you for taking this step to invest in yourself and I believe it will have ripple effects into every aspect of your life. As your counselor, it is my goal to create a spacious and secure environment for you to safely process all you need. Together, we will work towards holistic health, achieving your goals, and ultimately sending you back into the world with greater strength and understanding.
Education, Training, and Experience
I am a graduate student in the mental health counseling program at Western Seminary in Portland, OR with a degree anticipated in April 2025. Completed coursework includes training in ethical practice, human development, helping relationships, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, adolescents, diagnosis, assessment, family and child/youth counseling, addiction counseling, career counseling, and suicide intervention. Previously I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Geneva College in Western Pennsylvania.
I have 10 years of experience working with people in the non-profit ministry sector. My time there consisted of working with children and youth, as well as adult leaders. My experience here revealed a passion in me to come alongside those leading and helping people (parents, small group leaders, ministry workers, business leaders, etc.) as they often feel stretched too thin with much pressing for their attention.
Supervision
As an LPC graduate intern, I am working towards becoming a Registered Associate with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. As such, I abide by its Code of Ethics. I am currently receiving supervision under Dr. Michelle Engblom-Deglmann, Ph.D., LMFT (OR and CA), License #T1004. I will be sharing information from our sessions, including recording sessions, with my supervisor for evaluation and feedback to ensure I am providing quality care to you. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this aspect of our work together.
Fees and Policies
The standard fee for a 50-minute session is $100, and an 80-minute session is $150. Payment is via credit card and collected through our online health system. In the event you need to cancel your session, please contact me within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment to avoid being charged for the session.
