Dr. Joseph Olvera, PsyD, LMFT
Hello, I’m Dr. Joseph Olvera, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, based in Southern California. With over 12 years of experience in the field of mental health, I specialize in working with individuals, including children and families, who have experienced trauma or deal with depression, anxiety, parent-child relational issues, and more.
My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in both theory and clinical practice. This, combined with my extensive training, allows me to approach therapy with a deep understanding of human behavior and relationship dynamics.
Veteran Owned & Operated
I proudly served in the United States Navy as a Master at Arms while starting a family of my own. Today, I use this experience to inform my work with active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. I am passionate about helping military families adjust to the challenges that come along with being a military family.
My Approach
I use a combination of Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in exploring how they can build the skills necessary to make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe the client has the potential within themselves to uncover strengths they didn't know they had. I also use Mindfulness to help people gain awareness and insights into their own experiences. This can help in noticing the subtle judgments they place on themselves and how this shapes the lens they see the world through.
My Focus
My specialties are working with individuals, including children and families, who have experienced trauma. I also work with a variety of other issues, including depression, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, parent-child relational issues, attachment issues, and many more.
My Communication Style
My goal is to be as real as possible with clients, so authenticity and genuineness are important to me. I strive to meet people where they are, without judgment, and foster an environment where people feel safe in expressing themselves.
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
When I was young, I always knew I wanted to work within a profession where I was helping people in a deep and meaningful way. This led me to a career in the field of community mental health, where I worked with at-risk youth in a variety of settings. I loved the idea that I could help someone discover parts of themselves that were always there, but they never realized they could use to solve their own problems. I'm just there listening - I'm present in the moment with my clients.
My Goals for You
Goals can be as big or as small as you’d like, and they are always a collaborative effort. Sometimes clients come with clear goals in mind, while other times they may need guidance in identifying what they want to work toward. Regardless of where you start, I am fully committed to supporting you in achieving those goals, whatever they may be.
My first session with you
I begin by understanding the issues from your perspective, asking questions that help me see the world through your eyes. By the end of our first session, I usually have a clear sense of the primary challenges you’re facing, so we can start working together to address them. My hope is that, by the time you leave, you’ll feel supported and reassured, knowing that you’re not alone on this journey.
I invite you to reach out for a consultation, where we can discuss how I can best support you in achieving your goals and moving forward in your life.