About Alair


A little bit about my journey...

I grew up in San Diego, finished high school in Pasadena and went to college in Santa Barbara.  Somewhere along the way, I realized that I love hearing people's stories and walking alongside them as they grow and transform into who they are purposed to be.  After college, I moved back to San Diego and shortly thereafter began attending Bethel Seminary to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy.  Since that time, I have gained experience working with grief and loss, children and adults, chronic mental illness, trauma, conflict and pain; ultimately, I learned the importance of "home" and how we all crave a place to feel safe, accepted, and known amongst trustworthy companions. 

 

Since beginning my private practice in 2013, I have worked with a variety of clients who are all longing for a new home:  from couples entering into marriage or contemplating divorce, families with children of all ages, individuals struggling with loved ones to wanting a loved one, and helping professionals who are carrying the burden of supporting others.  With each and every client who walks into my office, my desire is to remind them that they are not alone and to host a space that creates more restoration, wholeness and hope.

A little more about my work...

Qualifications

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFC#86504)
  • AAMFT Approved Supervisor
  • ICEEFT Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor-in-Training
  • ICEEFT Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Certified Therapist
  • Registered Play Therapist
  • EMDR trained
  • Certified Spiritual Director, Theodyssey
  • M.A., Marital & Family Therapy, Bethel Seminary San Diego
  • B.A., Communication Studies, Westmont College

Current Experience

  • Owner of Alair Olson Therapy

Previous Experience

  • Adjunct Faculty, Bethel Seminary San Diego 
  • Clinical Supervisor, Hannah's House
  • Contractor, Pacific Coast Mediation
  • Treatment Coordinator, Alvarado Parkway Institute Outpatient Services
  • Counselor, Point Loma Nazarene University
  • Counselor, San Diego Hospice & The Institute for Palliative Medicine
  • Intern Chaplain, San Francisco General Hospital

And a little personal note.

 

 

 I am the grateful wife of a remarkable husband and we are the proud owners of two golden retrievers named Reagan and Teddy (yes, after the Presidents).  I am a lover of all things wilderness, backcountry and outdoors; my husband and I are Wilderness First Responders and my dream is to one day become a National Park Ranger (yes, I'm totally serious).  I can't get enough time in the garden, football in the fall, coffee when it's good (or even when it's bad, actually), and a good meal with great friends.

 

Come on in- how can I help?

Some different options about where we can start

Couple's Therapy

 

Learning why we feel disconnected, and creating new ways of being with each other

Individual Therapy

 

Discovering and developing what it's like to have a relationship with yourself

Family Therapy

 

Finding out why we don't get along, and figuring out how we can be a family 

Play Therapy

 

Helping kids use play to feel safe and strong, especially when bad things happen



sit and stay a while

Some thoughts I share on "Rooted + Grounded"

 

 

The New Normal | Do I Want to Go Back?

 

 "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." - Rumi


in the neighborhood

Some helpful resources in the nearby and virtual community

  National Child Traumatic

Stress Network

Talking with Kids + Teens When Scary

Things Happen

 

These resources offer guidance on talking with children and youth when scary things happen. This fact sheet includes information on checking in with yourself, clarifying your goal, providing information, reflecting, asking helpful questions, going slow, labeling emotions, validating, and reducing media exposure. 


 

Alair Olson, M.A.

 Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#86504)

858.634.0302 | therapy@alairolson.com