Olivia Lavelle, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Olivia!

I’m an EMDR certified therapist who helps high-achieving, emotionally exhausted adults move beyond surface-level coping. My work integrates EMDR, parts-based therapy, and nervous-system regulation to address anxiety, perfectionism, and unresolved relational trauma at the root.

My focus

I specialize in working with high-functioning, hyper-independent adults who feel stuck in overthinking, people-pleasing, or perfectionism. Many grew up having to “be strong” emotionally and now struggle with anxiety, shame, or burnout despite appearing successful.

My approach

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed. I use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), and body-based nervous system regulation to help clients understand emotional patterns, release stored trauma, and develop emotional intelligence. We focus on lasting change, not just insight.

My communication style

My style is warm, grounded, and direct. Sessions feel emotionally safe, collaborative, and honest. I help clients slow down, connect with their bodies, and make sense of emotional responses without judgment. Clients often describe feeling deeply seen and gently challenged

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist out of a deep belief that healing happens when people feel emotionally understood, not fixed. I’m driven by helping clients break long-standing patterns, build self-trust, and experience real relief and not just temporary coping strategies.

My goals for you

Goal-setting is collaborative and flexible. We identify what clients want to feel, not just what they want to stop doing. Goals evolve as nervous system safety increases, ensuring progress feels sustainable rather than forced or overwhelming.

Our first session

The first session focuses on understanding your story, current stressors, and what’s feeling most heavy right now. We move at a pace that feels safe, clarify goals, and begin creating emotional stability so therapy feels supportive and not destabilizing.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American, Biracial or Multiracial

Expertise

Treatment approaches

EMDR

Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

+ 4 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Olivia Lavelle