Matt Olson (he/Him)
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Tel: (510) 496 6002 ext. 19
Tel: (510) 496 6002 ext. 19
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“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.”
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Matt approaches therapy as a space of possibility. He offers a collaborative and imaginative container where healing, reflection, and change can unfold at a pace that honors the complexity of each client’s life. Grounded in patience, curiosity, and compassion, he sees therapy as a relationship where clients can safely explore the parts of themselves that often go unseen, unspoken, or unacknowledged.
Before beginning his path as a therapist, Matt gained experience in people-centered roles across a variety of professional settings. In those roles, he developed his skills in listening, attuning to others' needs, and supporting people through major life transitions. These experiences deepened his desire to move beyond surface-level interactions and into the meaningful, transformative work of therapy. He now brings that same sense of empathy, insight, and relational care into his clinical work.
Before beginning his path as a therapist, Matt gained experience in people-centered roles across a variety of professional settings. In those roles, he developed his skills in listening, attuning to others' needs, and supporting people through major life transitions. These experiences deepened his desire to move beyond surface-level interactions and into the meaningful, transformative work of therapy. He now brings that same sense of empathy, insight, and relational care into his clinical work.
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Matt’s style is trauma-informed, collaborative, and deeply relational. He draws from a blend of psychodynamic, Gestalt, liberation, and transpersonal approaches. His work invites clients to explore their relationships with others, with themselves, with society, and with the sacred; however they define it. He believes that when we begin to understand how past experiences, societal messages, and inner voices shape our present, we can start to reclaim our power, soften into self-compassion, and live more authentically.
Matt brings warmth, playfulness, and a grounded presence into the room. He believes that healing does not always have to be heavy. Moments of laughter and lightness are not only welcome but essential in navigating the complexity of life. At the same time, he holds a deep respect for the vulnerability and courage it takes to enter therapy and strives to meet his clients with respect, care, and honesty. |
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Whether unpacking early attachment wounds, processing trauma, navigating identity, or seeking to improve relationships, Matt supports his clients in becoming more attuned to their emotions, patterns, and inner wisdom. He is especially passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals, those exploring nontraditional relationships, and clients wrestling with questions of meaning, spirituality, and systemic oppression.
Matt works well with clients who are curious, reflective, and ready to explore both the pain and the possibility of being fully human. He sees therapy as a place not just to cope, but to grow. His work aims to expand each client's capacity for love, connection, and self-trust.
Clinical areas of interest:
Depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation
LGBTQ+ identity and self-acceptance
Relationship dynamics, including nontraditional structures
Trauma and attachment
Life transitions and identity development
Mindfulness and meaning-making
Matt Olson is currently a Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, working under the supervision of Jeanette (Jen) Shelby, LMFT #127144. He is pursuing his Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Integral Counseling Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC Davis.
Matt works well with clients who are curious, reflective, and ready to explore both the pain and the possibility of being fully human. He sees therapy as a place not just to cope, but to grow. His work aims to expand each client's capacity for love, connection, and self-trust.
Clinical areas of interest:
Depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation
LGBTQ+ identity and self-acceptance
Relationship dynamics, including nontraditional structures
Trauma and attachment
Life transitions and identity development
Mindfulness and meaning-making
Matt Olson is currently a Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, working under the supervision of Jeanette (Jen) Shelby, LMFT #127144. He is pursuing his Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Integral Counseling Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC Davis.
