Anissa Olona

B.A. in Psychology and Sociology with minor in Solidarity and Social Justice, Gonzaga University 

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University – Los Angeles 

Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University – Los Angeles

Hi! My name is Anissa (Uh-Knee-Suh; she/her), and I strive to create a collaborative, supportive space where students feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. I believe the best therapy happens when we build a relationship based on trust, honesty, and a little bit of humor when it's needed.

My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy. In simpler terms, I help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected while also exploring how past experiences and long-standing patterns may be influencing your life today. I also take a multicultural and developmental approach, recognizing that our identities, cultures, relationships, and life experiences all shape who we are. 

I especially enjoy working with students navigating interpersonal and relationship concerns, processing trauma, exploring body image and self-confidence, or struggling with disordered eating/eating disorders.

I am a doctoral intern in the Eating Disorder Emphasis and am incredibly passionate about the mind-body connection. I feel especially strong about the inclusion of a multicultural lens when working with food and body image concerns. My dissertation focuses on the experience of disordered eating amongst Mexican American women and am more than happy to discuss this topic at any time! Clinically, I have experience working in in-patient psychiatric hospital eating disorder units, community mental health, and undergraduate counseling centers. Personally, I am originally from Los Angeles and can usually be found at a concert, taco stand, or coffee shop. I am a lover of books (specifically thriller novels), reality tv (Bachelor is my favorite), and all things One Direction/Harry Styles.