Olivia Knizek, Ph.D. CPMC

I approach therapy as a collaborative space in which you feel empowered to share your authentic experiences and work together towards your self-identified goals building upon your unique strengths. I believe that through accepting and celebrating yourself authentically, you can show up in relationships, professional spaces, and with yourself with a sense of assurance and contentment. I am excited to support students to thrive within academic rigors and life challenges where they can challenge themselves in pursuing their passions by cultivating resilience. I hope to intentionally create space to explore the context of each individual's background including identities, family dynamics, and lived experiences as it relates to their way of understanding themselves and others. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and responsive space that can support you in your healing and growth.

I am a counseling psychologist and a certified mental performance consultant. I have experience clinically and in research supporting high performance students in performing their best and thriving in high pressure environments, including collegiate athletes and musicians. I recognize how external stressors and intentions we have for ourselves could hinder our confidence and ability to enjoy the process of learning and growing. I aim to utilize individual strengths to support confidence and contentment in the different areas students may be struggling with. Additional areas of interest include trauma, body image concerns, chronic pain, mindfulness, interpersonal/relationship concerns, and identity exploration (i.e., gender, racial/ethnic, sexuality).

 

I am originally from Southern California and earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. In addition to work, I feel energized by spending time outside hiking, backpacking, or swimming- even more when I get to bring my dog, Willow, with me.