Authentically good therapy
We take a unique approach to therapist that balances science (evidence-based practice) and art/craft (relationally based practice) to provide treatment to help you love all parts of yourself. Every therapist at Olive View Therapy has done (and continues to) work on themselves—we believe part of providing quality treatment is walking the walk. We don’t ask you to do something we are unwilling to do ourselves. While most therapists have their own struggles that motivate their journey to become a therapist, we choose to make this transparent. Take a moment to learn a little about us and our journey towards living life more authentically.
Hear more from our therapists talking about their journeys–
My journey towards being a therapist began when I was 8 years old: my oldest brother died by suicide, my youngest brother developed schizophrenia, and I was sexually abused. It was then, at 8, my own suicidal thoughts began. Throughout my adolescence and early adulthood I struggled with deep feelings of depression, that no one could ever love me, and that even my feelings and emotions did not matter. I even felt God hated me because of the trauma I had gone through and more because of who I was attracted to. The only way I knew how to receive some pieces of love and acceptance I deeply desire was to hid myself and my feelings from everyone around me.
My trauma, my family’s trauma, and our struggles to get help that helped us deal with OUR patterns of generational trauma is what pushed me towards doctoral education (PhD) and studying what makes someone suicidal and how to help the process of suicide bereavement. It was through this process of studying suicidality over nearly two decades that I was finally able to see the patterns of generational trauma many suicidal folks live in—and I was finally able to see the patterns of generational trauma in my own life and how my own compulsion to hide myself perpetuated the patterns of self-hatred, depression, and loneliness.
Identifying the patterns of trauma in my life allowed me to believe that I did not deserve my trauma, that my emotions mattered, and that I mattered. I was finally able to advocate for myself and have been able to finally, for the first time to develop friendships and accept love that others were willing to offer but I was unable to see.
Learn more about my professional work:
Google Scholar Profile – Twitter - Courses I Teach - The Process of LDS Parents Accepting Transgender Children - What Works in Suicide Bereavement - Other research
Quintin Hunt, PhD, LMFT
Emma Allen, MS, LMFT
Growing up, I hated my emotions and felt they were a burden to myself and those around me. I struggled to understand my anxiety and depression and felt because I had deep emotions, I was problematic and too much. I hid my low self-esteem by pleasing others and having perfectionistic standards for myself. This perpetuated a cycle of exhaustion, self-loathing, emotional suppression, fear of abandonment, and feeling misunderstood by those around me.
I was first interested in trauma healing when my mother decided to attended therapy. Her growth and courage took on a ripple effect as I personally sought treatment to heal from my own open wounds. Understanding my family’s history of intergenerational trauma and ineffective coping patterns helped alleviate the burden and shame I was carrying. Comforting my wounded parts of self, offering self-compassion, and finding strength in my ability to feel deeply has allowed me to see my worth and connect deeply with others.
Learn more about me:
Suyeon Lee (Sue),
MS., LAMFT
Since childhood, I have strived to be a good child. At home, school, and church, I sought the recognition and praise of others. Lacking the courage to be free from the judgment and opinions of others, I always evaluated myself through their eyes. This led me to feel perpetually inadequate and insufficient. With others at the center of my life instead of myself, I naturally felt a sense of depression and emptiness and did not feel excited or eager to start each new day. From a young age I felt very little attachment to life; each morning, as I rode my bike to school, I would look at passing cars and think, "I wish one of them would hit me."
As I entered adulthood, my parents divorced. Internalizing this event, my feelings of inadequacy and being a burden intensified, worsening my depression. This led me to seek my own therapy through which I began to understand my depression. Instead of viewing myself through the eyes of others, I was able to look inward with my own eyes. Only then did I begin to realize the many sparkling and beautiful aspects I had within me. I learned that my worth is not earned through achievements or people pleasing: it exists because I exist!
Eden Jerome, MS, LAMFT
When people ask why I became a therapist, the answer is layered. While my childhood was mostly positive, there were darker moments, especially after I became permanently disabled at 16. The grief and emotions tied to the loss of the life I had imagined were overwhelming. I struggled with PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, and feelings of self-pity. The darker parts of my past resurfaced when I hit my lowest points. What helped me navigate through those tough times was the allowance to express myself however I needed. Having trusted people who were willing to sit with me in my pain, who allowed me to be vulnerable without judgment, made all the difference. This healing experience made me realize the power of compassionate, non-judgmental support.
Driven by a desire to understand my own mind and emotions, I pursued a path in psychology and later specialized in marriage and family therapy. My journey has not been easy, and I continue to grow personally and professionally. But it has shown me the immense value of supporting others through their own struggles. As a therapist, I am honored to be that supportive presence for others navigating change, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. I believe in celebrating wins, learning from setbacks, and "walking" (or rolling, haha) alongside people during their healing journey. Having experienced the relief of being supported, I am passionate about providing the same for others.
I specialize in helping individuals cope with trauma, relationship struggles, empowerment challenges, and navigating chronic conditions or disability. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to your unique needs and growth. I believe that with the right support, everyone has the potential to heal and thrive.
Request an appointment with me here — most of my openings are Mondays/Wednesdays
Jeffery Diamond,
MSW Student Intern
I was 19 when I learned that not everybody is anxious and depressed all the time. I had always been like that, and it was all I knew. As I grew up—and throughout physically and emotionally abusive relationships—people told me repeatedly that I wasn’t good enough and that I could never change. Unfortunately, I believed them. This led me to hate myself and even have suicidal thoughts and intentions for years.
In 2020, I began ending my abusive relationships (both my marriage and relationship with organized religion) and started paying attention to the things I needed to do in order to not hate myself—and maybe even like myself. Learning to believe that I have inherent worth is an ongoing process but it has also helped me learn to notice toxic relationships in my life.
The first thing I learned when I started attending therapy was that we are all wounded. We may be broken in different ways, and there are things we all need help with. But it doesn’t mean that we don’t have worth. Being broken does not define a person. As someone providing therapy, I feel it’s important to help people realize their inherent worth and know that they are cared about regardless of identity, behavior, orientation, beliefs, or anything else…
Ryan Parry, MS, LMFT
As a therapist, I take a psychological and philosophical approach to therapy, believing deeply in the transformative power of perspective. You are not defined by your problems; instead, when life is viewed through a lens of action rather than reaction, challenges can become opportunities for growth. My work often focuses on the stories we tell ourselves and the meanings we assign to our experiences. By shifting the lens through which you view your problems, the problems themselves can change, offering a path to greater understanding and self-awareness.
I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety—particularly social anxiety—life transitions, and borderline personality disorder. Anxiety often stems from the tension between who we are and who we feel we need to be. My proactive approach is about overcoming these challenges, not just coping with them. For couples, I employ Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help build strong, secure bonds, particularly for those embarking on new chapters, like marriage. I also have a passion for addressing attachment issues, whether you struggle to feel safe in connection or long for closeness but find it elusive. Relationships, both with yourself and others, are often the heart of our struggles and healing.
Above all, I believe authenticity is crucial to meaningful change. Many people wrestle with questions of self-identity—who they are and who they want to be. Helping you discover your authentic self is at the core of my work. My approach is grounded in hope and empathy; I truly believe that every problem can be overcome or reframed as a source of growth. In our sessions, you’ll find a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, no matter your background or identity. Together, we’ll work to foster understanding, acceptance, and the positive change you’re seeking.
Learn more about me: Here
Jennafer Rakuita,
MFT Student Intern
Still a work in progress
-
We are always interested in finding a way to bring like-minded people into our group. There is plenty of work. Let us know about you and what you bring to the team: admin@oliveviewtherapy.com