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Monday 10am - 9pm Tuesday 10am - 9pm Wednesday 10am - 9pm Thursday 10am - 9pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 2pm

Olson MFT Clinic

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Cedar Rapids, IA
Olson MFT Clinic

The Olson MFT Clinic offers marriage and family therapy (MFT) services from student therapists.

Gerald & Audrey Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic (Olson MFT Clinic) connects Marriage and Family Therapy graduate students at Mount Mercy University’s CRST Graduate Center with individuals, couples, and families in the Cedar Rapids area seeking therapeutic mental health services. Our student therapists are sharply skilled in delivering productive, valuable, and life-bettering sessions to tho

se in need. All adhere to a strong Code of Ethics, are supervised by seasoned professionals, and are dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals.

08/06/2025

Say hello to Liz everyone!!

Liz graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Communication Studies. Since then, she has worked several different roles within UI Health Care, currently as an administrative coordinator in the Patient Access Center. Her favorite part of all the jobs she has held has been getting to know patients and staff and helping them in small ways that make their day better. Liz became interested in marriage and family therapy while learning to view her own patterns and struggles through a systemic lens and developed a passion for helping others to seek clarity and healing in the same way.

Liz believes that relational health precipitates overall mental health and takes a systemic approach to addressing presenting concerns. You are the expert in your own life, and she looks forward to supporting you on your journey to well-being, whatever that looks like for you. She recognizes that life experiences can vary vastly and wants to meet you exactly where you are and work with you to elicit growth and change in a way that is meaningful to you. Guided by values of authenticity and humor, Liz strives to create a safe and healing environment for everyone while simultaneously offering challenges for clients that prompt deep self-reflection and open-mindedness.

When she is not working or at the Olson Clinic, Liz enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, cooking, traveling, and getting outside as much as possible, especially when it involves a cold, clear body of water.

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08/04/2025

Starting Monday off right by meeting Joe!

Joe earned his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and spent the past 20 years in the business sector helping organizations grow stronger and operate more efficiently.

Throughout his career, he has maintained a deep commitment to supporting individuals, couples and families as they navigate life’s challenges.
Enabling individuals to find healing in a challenging world is something Joe is passionate about. He believes therapy is more than just a conversation. It’s a vehicle for internal growth, real change and continued renewal.

Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and children as well as hiking, fishing, camping and photography. He loves working on cars and doing construction projects.

He believes, as U2 sang, “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own.” Reaching out for support is a courageous step — and he would be honored to walk alongside you.

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08/01/2025

A new student therapist has entered the villa… everyone meet Lilli!

Growing up in a military family, Lilli has experienced living in multiple different places but primarily identifies as a Midwestener. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a dual undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology. After graduation, she began her professional career working with elementary and middle school youth on their socio-emotional learning and development. Lilli also worked for two years as a School Liaison for the Foundation 2 Mobile Crisis Outreach team where she gained experience in crisis intervention and short-term case management.

Understanding that the process of therapy can be intimidating, Lilli incorporates humor and collaboration to co-create a safe space for people to explore their concerns, hopes, struggles, and dreams. Believing that all people are resilient and capable of change, her goal for therapy is to empower clients to rewrite their story in a way that provides a sense of meaning and purpose to them. Therapy can be the space to reflect on experiences and make sense of how they fit into the larger fabric of life.

As a therapist, Lilli strives to provide a supportive connection for individuals on their journey, whatever it may lead. She recognizes the privilege it is to sit with people as they experience the full spectrum of what being alive has to offer and is dedicated to providing inclusive, affirming, and respectful care to every person.

In her free time, Lilli enjoys watching TV and movies with her rescue dog, Howie. She is a huge crafter, specifically crochet, knitting, sewing, and diamond art, and is open to crafting in session with clients if requested.

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07/30/2025

On this rainy Wednesday we are introducing Jim!

Life is a weighty and lengthy novel, and the challenges we face in each of its chapters call for varied perspectives and skills. Like characters in a book, we would all benefit from the objective, clear-sighted feedback of an impartial audience. Helpful counsel lends strength to the traits and resources we all have and need to judge whether and why an obstacle we are facing is a major plot point in our life story.

Jim has a BA in English from Grinnell College, and while he likes learning about characters in books, he loves learning about the people he meets whose lives are much richer and less formulaic than the fictional personas he reads about. While he himself has been through assorted trials in life, from parenthood to career changes, he understands that he has certainly not seen it all. He wishes he had all the answers, but he recognizes that in learning about other people, he has grown to understand that knowing we are doing the right thing is much less important than trusting we are doing the right thing. As a therapist, Jim believes that through self-examination and collaboration, we can do the hard work of building or affirming that trust in our friends, families, and selves.

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07/28/2025

Who is this diva? Meet Lauren!

Lauren is a Cedar Rapids native and Kennedy High School alum. Lauren graduated from Coe College with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2023. Lauren has several years of experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health challenges as well as high-achieving youth, serving these populations in inpatient and school settings. Lauren is passionate about connecting with individuals on a real, authentic level and is guided by values of humor, courage, and integrity in her personal and professional life.

Lauren’s style in the therapy room encompasses a collaborative, strengths-based approach and encourages clients to show up exactly as they are. Lauren believes everyone has a unique life experience and that creativity, curiosity, and compassion are vital to create a safe and impactful therapeutic space for clients of all backgrounds. Lauren uses elements of narrative, solution-focused, and emotion-focused therapy models in her work. Lauren’s therapeutic interests include family systems theory, self-esteem issues, attachment theory, and social-emotional development.

In Lauren’s free time, she likes to keep busy reading, being creative, enjoying the outdoors, antiquing and thrifting, spending time with friends and family, and coaching youth sports. Lauren loves the process of learning and fostering meaningful relationships. Lauren is an animal lover with 5 rescue cats she loves to dote on (yes, 5!).

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07/25/2025

Closing out this week, we meet the one and only James!

James graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Services. During his undergraduate James was involved in work on aggression research, mental health public policy, religious trauma, and s*xual education training.

As a student therapist James finds great importance in creating a space in which everyone feels open to being their authentic selves. Grounded in family systems theory, James is passionate about relational work and strongly encourages individuals to have their family members join their therapy journey. He believes that laughter really is the best medicine and strives to incorporate humor into the therapy space. In therapy James strives to help his clients create goals and challenges them to continually make progress towards what they hope to achieve in therapy. The process of therapy can be difficult, and James focuses on creating a therapeutic environment of warmth, trust, autonomy, and empathy.

In his free time James can be found planning his next session for his Dungeons & Dragons campaign, starting another playthrough of a Fallout or Elder Scrolls game, or gaming/binging shows with his fiancé.

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07/23/2025

Drum roll please 🥁…… today we introduce Erin!!

Here’s a message from Erin herself: Reaching out for support can be one of the most challenging and courageous steps a person can take. I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to begin this process and my desire to walk beside you along your journey. I’m passionate about holding space for people as they navigate life’s complexities, and I consider it a privilege to be part of their healing journeys. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, and I’m committed to honoring each person’s unique background, including their family dynamics, community, culture, ethnicity, age, and gender identity.

In our work together, I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore whatever you may be facing. I draw on multiple therapeutic approaches and want to progress in a direction that best supports your needs and goals. My clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief, attachment, and infidelity.

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07/21/2025

What a wonderful day to introduce a wonderful human!!

“Man is a mystery. It needs to be unraveled, and if you spend your whole life unravelling it, don’t say that you’ve wasted time. I am studying that mystery because I want to be a human being.” - Fyodor Dostoevsky

Caleb has a deep understanding that we are all vulnerable to suffering. And in the face of suffering, they maintain a passion for all the things that make us whole and fully human, pursuing an unwavering desire to see individuals and their networks grow and heal. They believe that by shifting our perspectives to more compassionate and honest lenses, each of us is afforded the opportunity to unravel our own mysteries. Led by unconditional care, empathy, resilience, and a little humor, Caleb hopes to work collaboratively through the questions and problems that we all face. Caleb holds that honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness are the keys to unlocking the doors of well-being and connection.

They are excited to get to know the real, authentic you, to affirm and to hear you – and to be there with you as you figure out together how to find healing. They sincerely believe it’s possible to live life in a way that is rewarding, balanced, and liberating.

Caleb takes an affirming, inclusive, and equitable approach to issues related to s*x, gender, s*xuality, race, religion/spirituality, and (dis)ability. They strive to hold space for each of us as individuals and simultaneously as part of relationships and systems bigger than ourselves.

They spent many years unraveling and studying the mystery of their own humanity - from a degree in theology, to teaching/practicing yoga, training and performing as an actor, to bartending – their path has ultimately led them here, to the Olsen Clinic.

Caleb takes life one day at a time and enjoys listening to music, reading, seeing movies, and binging anime with their cat, Kitty.

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07/18/2025

Let’s finish out the week strong by introducing Ali!

Ali graduated from Mount Mercy University with highest distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with minors in Child and Adolescent Studies and Diversity Studies. Ali approaches therapy with warmth, curiosity, and respect for the complexity of each clients lived experience. She is drawn to working with individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relational challenges, and identity development. Ali is passionate about supporting clients through the difficult seasons and creating space for each client to explore and grow. She looks forward to hearing your story — your hopes, dreams, struggles, and everything in between.

In her roles as a student-therapist, Ali values working alongside clients to collaborate on building a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with their values. Using a strong foundation is systemic thinking, Ali believes that a powerful relationship can foster healing and growth. She aims to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and respectful. She also values the role of humor in therapy, using it to help build connection and create a feeling of comfort. Ali is excited and honored to walk along clients as the navigate whatever challenges and transformations come their way.

In her free time, Ali likes to spend time with friends and family and listen to music. When the weather allows, you can often find her out walking or playing a round of golf!

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07/16/2025

Everyone, we now introduce the one and only, captivating Cavan!

“Everywhere I go I find a poet has been there before me.” —Sigmund Freud

Cavan (he/him) worked in theatre for 25 years as a writer, director, and performer. He is honored to translate his devotion to curiosity, compassion, and creativity into experiential therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

Curiosity: Cavan is eager to learn about the values and experiences that make you uniquely you, including the many people, places, and structures (work, school, faith, etc.) that have led you to this moment. He enthusiastically welcomes and affirms clients of all genders, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Based on the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives, he rejects a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he wonders, “What do you want?”

Compassion: Cavan believes people are innately good and universally capable of growth. Recalling the old movie trailer promise, “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…” he aims to create a therapeutic environment where the entire spectrum of thoughts, behaviors and feelings can be safely explored without judgment.

Creativity: In the arts, Cavan works from a belief that creativity is the process of discovering and inventing connections between distinct points. In therapy, he will join your creative journey as insights are uncovered and unexpected paths are invented, connecting your past and present to a future of your own making. With empathy, humor, spontaneity, play, and a “let’s try” attitude, he challenges hopelessness and advocates for change.

Every character is the hero of their own story. Every hero encounters obstacles and makes mistakes. Most importantly, every hero has an ally. Cavan is grateful for the chance to play that role, assisting you on a journey toward a life that is happier, healthier, and more fulfilling.

Beyond therapy, he also plays the roles of husband, father, artist, and basketball fan.

07/14/2025

This Monday evening we are introducing our first new student therapist, Autumn!

And if you never bleed, you’re never gonna grow – Taylor Swift

Autumn is a 2024 graduate of Mount Mercy University and received her BA in Criminal Justice and Political Science. While in her undergrad, Autumn learned the importance and practice of critical thinking and how it goes hand in hand with treating mental health. She has worked with people of all ages through multiple jobs and community roles.

Autumn knows everyone needs someone to confide in and share their life experiences with. As a student therapist, Autumn hopes to provide an empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgemental space for all clients. She cannot wait to collaborate with you on your goals, comfortably challenge you, and give you the safe space you deserve.

In her free time, Autumn enjoys spending time with her rescue dog Vita, cross stitching, watching TV shows/movies, reading/audiobooks, and everything involving Taylor Swift.

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04/10/2025

Thank you to Gen 1 and The Green Bandana Project for collaborating on the fourth annual Night at the Clinic!

We enjoyed meeting you, answering your questions, and giving a tour of our clinic!

For those who were not able to attend, you missed out on some good ice cream and raffle prizes!

We look forward to future collaborations and are always welcoming of any questions you may have 🙂

Address

1650 Matterhorn Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA
52402

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 9pm
Tuesday	10am - 9pm
Wednesday	10am - 9pm
Thursday	10am - 9pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 2pm

Telephone

+13193686493

Website

http://www.olsonmftclinic.com/

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