Organizations


As part of my practice's value of wholeness, I often recommend connecting with local organizations that will support the work we are doing in therapy.  These are some of my favorites.

For Divorce Support

Cooperative Parenting San Diego

"We offer monthly coparenting workshops throughout San Diego County that are focused on reducing conflict between parents going through divorce, separation and custody issues.  We strive to add value to your lives by demonstrating how to communicate and cope with the other parent, educate on the dynamics of parenting between two homes, and strengthen your ability to emotionally detach and think clearly. " 

 

Divorce Home Solutions

"We've walked in your shoes, so we are able to compassionately guide you through all of the decisions and logistics involved in dividing and selling the marital home.  Unlike traditional real estate agents who only help you sell the home, we understand the entire picture and provide a comprehensive solution to all of the home-related tasks while being mindful of the emotions many divorcing couples face.  Whether you remain in your home or move to a smaller one, our experience will make the transition into your new home easy.  Our team can leave you unpacked, organized and settled in a new home that feels 'right'".

 

Kids' Turn San Diego

"Kids’ Turn San Diego empowers children to express their feelings and thoughts, to learn that their parents’ separation is not their fault and they learn new ways to understand their family situation.  Parents who attend our programs gain insight about how their words and behaviors impact their children and they learn new skills and strategies to improve communication and interactions for the whole family."

 

Hannah's House:  Transitions Family Program

"Parents and children need and deserve care and support when coping with the challenges of family separation, divorce, paternity, custody, visitation, and other unexpected losses and challenges of family life. The Transitions Program was created to offer comprehensive therapeutic services to assist family members of all ages and needs to make successful transitions when facing challenging changes in the family."

 

Pacific Coast Mediation

"Pacific Coast Mediation co-mediates all divorce, pre-marital, separation, marital and post- divorce mediation. That means you will receive a female and male mediator to support you in this process. We have found the team approach allows for more efficient use of time in session, allows for balance at the table, and having a male and female mediator eliminates the potential of perceived bias of one gender and provides for more professionals working together to benefit the clients.  All our attorney mediators are licensed attorneys in California. We have also secured a preferential rate for a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) if parties want/need the additional support of these experts." 

 

San Diego Family Mediation Center

"Throughout each confidential mediation session, you will discuss dividing your assets, financial issues, child custody and visitation, alimony, and more. The experienced mediators at SDFMC will file all of the same legal documents that the court requires. This includes creating a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement, which becomes your final divorce judgment. This document is fully enforceable in the court. You will never have to step foot into a courtroom. Everything can be done through your mediator." 

 

For Grief Support

Camp Spero

"Camp Spero is a place of healing for children, ages 7 to 17. At camp, children honor and memorialize their loved one while making friends with others who are facing similar circumstances. This summer weekend experience helps children increase their feelings of hopefulness, enhance their self-esteem, and learn they are not alone.  The camp is offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of individuals and organizations."

 

Elizabeth Hospice

"Our grief counselors and trained volunteers are available to support people of all ages (children and adults) through serious illness and bereavement and help them regain hope. We provide comfort and education about grief, as well as proven tips and coping strategies.

Grief support services are open to everyone in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County, including families who do not have a patient affiliation with The Elizabeth Hospice. Our focus is to provide access to all who grieve, regardless of their financial situation. Services include individual, couples, family and children counseling."

 

For Mental Illness Support

Grace Alliance (Faith-based mental health support)

"We know that thousands are experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety and feeling like there’s nowhere to turn. That’s why we cultivate healthy solutions for hearts and minds through simple, innovative biblical truths, scientific research and practical tools. We do this through easy-to-use resources, small groups and training proven to guide you to better days!"

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego

"At the heart of NAMI San Diego’s mission is the sharing of information and striving to end the stigma associated with mental illness. To this end, we offer a Helpline, support groups, educational meetings, newsletters, a lending library and a number of classes on mental illness held at various locations throughout San Diego County."

 

San Diego Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

An organization that "serves as a clearninghouse for evidence-based information about ADHD, to serve as a local face-to-face family support group for families and individuals affected by ADHD, and to serve as an advocate for appropriate public policies and public recognition in response to needs faced by families and individuals with ADHD."

 

Come on in- how can I help?

Some different options about where we can start

Couple's Therapy

 

Learning why we feel disconnected, and creating new ways of being with each other

Individual Therapy

 

Discovering and developing what it's like to have a relationship with yourself

Family Therapy

 

Finding out why we don't get along, and figuring out how we can be a family 

Play Therapy

 

Helping kids use play to feel safe and strong, especially when bad things happen



sit and stay a while

Some thoughts I share on "Rooted + Grounded"

 

 

The New Normal | Do I Want to Go Back?

 

 "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." - Rumi


in the neighborhood

Some helpful resources in the nearby and virtual community

  National Child Traumatic

Stress Network

Talking with Kids + Teens When Scary

Things Happen

 

These resources offer guidance on talking with children and youth when scary things happen. This fact sheet includes information on checking in with yourself, clarifying your goal, providing information, reflecting, asking helpful questions, going slow, labeling emotions, validating, and reducing media exposure. 


 

Alair Olson, M.A.

 Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#86504)

858.634.0302 | therapy@alairolson.com