About Dr. Katie Plewa Olvera
I have always described myself as a relational person, as I put forth a lot of effort into establishing connections with others. Relational connection is really what fuels me in both my personal and professional life. This innate drive to connect is what brought me into the field of psychology. Counseling gives me an opportunity to make a genuine connection with my clients - not only does this provide a strong foundation to engage in therapeutic work, but it also helps to foster confidence, self-esteem, and healthy, satisfying relationships outside of the therapy room. It's a win-win!
Background |
I moved to Washington about 8 years ago from Indiana to begin working at Western Washington University in the Counseling Center. My partner and I immediately fell in love with Bellingham - the natural beauty was somewhat of a shock to us, coming from a land-locked, flat state. We also quickly came to appreciate the unique culture of this smaller town.
You can often find us taking advantage of what Bellingham and the surrounding area has to offer, accompanied by our dog, and best buddy, named Boris. |
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Education & Training |
Education:
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), 2012 University of Indianapolis Master of Arts, 2009 Clinical Psychology University of Indianapolis Bachelor of Arts, 2007 Psychology Purdue University Experience: I have worked specifically with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma for the last 6 years. In August of 2017, I became a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) to further my specialization in working with individuals who have this history. Before opening my practice, I worked at Western Washington University as a pre-doctoral intern in the Counseling Center, and then as a Violence Prevention Specialist in Prevention & Wellness Services. In the latter position, I gained a great deal of training in creating prevention programs for sexual assault and dating violence, in addition to working therapeutically with individuals who had experienced sexual and/or domestic violence. Outside of my practice, I am an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at WWU. I love the environment of a college campus and appreciate being able to share my knowledge of clinical psychology with students. I am also a part of Bellingham's Sexual & Domestic Violence Commission. Being a part of this group gives me an opportunity to work towards making positive changes in our community - with the goal of ending domestic violence and sexual assault. My work on the Commission offers an outlet for my passion for social justice. |
