Alia Elasmar,

M.S., LMFT, PPSC, CWA

Founder of Olea Counseling & Consulting

    • University of Southern California| Doctoral Student for Organizational Change & Leadership

    • California State University, Los Angeles | M.S. in Counseling Option MFT, PPS & CWA

    • California State University, Long Beach | B.A. in Psychology

    • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California #120786

    • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #4870

    • Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling, CTC

    • Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization, CTC

    • EMDR Advanced Training

    • Advanced Supervisor in Mental Health

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Crisis Response

    • Domestic Violence Training State of California

    • Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

    • California Association for Marriage & Family Therapists

    • California Counseling Association

    • Board Member, Amal Mental Health Center

    • Southern California Muslim Therapists

    • Inclusive Therapists

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and collaboration. I believe in blending humor, compassion, directness, and persistence to create a safe and supportive space for meaningful growth. While change can be challenging, my goal is to help you build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reach your full potential.

I specialize in working with trauma and crisis intervention, relational issues for couples and families, and challenges such as acculturation, depression, and anxiety. Using an integrative and culturally responsive approach, I tailor my therapy services to each individual’s unique needs. I am also trained in EMDR, a powerful modality that connects neurology and emotional processing to reduce triggers and distress related to traumatic experiences.

As a woman of color, I understand the unique pressures and systemic barriers that often push People of Color toward independence and self-reliance. But therapy doesn’t have to be another solo endeavor. I am a dedicated ally, providing compassionate support to individuals across diverse cultural, social, gender, and sexual identities—offering understanding, validation, and a space to be fully seen every step of the way.

My Story

At Olea Counseling and Consulting, I understand that mental and emotional health is just as important as physical well-being. The name Olea is inspired by my Palestinian heritage and the deep cultural significance of olive trees. These trees symbolize resilience, peace, adaptability, interconnectedness, growth, and renewal—qualities that individuals, families, and organizations strive for and deserve.

At Olea, I draw a parallel between the enduring strength of olive trees and the journey of personal and systemic growth. Just as olive trees thrive through deep, interconnected roots, lasting change is nurtured through collaboration, resilience, and collective effort—whether in therapy or in transforming systems.