Olive Grove Counseling

Hello. My name is Loren Nason. I am a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and an Associate Licensed Counselor, under the clinical supervision of Lacey Moore, M.S., LPC-S. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, creating a person-centered and humanistic approach to the therapy process. I have a unique background that includes a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. My experience and training include crisis response and de-escalation, inpatient involuntary and voluntary acute therapy, inpatient group therapy, mental health probate court, assertive community therapy, and first-responder mental health resiliency. For the last few years, I have been providing transitional counseling for individuals with special health care needs, administering comprehensive evaluations for educational and vocational planning, including recommendations for accommodations. When I'm not working, you'll find me spending time with family and friends. My husband and I have been together for 18+ years and aim to embrace the challenges that come with marriage and parenthood. My family helps keep me focused and reminds me of the importance of a good, work-life balance. Why Olive Grove? Olive trees are some of the most beloved and longest-living trees on Earth, some reaching up to several thousand years of age. Olive trees are even sacred in some cultures, such as in Ancient Rome and Greece. In Ancient Rome, olive oil was used for health and wellbeing, seen as a gift from the Gods. The Ancient Greeks believed olive branches could ward off evil spirits. The olive branch is even mentioned throughout Christianity. One of the most notable references is of the dove returning to the ark with a freshly plucked olive branch, signifying the most trying times were over. The olive tree or olive branch is often associated with spirituality, reconciliation, prosperity, hope, good luck, peace, and victory. The green color of the olive can signify perception, sophistication, and empathy. Olive trees seem to withstand the test of time, growing and persevering, even in the some of the harshest conditions. Often, olive trees grow in environments where nothing else will grow; rocky or poor soils where other plants will not grow. Olive trees seem to never die; however, the branches and trunks hollow out and die off many different times over the olive tree's lifespan, but the roots remain unscathed. Perhaps the olive tree's secret to success is embedded in it's foundation; the roots are strong and protected from ultimate ruin. If only we could be like the olive tree, having a strong foundation, so even when faced with life's difficulties we can continue to endure and move forward. Though, not everyone starts with a secure foundation. In many instances, our environment caused our roots to become damaged, maybe due to neglect, abuse, emotional or generational trauma, but this does not mean our foundation and roots are beyond repair. Olive Grove Counseling aims to inspire individuals and teach them the tools needed to repair their foundation and help their roots grow; then hopefully, the next time life hits with harsh conditions, their roots will remain secure like the olive tree's.