Olivia Ríos, Ph.D., L.P.

Licensed Psychologist & Cultural Center Liaison

 

Education & Training

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master’s in Counseling & Guidance at New Mexico State University. I received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University. My training experiences include providing services in Spanish to immigrant and student communities, as well as providing supervision in Spanish.  I became a Colorado transplant in the summer of 2016 after being matched to Colorado State University for my doctoral internship.

Current Roles

My role at the counseling center includes the supervision of practicum students, co-facilitating groups with trainees, and co-facilitating the Multicultural Seminar for the doctoral interns.  I co-facilitate the Anxiety Workshop, a 7-module skills and psychoed group, and interpersonal process groups, both of which I am really passionate about and love working with trainees in fostering the abilities to co-lead these groups.  I also enjoy the challenge of facilitating the Multicultural Seminar and seeing the growth that interns undergo during their time here.

I am also the Outreach Specialist with the four race-based cultural centers on campus: Asian Pacific American Student Services, César Chávez Cultural Center, Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, and Native American Student Services.  I provide consultation, clinical, and outreach services to students, as well as providing support to the directors and staff of the centers.   I am especially excited to work with trainees who also have an interest in continuing to challenge themselves in their journey of multicultural competency and providing support to underserved communities on campus.

Therapeutic & Supervision Approaches

My approach to therapy and supervision is primarily from Feminist and Interpersonal Process perspectives with strong CBT and DBT influences.  As a psychologist and professional, I think an important part of this work involves having discussions about identity and exploring sources of power and oppression. These experiences shape the lens through which one views the world and often have a profound impact on mental health and well-being. I work a great deal from an empowerment stance, helping students come into their own strengths to overcome everyday struggles and support them as they navigate and cope with different sources of oppression. I strive to make supervision a safe, yet challenging place where growth can take place and trainees can explore these aspects of their identities.

About Me

On a personal note, I grew up in southern New Mexico, close to the Arizona border and the US-Mexico Border.  I am from the desert and really appreciate having a big, open sky, which is one of the reasons I really enjoy living in Colorado while also having the opportunity to be in the mountains among the pine trees. When I am not on campus, I am trying to catch up on sleep and TV. I enjoy going on walks, trying new recipes, crafting, kickboxing, and trying to beat the time at escape rooms.  I am totally a dog person and happy to finally be able to have a fur-baby of my own.