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Welcome to Respect Family Therapy & Consulting!
-A Message from Owner, Courtney Olinger, PsyD, LMFT (she/her)
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Our journey through life is complex and for every person, will come with many successes, triumphs, joys, and pleasures as well as challenges, concerns, and problems. We believe it is important to view the whole person, within the context of their relationships, family, community and society to gain a better understanding of all that is helpful or unhelpful along this journey. We have been honored to support this journey for individuals of all ages when faced with challenges and concerns related to life stressors, learning differences, school or work struggles, social or relationship challenges, and the process of developing an identity that one can be proud of. We would be honored to work with you!
If you would like a FREE Initial 15-min Consultation or are an existing client and would like to schedule,
please visit our client portal.
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Our Philosophy
Our therapists most closely align with Narrative Therapy or Narrative practices which believes that
“the person is not the problem. the problem is the problem”.
We seek to understand your unique story and the context of your experiences, concerns, and joys. We also believe that often clients have a great deal of knowledges and skills that therapist's role is to guide clients to connect with these and emerging skills to recognize the multiple possibilities that can exist. Courtney's experience in neurological healthcare, behavioral and educational settings also support us to approach client concerns holistically. Our therapists have a breadth of similar and varied experiences and training that can also support clients with a variety of relational concerns, while attending to social and cultural factors. In the first couple of sessions, the therapist will be asking a lot of 'getting to know you questions' and by the third session on average, we will develop your specific goals together.
Therapy
Adult & Adolescent Psycho-Therapy focusing on preferred identity development, relational skills & general well-being.
Support
Relational & Work-Related Support for neurodivergent thinkers.
Consultation
Consultation to educators, therapists, and other behavioral health providers surrounding neurodiversity affirming practices.
Workshops
Diversity & Inclusion Professional Workshops for teams, schools, companies and organizations.
Our Team
aboutCOURTNEY
Courtney is the owner & CEO of Respect Family Therapy & Consulting.
As a neurodivergent, queer woman, therapist, mother and sister of autistic sibling I have learned a great deal personally and professionally over my career since starting behavioral work in 2000 with autistic children, adolescents & adults and their family members. I tirelessly advocate across different systems for a more expansive awareness and understanding of diverse needs of people, no matter there neuro-cognitive style or other identities. I have experience in behavioral, educational, vocational, medical and community settings and am always bringing my Narrative lens while attending to the social factors that contribute to the problems that people face. Outside of my work, you can find me running on the beach, playing soccer, or exploring the city with my family.
​Contact: colinger@respectFTC.com (Email preferred); 619-784-1440
Courtney is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both the state of California and the state of Virginia
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*Courtney currently has limited availability for on-going clients on Tuesday afternoons/evenings and Friday mornings
aboutCLAIRE
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*Claire is currently on Maternity Leave until March 2025
Contact:
email: cmuller@respectFTC.com; phone: 619-821-9200
There are many reasons why someone chooses to explore therapy. Some want support navigating relationships at home, school, or work. Others are interested in gaining confidence in advocating for themselves and their identity. Some may be feeling stuck or want to talk through different options or choices. Others want to have a safe, non-judgmental space to express themselves while feeling heard, understood, and accepted. Whatever your reason, I would love the opportunity to talk and see if we can discover some ways to help you feel grounded. I believe therapy should be a collaborative learning process and I’m committed to honoring your unique experiences, hopes, values, expertise, and needs. I understand mental health within the contexts of family, community, and culture, as our wellbeing is impacted by these systems. I’ve worked with youth, teenagers, adults, and parents navigating social and relational challenges, communication concerns, different learning styles, school challenges, and supporting those in connecting with their preferences and identity. I’ve gained knowledge working alongside individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, Autism, and LGBTQ identities and had the pleasure of training under Dr. Courtney Olinger for 3 years in a previous community center.
I look forward to connecting to see if we're a good fit!
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Services Offered
​TherapyAdult&adolescent
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​Therapy can look very different depending on age, communication ability and preference, and the challenges and concerns you are facing at any given point in time. Our approach often includes a focus on identity development aligning with your preferences which can be approached in a range of creative ways.​
We would be happy to speak with you to determine if we might be the right fit for you (and your family).​
Common reasons my clients seek therapy with us:
- Neurodiversity, specifically autism, ADHD, and/or sensory processing disorder
- Sensory processing differences
- Queer or Trans identities
- Preferred identity development
- Work related concerns
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Learning differences or challenges
- Difficulty with change
- Life stressors
- Relationship challenges
- Parenting identity, struggles and concerns
- LGBTQ+ Related Experiences
Benefits of Telehealth
- No drive time or commuting to a therapist
- Join from the comfort of your home or another location
- Clients attend more consistently
- If you forget, just hop online
- Increases participation with family sessions
- Working parents/partners can join from anywhere
- Screen sharing allows for more engagement/processing
- Typing can be utilized when speaking is not accessible
Good Faith Estimate
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost
Under the law, health care providers need to provide clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
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Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
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For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
​Consultation&Workshops
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Workshops and presentations are available on a variety of topics and intersecting needs from mental health, neurodiversity, behavior, and narrative practices. We tailor speaking engagements to the needs of the attendees and would love to speak with you to see how we might support your work or your organization, in-person or virtually:
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Mental Health & Neurodiversity
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Neurodiversity Affirming Principals and Practices in Action
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Narrative Approaches to Supporting Autistic Individuals
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Understanding & Recognizing Autism
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Rethinking Ability Discourses; Taking on a Disability Justice Framework
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Relational Skills for Adolescents & Adults; Anti-Masking Principals & Practices
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Neurologically-Based, Neurodiversity Affirming Behavior Supports
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Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Other Stressors
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Teacher and Staff Supports for Children with Sensory, Behavioral, Learning and Mental Health Differences and Concerns
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… and many more
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Many therapists, educators, and behavioral health providers feel unqualified to work with neurodiversity, especially autism. You likely have the skills and just need support to locate what will work for you. We offer workshops, professional development trainings, one time consultations, or on-going support for your work with neurodivergent individuals or groups.
One of the most rewarding parts of our jobs has been the opportunity to train, mentor and support emerging therapists, licensed therapists and professionals. Collectively, we have been fortunate enough to lecture in two graduate programs and to supervise several amazing Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees and Associates.
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”