Lacy Olson-Ayala
- Part-Time Lecturer
Education
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Florida State University
MS in Clinical Psychology, Florida State University
BA in Psychology with minor in Biology of Physiological Psychology, San Diego State University
Expertise
- Recovery after trauma · recovery after sexual assault · psychotherapy with adults · diagnostic assessment and treatment of trauma- and anxiety-related disorders · sex positive therapy · psychopathy and externalizing behavior theory and biological underpinnings
Bio
Dr. Lacy Olson-Ayala (she/her) is a core faculty member and part-time lecturer in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program within the USC Rossier School of Education and a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University with a major in Psychology, and then continued her education at Florida State University, where she earned her MS and PhD in Clinical Psychology. She completed an APA-accredited internship at the VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, and a postdoctoral trauma residency at the San Diego VA. Upon finishing her residency, Dr. Olson-Ayala worked as a staff psychologist in a group private practice and the West LA VA Medical Center, and now owns a private practice. She is proud to be a first generation student and professional. Dr. Olson-Ayala specializes in the treatment of trauma- and anxiety-related disorders and recovery after sexual assault. In her clinical practice, she is passionate about helping others create a sense of survivorship and empowerment that allows for healing after trauma. Dr. Olson-Ayala is a devoted professor, who works to bring warmth, safety, and joy to the classroom.
Courses Taught
Currently Teaching:
EDUC 546: Psychopathology for Marriage and Family Therapists
EDUC 583: Counseling Across the Lifespan
EDUC 553: Psychopharmacology and the Effects of Substance Abuse
EDUC 633: Child and Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence
Courses Taught in the Past:
EDUC 645B: Practicum III
PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (USC)
PSYC 437: Adolescent Development (USC)
CLCP 4341: Abnormal Psychology (FSU)
Publications
- Olson, L. A. & Patrick, C. J. (2018). Clinical aspects of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy. In W. J. Livesley’s Handbook of Personality Disorders.
- Baggett, L. R., Eisen, E., Gonzalez-Rivas, S. K., Olson, L. A., Cameron, R.C., & Mona, L. R. (2017). Sex positive assessment and treatment among female trauma survivors. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73 (8), 965-974.
- Eisenbarth, H., Angrilli, A., Calogero, A., Harper, J., Olson, L. A., & Bernat, E. M. (2013). Reduced negative affect response in female psychopaths. Biological Psychology 94(2), 310-318.
- Sadeh, N., Verona, E., Javdani, S., & Olson, L. (2009). Examining psychopathic tendencies in adolescence from the perspective of personality theory. Aggressive Behavior, 35, 399-407.
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Owner, Dr. Lacy Olson-Ayala Psychologist - Private Practice
Staff Psychologist, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Staff Psychologist, CBT California
Postdoctoral Trauma Residency, VA San Diego Healthcare System
Predoctoral Internship, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Graduate Lecturer, Florida State University
Certifications
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of California (PSY-28437)