Olivia Hoffman, LCSW

Hi, I’m Olivia Hoffman and I am so happy you are here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and specialize in providing therapy to children, adolescents, college-aged students, and their families. I am dedicated to walking alongside children and their families as they navigate life’s challenges. With several years of clinical experience supporting children and families in overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel understood and families feel empowered to heal together. Families often come to me feeling disconnected or stuck in cycles of conflict. Together, we work toward greater understanding, healthier communication, and stronger relationships built on trust and compassion. I actively focus on the child as the center of the therapeutic process while collaborating with family members so they are informed and engaged in a meaningful way.  

I began my clinical experience as an advocate supporting children and families affected by trauma, including domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse, and neglect. I also provided therapy in child advocacy center settings delivering care and services to children and families impacted by these types of abuse. Following this, I worked in a high-volume pediatric crisis unit, providing trauma-informed interventions focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and stabilization. I partnered closely with family members to reinforce coping strategies and strengthen family connections, while tailoring interventions to each child’s developmental, emotional, and social needs. These experiences deepened my understanding of how trauma affects both children and their families, and strengthened my commitment to fostering safety, trust, and connection in the therapeutic setting.

My Style

My style and approach are integrative, child-centered, emotionally attuned and holistic. I am passionate about addressing the mind, body, and spirit. I utilize a variety of evidence-based practices that commonly include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills. Additionally, I often incorporate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or “tapping,” as part of a somatic approach to therapy. This gentle, evidence-based technique helps children connect their emotions to physical sensations in the body, releasing tension and calming the nervous system. Since many kids experience emotions somatically through stomachaches, headaches, or restlessness- EFT can be especially helpful in teaching them how to process and release feelings that might otherwise stay “stuck” in the body.

I’m committed to continually evaluating the effectiveness of my interventions to ensure each child and family receives the care and support they need. I actively involve parents through regular check-ins, collaboration, and guidance to help strengthen progress outside of sessions and support the child’s growth at home. I understand the unique challenges children and teens face today - from academic pressures and social stress to trauma and uncertainty. I strive to approach each client with warmth, openness, and practical tools that foster resilience and adaptability. Clients often describe me as compassionate, grounded, and a calming presence in moments of chaos. My goal is not only to help children and families navigate difficulties in the present, but to promote lasting growth, emotional balance, and overall well-being.

Child and Teen Trauma Specialization

I provide trauma-focused therapy using evidence-based techniques such as TF-CBT, CBT, ACT, DBT skills, and play therapy. The heart of therapy is the relationship we build - one that is rooted in safety, respect, and hope. This allows children and families to explore challenges while navigating difficult emotions, healing from painful experiences, and building resilience. By combining structured interventions with creative, developmentally appropriate methods, I create a therapeutic space where children and teens can freely express themselves, develop coping skills, and strengthen their sense of self. Because healing is deeply connected to the support children and teens receive at home, I incorporate parents and families into the process when appropriate. This collaboration not only strengthens communication and relationships, but also helps families develop tools to support their child’s continued growth long after therapy ends.

Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Issues

I also work with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges in children and teens, including anxiety and depression. Emotionally, young people may experience persistent worry, sadness, irritability, low motivation, difficulty concentrating, or frequent mood changes. Behaviorally, they might act out, resist rules, take risks, or withdraw from activities and responsibilities. Socially, they may have trouble making or keeping friends, navigating peer relationships, or managing conflicts at home or school. These challenges often overlap - for example, a child struggling with anxiety may avoid school, feel isolated from peers, and experience physical symptoms like stomachaches. My work focuses on identifying and understanding these signs early, helping each child build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and receive the support they need to thrive.

A Little About Me

I earned my Master’s in Social Work at Texas Christian University, focusing on clinical work with children and families. After graduate school, I returned to Tampa because my heart is where the water is and I feel most at home near it. I value movement and self-care, often through yoga, Pilates and long walks anywhere near the ocean. I also love cooking and baking, which bring both creativity and comfort. Above all else, I cherish the relationships in my life that I get to grow and develop. These personal joys and priorities continue to ground me and remind me of the importance of balance, connection, and resilience - values I commit to nurturing in the families I serve.