Stephanie Thorson Olesen

Dr. Stephanie J. Thorson-Olesen, Ph.D., is a psychologist, educator, and scholar with over 15 years of experience in higher education, counseling, and doctoral research mentorship. She serves as a contributing faculty member in Walden University’s PhD in Developmental Psychology program, where she supports doctoral learners through research development and the dissertation process while fostering a learning environment grounded in Walden’s mission of positive social change.

Dr. Thorson-Olesen’s scholarship focuses on developmental and contextual factors influencing mental health, with an emphasis on underserved populations and equity in education. Her professional background includes counseling, academic leadership, and doctoral research supervision. She is actively engaged in professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Her major accomplishments include receiving multiple honors for excellence in teaching, advising, and leadership. In addition, she has secured millions of dollars of federal funding to address mental health disparities in rural, underserved areas. Dr. Thorson-Olesen is dedicated to fostering inclusive, learner-centered environments that empower doctoral students to translate research into meaningful, real-world impact.

Education

BA, Winona State University

MS, Winona State University

PhD, Capella University

Awards / Honors

David Van Doren Leadership and Service Award, Wisconsin Counseling Association , 2021

Leadership Recognition, Counselor Education Qualitative Interest Network, 2025

Publications

Thorson Olesen, S. (2025). Latine doctoral student experiences in U.S. counselor education and supervision programs.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2025). Challenges and strategies for maintaining sobriety in rural areas: A consensual qualitative analysis..

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). Exploring the parenting experiences of Brazilian immigrants in the United States.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). Parent perceptions of infant and early childhood mental health care.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2023). Mental health advocacy in The Gambia, West Africa.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2018). Caring for aging populations: Examining compassion fatigue and satisfaction.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2016). Counseling considerations for the caregivers of aging adults.

Presentations

Thorson Olesen, S. (2025). Beyond self-care: Examining counselor burnout through ecological systems theory.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2025). Exploring support strategies for Latine counseling students through qualitative research. .

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). Beyond addiction: Counselors supporting rural clients with sobriety.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). Don’t burn out, keep the fire alive.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). Diverse minds, infinite potential: Fostering inclusion in counselor education.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2024). From overwhelm to wellbeing: Navigating counselor burnout through counselor education and supervision.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2023). From substance abuse to sobriety: A consensual qualitative research approach and tools for counselor education.

Thorson Olesen, S. (2021). Athlete perceptions of favorable and unfavorable coaching styles..

Thorson Olesen, S. (2021). Dispositional gratitude correlated with marriage satisfaction.