About Us
Our Therapists
Erin J. Olheiser, MA, LPC, RPT, CPP-AAPT
Helping Children and Families Navigate Anxiety, Learning Challenges, and Big Emotions
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who specializes in working with children with big feelings—and the parents who support them.
For over 15 years, I have worked in diagnostic assessment, therapy, and interdisciplinary pediatric settings, including academic medical environments. I hold a psychometric testing endorsement through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, which authorizes me to independently administer, score, and interpret standardized psychological measures within my professional scope.
My work helps families move beyond labels, behavior charts, and guesswork. Instead, I help parents understand how their child’s brain, body, and nervous system work together—and how that shows up in daily life.
I am trained in both comprehensive assessment and play-based therapy, and I actively practice both. This means I don’t just identify what is going on. I help families understand why it’s happening and what to do next in a way that actually works at home and school.
My approach is developmentally grounded and child-centered. I draw from play therapy, nervous system science, attachment theory, and evidence-based anxiety treatment. I believe children do well when they can. When they can’t, it’s our job to understand what’s getting in the way—and adjust expectations, supports, and the environment to help them succeed.
At Positive Insights, assessment is never just about answering a diagnostic question. It’s about creating a clear, practical “User’s Manual” for your child. This helps parents, teachers, and other professionals respond with clarity instead of trial and error.
Therapy is guided by the child—not by a diagnosis. I meet each child and family where they are and support them forward from there.
Whether families work with me through assessment, therapy, or both, they leave with understanding, direction, and a practical roadmap—not just answers on paper.
I work exclusively with children and families and specialize in early and middle childhood. This is a critical time in brain development, when thoughtful assessment and early support can make a lasting difference.
If you’re wondering whether I may be helpful to your child, I invite you to reach out. Please leave a message at 608-291-0107 and share:
something great about your child
your biggest concern
a number where I can reach you
I will return your call within 24 hours.
Make it a great day,
— Erin
Buster, Approved Animal Assisted Play Therapy® Dog
A little about Buster and Pawsitive Play Therapy
Buster was my co-therapist for many years. Together, we helped hundreds of children learn an essential truth: it’s okay to be exactly who you are—wiggly, loud, shy, cautious, or silly.
Buster had a rare gift. He met children where they were, without expectations or pressure. He offered calm presence, steady companionship, and a sense of safety that words couldn’t always reach. For many children, he made therapy feel possible before it ever felt comfortable.
Buster has since crossed the rainbow bridge. His absence is felt, but his influence remains.
The heart of what he taught—connection before correction, safety before change—lives on through Busting Big Feelings (www.bustingbigfeelings.com). That work exists to help parents support children with big emotions through understanding, play, and relationship, rather than pressure or punishment. Buster shaped that philosophy in quiet but powerful ways.
When it feels right for a child and their goals, we continue to offer gentle, child-led animal-assisted activities. Some children are drawn to them. Others don’t need them at all. Either way, the focus remains the same: helping each child feel safe, understood, and supported as they grow.
Buster, thank you for the years of loyalty, patience, and presence you gave so freely. Your work mattered. It still does.
🐾
Special Note: A benefit of being part of a canine therapy team that uses Animal Assisted Play Therapy is that dogs do not have to be perfect. They are allowed to be dogs who sometimes lick, paw, and even bark because… well… that is what dogs do! They are working on and living with their own challenges, just like kids. They are also allowed to let us know if this is the work they want to do today, tomorrow, or years from now. When Buster is not in the office, he enjoys being our family pet!
We are happy to support your child with Pawsitive Play Therapy if it fits with your child’s personality and enjoyment of therapy, and it will help address the treatment goals identified within therapy.