Dr. Olga Smoliak

Biography

Olga Smoliak is a Professor in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph specializing in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. With a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Calgary, her research focuses on advancing critical perspectives in psychotherapy and family therapy, centering on social constructionist, poststructuralist, and feminist viewpoints. Smoliak challenges traditional notions of therapy as apolitical, emphasizing its role in perpetuating societal inequalities. Her work explores the intersections of therapy practices with social justice, empowerment, and systemic oppression, particularly in the context of gender dynamics. She conducts inquiries into collaborative therapy practices, utilizing narrative and discourse analysis to better understand therapeutic interactions and advocate for social change.

Research Interests