Emma is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who is dedicated to fostering personal growth and healing through a compassionate and holistic approach. She believes that each individual has the inherent ability to overcome difficulties and transform with the right support and guidance. Emma strives to create a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their inner experiences and cultivate healthier relationships.
While working with clients, Emma utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) part’s work. This is what these theories may look like in a therapy setting:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process. The bilateral stimulation creates the same healing movements that occur during REM sleep, which allows an individual to deeply process trauma and reduce the emotional distress associated with the memories. This enables clients to integrate these memories in a more adaptive way and adopt a positive cognition that is aligned with their goals.
Attachment Theory explores how early relationships with caregivers shape an individual’s emotional and relational development throughout life. By understanding our earliest attachments, we can build security within ourselves in therapy. This may appear outwardly as having high self-esteem, firm boundaries, ability to regulate emotions, and healthy interpersonal connections.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of various “parts,” each with its own role, perspective, and function. The parts stem from the mind’s desire to keep the individual safe; however, as we grow, some functions no longer serve us. By understanding and harmonizing these parts, individuals can heal internal conflicts and achieve greater emotional balance and self-awareness.
Emma graduated from Regis University in 2023 with a Master of Arts in Counseling. She also received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2018.
Emma has experience working with adolescents and adults through her work in a school counseling setting and private practice. She has addressed a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, generational trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and caregiver burnout. She has also worked with groups, individuals, couples, and families.
When not in the therapist’s chair, Emma loves to dance and do yoga. She also enjoys listening to live music wherever she can find it and crate-digging at the local vinyl stores. She has two lovely cats who find every chance to cuddle.
