Emily sees herself as a student of the human condition. Her career has spanned the fields of massage therapy, Yoga, theater arts, and now counseling. What began as an interest in Drama therapy as an undergraduate has led to a lifetime of curiosity about stress, pain, trauma, and navigating the nervous system. She has had the privilege to work with clients in a wide range of communities, with a wide range of abilities and challenges and she looks forward to continuing this inclusive, holistic practice as a mental health counselor. She is particularly drawn to the intersections of eating disorders, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ community. 

She graduated from Naropa University and began her clinical practice of Social Justice and Somatic Body Psychotherapy. Her approach to mental health blends humanistic, experiential, and body-based practices to help clients meet themselves with compassion and curiosity. She enjoys integrating Yoga, mindfulness, parts work, and touch into her approach as a counselor.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Cultural Resume

  • I identify as a fat, able-bodied, middle-aged, white, cisgender woman; I am also queer; my relationship to the word queer is best described by bell hooks, “Queer’ not as being about who you’re having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but ‘queer’ as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.”
  • I was born into a lineage of privilege in an upper-middle-class, white suburban household, educated within a well-funded school system with robust extracurricular activities where the arts were encouraged. I was assessed as Gifted in grade 3, which shaped a path of educational opportunities.
  • My ancestry can be traced back to original settler colonialists in Virginia and West Virginia. In service of reparations for this I am committed to ongoing personal, professional, and societal decolonization.
  • I benefitted from religiously diverse parents, a Southern Baptist mother and a Zen Buddhist father. I was encouraged to seek my own spiritual path, which is informed by a Christian upbringing and self study of Buddhism, Modern Paganism, and a devotion to the 8-Limbed path of Yoga.
  • I self-identify as neurodivergent, suspecting placement on the Autism Spectrum, though formal assessment remains unexplored due to economic and ethical considerations.
  • I have lived experience with and recovered from disordered eating, specifically Binge Eating Disorder and Atypical Anorexia, which ignited a passion for embodied approaches to eating disorder treatment.
  • Despite a privileged childhood, my adult life unfolded within the working poor demographic, navigating various helping professions that did not pay a living wage.
  • I am dedicated to social justice, actively engaging in anti-racism, and an advocate for collective liberation. 
  • Tremendous gratitude to The Adaway Group for first introducing our practice to the notion of a cultural resume.

At WiseBody Counseling, I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives. My approach integrates awareness, relationship, and the body to foster healing. I provide support for eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, trauma, and the journey of self-discovery. Therapy with WiseBody Counseling honors your unique story and healing process, ensuring a safe space for personal growth. Reach out today to start your journey.


Positive Aspects

+ Holistic approach that integrates body awareness and emotional healing.

+ Supportive environment tailored to individual needs and experiences.

+ Experienced therapist with a focus on body image, trauma and making friends with your nervous system.

Challenges

– Therapy can be a lengthy process requiring commitment and patience.

– Not all therapeutic approaches work for everyone, requiring exploration.

– Therapy can stir up experiences that have been locked away, occasionally leading to feeling worse before you feel better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of your therapy?

My therapy focuses on integrating awareness, relationships, and the body to facilitate healing. I provide support for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals who are navigating depression, anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, and the journey of coming home to Self. I orient to a client centered approach, which means your needs are the most important.

Who can benefit from your services?

I work with individuals seeking support for various mental health challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, trauma, and personal development. My practice is inclusive, welcoming clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences, aiming to honor each person’s unique story and healing journey.

What methods do you use in therapy?

I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques tailored to each client’s needs, focusing on body awareness and emotional processing. Some of the tools I use include Body Trust, Parts Work, TI-CBT, and Yoga.

How do I schedule a session?

To schedule a session, please visit the ‘Start Here’ section on my website, where you can find the necessary information and forms to begin your journey with me.

What should I expect in my first session?

In your first session, we will discuss your goals, concerns, and history to create a personalized plan for your therapy. I aim to establish a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.