Hi, I’m Emily!
Since becoming a mama myself, I am constantly in awe and inspired by the strength of mothers around me. For myself, the experience of birth was the first time I felt confident and strong in my body, while the postpartum period was filled with self-doubt and isolation. The way in which motherhood and parenthood disrupts the equilibrium individuals and couples may have experienced prior to having a child is staggering.
That is not to say that the loss of balance is either positive or negative, but that the process of regaining balance can be a time of immense growth and change. My hope is to support individuals and couples at those tricky life stage transitions, and to support the development of a new rhythm of being, while integrating both their past and present identities as a person, partner, and parent.
When I’m nurturing my own well-being, I can be found spending time gardening (depending on the time of year, of course!), exploring the North Shore with my family, and learning anything I can about parenting a toddler (yes, even family therapists are always learning).
Oh, and coffee.
That first cup of coffee in the morning is something I always look forward to, and there is nothing sweeter in my family of origin than bringing a cup of coffee to someone before they get out of bed - it’s better than saying “I’m here for you”.
Education & Approach
I am a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) in the state of Minnesota, and under the supervision of Dr. Steven Harris, LMFT, while I pursue full licensure.
My approach to therapy is collaborative - where healing occurs within relational contexts. As I walk along side you, I attempt to remain rooted within a trauma informed, systems and attachment-based perspective. My therapy style is adaptive and intuitive to fit the varying needs of my clients, often drawing from narrative, emotion focused, experiential, and person-centered. I enjoy incorporating mindfulness practices in session, along with laughter and playfulness because it is my belief that a component of therapy is the practice of letting ourselves hold on to the little moments that bring us joy.
My education began at the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science. Wanting to continue my education with a systems focus, I completed a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy at Lewis and Clark Graduate School located in Portland, OR.
I interned at a family medicine clinic where I had the privilege of working across life stages, from 4 to 90 years old, and enjoyed gaining insight into both the beautiful aspects and challenges that are unique to each life phase. I have found myself drawn to perinatal mental health since graduating, and I am currently pursuing certification in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
Additional Trainings:
EMDR with a perinatal-focus through Touchstone Institute
EFT Externship through Minnesota Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (MNCEFT)
“Bringing Baby Home Educator”: an educational program for pregnant couples and families with children up to three years of age. It was designed and created by, Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening the parental relationship.
