Emily is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist* at S.A.G.E. She specializes in working with adults experiencing religious trauma, religious transitions, or sexual shame. She also works with therapists, healers, and activists who want to prevent burnout from their high-compassion work.
Meet Emily
“Blessed are those brave enough to make things awkward, for they wake us up and move us forward.”
Glennon Doyle, UNTamed
Are you ready for the hard questions that will get you where you want to be?
Hi, I’m Emily, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I’m a therapist for people who excel at taking care of everyone else, but aren’t sure where their needs fit in. I can help you learn to speak your truth, improve your relationships, rewrite the damaging stories of your past, practice self-care, and be more present for your family and community.
As a lifelong bookworm, I love talking about the stories that shape our lives. Unfortunately, the stories that often influence us the most are the ones we never wanted: family secrets, relationship and sexual difficulties, alcohol abuse, struggles with faith, rejection, people-pleasing, chronic illness, or the unrelenting pressures of success in fast-paced California culture.
Fortunately, these stories don’t have to be the main plot of your life. Therapy can help you re-write the stories of your past and build a life aligned with your identity and values.
You want a therapist who really understands what you’re facing, and I do. I’ve dealt with betrayal, anxiety, family conflict, and the pressures of being raised as a good Christian girl. I’ve lost my voice in toxic relationships and learned to speak up again. I know the demands of modern success, social media comparison, and perfectionism that can keep us from peace and confidence. Your path forward won’t be the same as mine, but I know healing is possible because I’ve done it, and I’ve walked with my clients through changes that last.
Areas of Expertise
- Adult individuals of all genders
- Couples & romantic partners
- LGBTQIA+
- Stress, worry & perfectionism
- Grief & loss of a dream
- Relationship conflict with friends or partners
- Family drama & secrets
- Chronic illness & painful medical experiences
- Sexual shame & sexual difficulties
- Religious trauma & spiritual abuse
- Toxic church & high-control groups
- Religious transition & crisis of faith
- Problematic alcohol use & sober curious
- Compulsive buying & overspending
- Zoning out, distractions & phone-scrolling
- Anti-racism & deconstructing white supremacy
- Helpers & activists in high-burnout careers
Treatment Approaches:
My approach to healing is grounded in three years of intensive training with narrative therapy, and influenced by post-modern and feminist theories, solution-focused and strengths-based interventions, client-directed therapy, and EMDR trauma recovery practices. If you have no idea what any of that means, don’t worry! What you need to know is that I am committed to therapy that is personalized for you and focuses on meaningful healing for your whole self instead of just putting you in a diagnostic box.
I am dedicated to anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy. I support Health at Every Size principles, and stand with clients against a culture that dismisses people based on their gender expression, identity, size, or disability. In my work with survivors of spiritual abuse, I help clients find a healthier religious or secular path forward. I believe therapy is the realm of imagination and whole-hearted living, and that telling the truth in a safe place is key to making real change.
Additional Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Services + Fees
Mental Health Therapy: $150 for 50 min*
*Emily offers fees based on a sliding scale, which is determined based upon your financial need. Please contact us to discuss your particular financial situation to determine the session fee.
*Emily is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who is employed by and under clinical supervision with S.A.G.E. Holistic Health & Wellness Center.