About
"I’m motivated by the bravery and strength shown by clients that choose to reimagine and work towards the life they want to live."
Why I became a therapist
Hi, I’m Emalee, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I became a therapist because I love to use my natural curiosity to uncover others’ stories and strengths. I value strong relationships, connection and believe everyone deserves to have their voice heard. As a former collegiate soccer player, I believe in the power of teams. As a therapist on your ‘team,’ I’ll accompany you on your journey. I will encourage you, challenge you, and help you gain new skills to live your most fulfilled life.
Who I work with
I work with individuals and couples who might be struggling with anxiety, life-transitions, parenting and/or relationship challenges and trauma. I enjoy working with couples to help increase trust, intimacy and connection in their relationship. I am also interested in women’s health, specifically infertility, pregnancy and postnatal support. By tapping into their strengths, and learning new skills & new ways of thinking, I hope my clients increase their sense of self-worth and self-confidence to live their most fulfilled life.
"Therapy is a collaborative, transformational space that can help inspire change and improve quality of life through self-awareness and self-exploration."
Working With Me
My approach to therapy is goal-oriented and collaborative to help you achieve your goals. I hope my clients learn new skills and become empowered to make the changes they want to see. I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-focused, person-centered approaches. If we are doing trauma-focused work, I will apply groundbreaking research by Dr. Bruce Perry and Bessel van der Kolk. We will work together to navigate your intense symptoms and develop an effective pathway to healing by bringing attention to the mind-body connection through mindfulness, rhythm and regulation. In our sessions together I will use a warm, relational approach to surface and build your strengths to navigate hardships with confidence. Developing new ways of thinking and being can be hard, but the more attuned we are with ourselves the more we can deepen our connections to others, so I’ll be right alongside you to practice new techniques and support your journey to become your most fulfilled self.
Qualifications and trainings
- I earned my Master of Social Work in Mental Health and Master of Public Health from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC);
- I received a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of the Ozarks where I was a 4 year varsity athlete;
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
- I am trained in Restorative Justice Peacemaking Circle keeping/facilitating.