Emily Zavala-Aguilar

LMFT (she/her)3 years of experienceNext available
5.0 (57)
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Welcome! I’m Emily. I am a licensed psychotherapist working in the Sacramento area. My therapy practice welcomes children, adolescents, adults, and families. I operate from the framework that through our shared humanity, we can find connection, understanding, and healing.

I operate from the framework that through our shared humanity, we can find connection, understanding, and healing.

As a humanistic and psychodynamic therapist, my practice emphasizes genuineness, self-discovery, and uncovering unconscious behaviors and patterns within a non-judgmental and empathic space

First session

Our first session (and most subsequent sessions) is all about getting to know each other. I prefer a less structured and more authentic approach to first discussions. I will answer any questions you have about counseling and explain policies and procedures. I am most interested in what you are looking for and how I can potentially support you in your journey!

Strengths

Clients have expressed that they appreciate my realness and my ability to create a space that is supportive and nonjudgmental. I believe in meeting the client wherever they are in their journey and will be responsive to whatever they bring into the therapy room.

Treatment methods

Person-centered (Rogerian)

As a Rogerian therapist I believe healing comes from authenticity, empathy, and connection. I use Rogerian techniques with clients with growing their understanding of themselves and self-compassion.

Trauma Informed Care

Understanding our history with traumatic experiences is essential to effective and responsive care. Only through understanding these connections can we disrupt maladaptive patterns and heal old wounds that continue to effect our lives.

Narrative

The stories that we tell ourselves shape our perspective. However, have the power to make meaning of our experiences and author our stories. With safety, reflection, and exploration, together we create our own stories about ourselves and life experiences.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

  • Hispanic / Latinx

  • LGBTQ

  • Native American

  • Person of Color (POC)

  • Woman

Top specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • LGBTQ

Other specialties

  • Coping Skills

  • Mood Disorders

  • Self Esteem

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Women's Issues

Serves

  • Adults (18 to 64)

  • Elders (65 and above)

  • Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

  • CaliforniaLicense 145463

Accepted insurance

  • Aetna - Medicare

  • Cash - $175 per session

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (57)14 reviews
July 18, 2026

Emily has been so amazing in just listening to me and giving me tools to regulate my severe anxiety. I find myself using them pretty much everyday. Her calm nature really makes me feel heard and understood. Very intelligent and well versed in how anxiety affects us and our relationships.

Verified client, age 25-34Review shared after session 10 with Emily
December 5, 2025

I talked a lot but Emily was super understanding and a great listener! I really think that we will work well and I always appreciate someone who can hear me ramble on and on.

Verified client, age 25-34Review shared after session 1 with Emily
December 2, 2025

I feel so much lighter after even one session with Emily. She assured me in ways that made me feel super comfortable and warm.

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 1 with Emily
Schedule 60 min