Emily Harris
Emily Harris
(she/her)
Hi, I'm Emily. Something brought you to this website in search of a therapist or counselor. Maybe it was a single event or problem, like a loss of a loved one or a sudden change in job status. Or maybe you've been struggling with a multitude of stressors and are feeling burned out, anxious, depressed, disconnected, and fatigued. What would your life be like if you no longer experienced these issues? How do you get to that point? These questions are the foundation of my therapeutic approach, which is goal-oriented, solution-focused, and personalized to you as an individual. Your goals are unique to you, so it takes a unique approach in order to help you reach them. Together, we will identify your goals, the barriers you face, and how to overcome them to get to where you want to be. Our past and current interpersonal relationships influence our own mental health status and are often the source of past trauma. I focus on building interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, communication, and identification of healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics to help heal trauma, and build a solid personal and professional support system to use long after our work together is completed. Since interpersonal relationships are so important to us as social creatures, the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is key to healing. Not every therapist works for every client. If, during our work together, you feel that this relationship is not a good fit for you, I am here to help you find someone who is. Please note that I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, I will review confidentiality and some parts of the informed consent form, discuss previous therapy experiences, gather details about your history based on your responses to the initial intake form. We may discuss family history, previous treatment history, mental health and substance use history, early childhood experiences, and past/current mental health diagnoses and symptoms. You will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout session, and are welcome to ask about my previous experience, treatment approach, or other relevant information pertaining to your treatment goals/preferences.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I lean on humor and creativity in my practice. While therapy can be difficult, vulnerable - even uncomfortable at times - there is room to be goofy, silly, and artistic, as well. Our authentic selves are complex and interesting, and I'm always seeking to create a level of comfort in my sessions in which you can access your authenticity organically, and use humor and creativity as part of your skillset.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
- adolescents and adults dealing with new or worsening symptoms of one or more mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, obsessive compulsive thoughts/behaviors, disordered eating and/or body image issues - sexual and gender minorities or clients who may be working towards understanding of their own or a loved one's sexuality or gender identity - individuals who have experienced religious trauma or shifting their understanding of their identity based on changes in their religious beliefs/spiritual identity, especially clients who are struggling with their sexuality or gender identity in the context of a religious upbringing that was/is unsupportive - clients undergoing major life changes such as graduation, marriage, childbirth, divorce, or death of a loved one - clients who have experienced or witnessed one or more traumatic events such as sexual assault, abuse, neglect, natural disaster, life-threatening accidents, traumatic death, etc
About Emily Harris
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is not a specific therapeutic technique or method. Instead, trauma informed care means understanding the physical, mental, spiritual, relational, emotional, and behavioral effects of trauma, and tailoring evidence-based interventions to address and reduce symptoms of trauma. I emphasize psychoeducation about trauma, helping clients find effective coping skills to manage triggers, connect current symptoms to past events, and examining the deeply-held and often maladapative core beliefs about the self, others, and the world. Each client sets the pace for their own treatment timeline to ensure client safety inside and outside of sessions. Treatment that centers around trauma is most effective when social supports are in place, clients have a sense of safety in their everyday lives, and there is no current substance use or addictive behaviors. If any of these factors are present, they will be the main focus of treatment until safety, support, and stability are achieved.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy involves understanding the influence of early childhood experiences on our ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships into adulthood. Attachment trauma in early childhood can include parental death, illness, mental health issues, incarceration, neglect, and abuse. These experiences can manifest into dysfunctional relationship dynamics with family, friends, intimate partners, colleagues, children, etc. Attachment-based therapy focuses on understanding how past relationship dynamics are reflected in current relationship issues, developing understanding of dysfunctional patterns of interpersonal interactions, increasing self-care, and learning healthy conflict resolution, communication, and empathy in important relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In therapy, we work on identifying and communicating emotions, understanding how learned behaviors and thinking patterns contribute to mental health issues, and replacing negative thoughts and behaviors with those that are more adaptive.