No reviews yet

Emily Kernan

LPC, 7 years of experience

New to Grow

Virtual
Next available on

About me

I specialize in working with women and birthing parents through fertility journeys, pregnancy, postpartum, and the many transitions of parenthood. I know this season can feel both beautiful and overwhelming, and my role is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you don't have to carry it alone. I approach therapy with warmth, compassion, and a genuine respect for the unique challenges each individual faces. I aim to hold the space for you that might feel difficult to find on your own.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

You can expect to leave sessions with tools that help you feel more grounded and capable -- whether that's strategies for managing intrusive thoughts, ways to communicate your needs more effectively, or simply the relief of having a space to be seen and heard. Over time, clients often notice they feel less overwhelmed, more confident in themselves, and more connected to their baby, their partner, and their own sense of identity.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my ability to build genuine, trusting rapport and create a space where clients feel deeply seen and understood. I bring warmth and attunement to each session, using validation as a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship—helping clients feel safe enough to explore their most vulnerable emotions. Clinically, I integrate evidence-based interventions with intuitive insight, allowing me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. My clients often share that they leave sessions feeling grounded, empowered, and more connected to themselves—reflecting the lasting change and growth that comes from our collaborative work.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I use a collaborative, evidence-based approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and person-centered care. Our work might include practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, exploring identity shifts that come with parenthood, or finding new ways to cope with the "mental load" of daily life. Above all, I believe therapy should meet you where you are and support both your emotional well-being and your role as a parent.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

AnxietyFertility & Reproduction Issues

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a practical, evidence based approach I use to help clients cope with the emotional challenges that can arise during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. It's based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected -- and when we become aware of unhelpful thought patterns, we can begin to shift how we feel and respond.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use ACT to support individuals and couples navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges. ACT is a compassionate, evidence based approach that helps you create a life that aligns with your values. In seasons that can feel overwhelming, ACT doesn't try to "get rid of" these emotions. Instead, it helps you build a new relationship with them. Together, we work on making space for difficult feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them, which often brings more relief than resistance.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

At the heart of my work is a person-centered approach -- which means I believe you are the expert on your own life, even if you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure. My role isn't to "fix" you, but create space where you can feel deeply heard, accepted, and supported -- just as you are.

Attachment-based

In my work with perinatal clients, I use an attachment-based approach to help mothers explore how their own early attachment experiences shape their sense of safety, connection, and caregiving. Together, we identify patterns in relationships that may influence their adjustment to motherhood and their bond with their baby. This work supports clients in building secure, compassionate connections—with themselves and with their child—during this transformative stage.

Psychoanalytic

In my work with perinatal clients, I draw from a psychoanalytic framework to help them uncover and make sense of the unconscious thoughts and emotions that arise during the transition to motherhood. This approach invites exploration of early relational experiences, identity shifts, and internal conflicts that may influence present feelings and behaviors. Through this insight-oriented process, clients gain deeper self-understanding and emotional freedom in their roles as both individuals and mothers.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.