Hello! I'm Emily; a San Francisco-based, dually licensed therapist with a deep belief in the healing power of self inquiry in the context of a therapeutic relationship. I trained as a drama therapist at California Institute of Integral Studies following several years working in theater and education. Are you anticipating (or already amidst) a life change? I specialize in therapeutic work related to what I respectfully call “portals”--- with an interest in helping you honor where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’d like to go next.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In an initial session, we'll review some of the basics of therapy, address any questions or curiosities you might have, and dive into the work! This might mean starting right where you are, with what's going on for you that moment, or rewinding with an assessment-focused approach. I find moving from the present to the past or the past to the present equally useful, and will take the lead depending on your preferences and needs.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I pride myself as a lifelong learner and bring loads of compassion and curiosity to my clients, as well as the occasional and intentional challenge. Though I'm well versed as a "talk therapist," my training in drama therapy means I'm also always ready with an invitation for embodied exploration and expression.
About Emily Means
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The gold standard in evidence based therapy. We'll work together to get curious about how your thoughts and beliefs impact your feelings and functioning. Through investigating and experimenting with these often unconscious processes, we can create real change fast.
Compassion Focused
As a favorite poet of mine (Meg Falley) says "Shame is never fertile soil for growth." We'll prioritize the establishment of a foundation of empathy and respect in our relationship, and in your evolving relationship with yourself. No matter what we encounter in therapy, I'll coach you to increase and sustain practices for self trust and compassion.
Psychodynamic
How might the past be showing up in your present, or your present be impacted by what you've experienced in the past? Psychodynamic therapy often means tracing whatever's sprouting in the here-and-now backwards, to its roots. The more insight we can gain into your origin story, the more we can understand--- and appreciate--- the way you make meaning of your ongoing experiences.