LPCC, 11 years of experience
Hi, I'm Emy Carlson, MS, NCC, CCTP, QMHP. I'm a licensed mental health counselor and board-approved supervisor in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington. I specialize in working with adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. I believe in creating a safe space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and make sure we’re a good fit. I’ll start by briefly introducing myself and my approach, and then we’ll talk about what brings you in, what you hope to gain from therapy, and any immediate concerns you'd like to address. This session also includes a formal intake process where I’ll gather background information, including your personal and family history, mental health symptoms, and any past treatment experiences. This helps me understand your story in context so we can create a plan that fits your goals and needs. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance—just come as you are. I strive to make this process supportive, comfortable, and collaborative from the start.
I’m known for being a grounded, direct, and empathetic therapist who balances compassion with accountability. My clients often say they feel both seen and challenged in our work together—which helps them break through old patterns and make meaningful progress. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and attachment-focused work, always tailored to your unique needs and goals. I’m especially skilled at helping people identify stuck points, build emotional resilience, and develop healthier boundaries in both personal and relational contexts. I prefer a casual, conversational approach over a strictly clinical one—therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff or scripted to be effective. My goal is to empower you to take your life back, rebuild confidence, and move forward with intention. Together, we create a space where growth feels possible, structured, and fully supported.
I work with individuals ages 16 and up, including adults and couples, who are ready to explore their patterns, navigate challenges, and move toward meaningful change. Many of my clients are dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or identity shifts and are seeking a grounded, direct, and supportive therapeutic space. As an accountability-focused therapist, I value honesty, follow-through, and the courage to face discomfort for the sake of growth. I appreciate clients who are open to being gently challenged and who are committed to doing the work—whether that means untangling old wounds, strengthening boundaries, or learning to regulate emotions in a healthier way. If you're looking for a therapist who will walk beside you while also helping you stay on track, I’m here to support you with clarity, compassion, and results-oriented care. I look forward to meeting you!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a foundational approach in my practice. I have extensive training and experience using CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more adaptive, balanced perspectives. I apply CBT in treating a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma responses, and mood instability. In sessions, I guide clients through exploring cognitive distortions, restructuring negative beliefs, and developing actionable coping strategies. I also incorporate behavioral activation, thought tracking, and structured problem-solving when appropriate. CBT is often integrated with other evidence-based modalities to support the client’s goals and enhance treatment outcomes.
Trauma-Informed Care is a foundational component of my clinical practice. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I approach therapy through a lens that prioritizes safety, empowerment, and the impact of trauma on the brain and body. I create a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and minimizes re-traumatization, allowing clients to feel supported and in control of their healing process. I incorporate trauma-informed principles across modalities, including CBT, to address emotional dysregulation, hypervigilance, and trauma-based belief systems. My experience includes working with complex trauma, developmental trauma, and trauma related to abuse, loss, and high-stress careers such as law enforcement and military service.
Couples Counseling is a key part of my practice, where I help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate challenges with compassion and structure. I use an integrative approach grounded in evidence-based models such as Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for couples. Sessions focus on identifying negative interaction cycles, increasing emotional responsiveness, and fostering healthy conflict resolution. I also support couples in navigating transitions, parenting, intimacy concerns, and relational trauma. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where both partners feel heard, respected, and supported in reconnecting and strengthening their relationship.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a core passion in my clinical work. I value MI for its collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that respects each client’s autonomy and readiness for change. I use MI to help clients explore ambivalence, clarify values, and strengthen intrinsic motivation to move toward meaningful goals. Whether addressing behavioral change, emotional regulation, or life transitions, MI provides a respectful and empowering framework. I often integrate MI with CBT and trauma-informed care, especially when working with clients who feel stuck or uncertain. My style is affirming, client-centered, and focused on building insight and momentum at the client’s own pace.