Nice to meet you! I'm Emily and I founded Empower Me 2day, LLC because I am passionate about helping individuals cultivate a life of purpose and joy. I believe that every person has unique experiences and a unique story. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment to help individuals share their stories and discover their true potential.Through a combination of evidence-based practice and a strengths-based and client-centered approach, I offer individual counseling services in a variety of areas, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, health and nutrition, trauma and more. My goal is to provide personalized and compassionate care that helps individuals find the right path to healing and growth. Change can be scary, but I'm here to show you that you don't have to do it alone and we can even find joy and laughter in the process.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I focus on creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore and understand their thoughts and emotions. My approach is collaborative, and I emphasize building a strong therapeutic alliance to ensure clients feel supported throughout the healing process. I believe in the power of healing and reclaiming one’s sense of self. I am committed to creating a space where clients can process their past and find hope for the future.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I was once told that my greatest superpower is providing clients with "stillness". I’m deeply empathetic and create a non-judgmental, safe space where clients feel heard and understood. I take pride in building strong, trusting relationships with my clients, as I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is essential to effective treatment. Through my certifications and trainings in grief counseling, EMDR, and DBT, I empower my clients to make the changes they want to see in their lives. Additionally, I am committed to cultural competence and always strive to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of the people I work with. Lastly, I value continued professional development and regularly seek out opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge as a therapist.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about different areas of their lives. I am ready to help you if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, medical diagnoses, and trauma-related issues.
About Emily McCready
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VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
My experience with EMDR has been incredibly rewarding, both in terms of personal growth and the positive impact it has had on my clients. I began incorporating EMDR into my work after completing the necessary training. Since then, I’ve seen it help many individuals process traumatic memories, reduce emotional distress, and ultimately achieve a more balanced and positive outlook on life. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation. This process helps to "reprocess" distressing memories and alleviate the emotional charge associated with them, which in turn can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, unresolved grief, and other trauma-related conditions. Typically, I begin by assessing the client’s history and identifying specific memories or incidents that are contributing to their current symptoms. Once we’ve identified these target memories, I guide the client through the eight phases of EMDR. Through this process, I find that clients can confront and reprocess painful memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge. It allows them to reframe their beliefs, gain new insights, and feel a greater sense of empowerment over their experiences. One of the aspects of EMDR I particularly appreciate is its ability to facilitate deep healing without requiring clients to extensively relive or talk about traumatic events in detail. Over time, I have seen significant improvements in my clients’ mental health, such as a reduction in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The ability to integrate EMDR into my practice has allowed me to offer a holistic approach to therapy that addresses both the emotional and physiological components of trauma. It’s a privilege to see my clients experience profound healing and growth through this method.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my practice, I use DBT in both individual therapy and group settings. The therapy is based on four core components: Mindfulness: Helping clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations in the present moment, without judgment. This is crucial for clients to gain control over their emotional responses. Distress Tolerance: Teaching clients strategies to tolerate and manage difficult emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. These tools are essential for dealing with crises in healthier ways. Emotion Regulation: Helping clients understand and regulate their emotions more effectively, so they can respond to situations more balanced and thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Teaching clients how to communicate effectively, assertively, and respectfully, which is particularly helpful for those struggling with relationship dynamics. In individual therapy, I begin by working with clients to identify specific behaviors and patterns they wish to change. Together, we set goals and prioritize issues, then utilize DBT techniques to target those goals. For example, clients learn how to use mindfulness techniques to ground themselves when experiencing overwhelming emotions or how to use distress tolerance skills to avoid self-destructive behaviors during moments of crisis. In addition to individual therapy, I have also run DBT skills groups, where clients can learn and practice these skills in a supportive group setting. Group sessions focus on building skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Clients are encouraged to practice these skills outside of therapy and report back on their experiences in the group, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. What I appreciate most about DBT is its emphasis on balancing acceptance and change. It encourages clients to accept their feelings and experiences while simultaneously working toward positive change. This dialectical approach—holding two seemingly contradictory ideas at once—helps clients feel validated while also motivating them to make progress in their emotional and behavioral regulation. Over the years, I have witnessed clients experience significant improvements in their mental health through DBT. Many have reported reduced impulsivity, improved emotional stability, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of self-acceptance. I’ve seen DBT not only help individuals cope with emotional distress but also empower them to build meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is based on the understanding that trauma affects individuals in complex ways, influencing their thoughts, behaviors, and physical well-being. Rather than focusing solely on the trauma itself, trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment, helping clients feel seen and heard as they navigate their healing journey. The core principles of trauma-informed care include safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. These principles guide how I engage with clients and structure the therapy experience. In my practice, I use trauma-informed care by ensuring that every aspect of the therapeutic process is aligned with these principles. From the very first interaction, I focus on creating a sense of safety and stability for clients. I do this by explaining the therapy process clearly, establishing clear boundaries, and offering a non-judgmental space where clients can feel secure. I also emphasize confidentiality and ensure that clients know they are in control of their treatment and can choose what they feel comfortable sharing. One of the most important elements of trauma-informed care is understanding the pervasive impact of trauma on the body and mind. I integrate this understanding into my practice by adopting a holistic approach, addressing both the emotional and physiological aspects of trauma. For example, I often incorporate mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and body-based practices to help clients manage the physical symptoms of trauma and re-establish a sense of control over their bodies. In addition to these techniques, I emphasize the importance of collaboration and empowerment. I believe that healing from trauma is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I work with each client to tailor treatment to their unique needs. I actively involve clients in their treatment planning, allowing them to set goals and make decisions about the direction of their therapy. This sense of agency is crucial for clients who may have experienced powerlessness in the past. Throughout the therapeutic process, I also remain mindful of the potential for retraumatization. I take care to approach sensitive topics with care, ensuring that clients never feel pressured or rushed to process their trauma at a pace that feels unsafe. This involves ongoing assessment and checking in with clients about their comfort levels and emotional responses during our work together. One of the key aspects of trauma-informed care is creating an environment where clients feel that they are the experts of their own experiences. I validate their emotions and experiences without judgment, while helping them develop skills to cope with the impact of trauma in their daily lives. This collaborative approach fosters trust, allowing clients to engage in therapy more openly and make progress at their own pace.
Grief Therapy
As a Grief Counseling Specialist, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives—loss and grief. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how grief impacts a person emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. My approach to grief therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique journey through loss. As a specialist, I recognize that grief is not a linear process, and each individual’s experience of loss is deeply personal. Whether someone is grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a major life transition, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their emotions, reflect on their experiences, and begin to heal at their own pace. In my practice, I integrate several therapeutic frameworks to address the different aspects of grief: Narrative Therapy: I encourage clients to tell their story, helping them explore their relationship with the person or thing they’ve lost. This process allows clients to find meaning in their grief and to express emotions that they may have previously been unable to articulate. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Grief can often be overwhelming, causing clients to feel disconnected or flooded with emotion. I incorporate mindfulness practices and grounding techniques to help clients stay present and manage their emotions as they navigate the complexities of grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): I use elements of CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, such as guilt or self-blame, which often accompany grief. By reframing these thoughts, clients can gain a healthier perspective and begin to heal from the emotional burden of grief. Complicated Grief Therapy: For clients who are experiencing complicated grief—grief that is prolonged or significantly interferes with daily life—I use more structured interventions. These include helping clients express their grief, develop healthier coping strategies, and gradually re-engage with life in ways that honor the loss while promoting healing. Grief Rituals and Symbolic Acts: I guide clients in creating meaningful rituals or symbolic acts that allow them to honor and remember their loved ones. These acts, such as writing letters, creating memory boxes, or holding personal memorials, can be incredibly powerful tools for processing grief and finding closure. Support for Anticipatory Grief: For those facing an impending loss, I help clients navigate anticipatory grief with a focus on emotional preparation, saying goodbye, and fostering meaningful moments with their loved ones before the loss occurs. This proactive support can make the grieving process after the death feel more manageable. As a grief counseling specialist, my role is not only to help clients process their grief but also to help them build resilience and find meaning in their experience. While grief is a deeply painful and personal process, I support clients in understanding that it is not something they need to "get over." Instead, it’s about finding a way to live with their grief, honor their loved ones, and integrate the loss into their lives. Throughout therapy, I continually validate the client’s experience, acknowledging that there is no "right way" to grieve. My approach is flexible, recognizing that grief can take many forms, and I meet my clients where they are emotionally, supporting them in their unique healing process.
Strength-Based
Strengths-based therapy is a central approach in my practice, and I have found it to be incredibly effective in helping clients recognize and harness their inherent strengths to overcome challenges. I began using this approach after realizing how empowering it can be for clients to shift from a problem-focused mindset to one that emphasizes their abilities, resilience, and resources. Over time, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach fosters greater self-esteem, hope, and motivation for change. In my practice, I use strengths-based therapy in a variety of ways: Identifying Strengths: One of the first steps in using a strengths-based approach is helping clients identify their unique strengths, whether these are personal qualities, skills, or past successes. This often involves exploring past experiences where clients have faced adversity and managed to cope or thrive. I ask questions like, “What has helped you get through difficult times in the past?” or “What strengths have you used in situations where you succeeded despite challenges?” This helps clients begin to see themselves as resourceful and capable, even when they feel overwhelmed by their current circumstances. Building Self-Esteem and Resilience: Strengths-based therapy is inherently focused on building self-esteem by focusing on what clients do well rather than what they struggle with. I emphasize the importance of self-compassion and self-empowerment, helping clients recognize their internal resources and strengths. For example, when clients are dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, we focus on their capacity to find moments of resilience, whether it's through small acts of self-care, perseverance, or problem-solving. Recognizing these strengths, no matter how small, helps them build confidence in their ability to manage difficulties. Goal Setting: In strengths-based therapy, goal setting is grounded in the belief that clients can use their strengths to achieve their desired outcomes. I work with clients to set goals that align with their values and strengths, and together we create actionable steps to help them move forward. The goals are framed positively, focusing on what clients want to build in their lives, rather than just eliminating what they don't want. For instance, instead of focusing on "getting rid of" anxiety, a goal might be to "build more calm and control in stressful situations." Empowering Clients: I strive to empower clients by encouraging them to take an active role in their own healing process. Strengths-based therapy promotes autonomy and self-determination, which I reinforce by giving clients the tools to make informed decisions about their lives. I encourage clients to recognize that they have the power to affect change, whether it’s through small, consistent efforts or larger transformative actions. This approach fosters a sense of agency and self-reliance, which can be particularly healing for those who have experienced powerlessness or felt stuck in their challenges. Reframing Challenges: Strengths-based therapy also involves reframing challenges. Instead of viewing obstacles as insurmountable problems, we look at them as opportunities for growth. I help clients see how they can use their strengths to navigate difficulties in healthier, more adaptive ways. For example, a client may struggle with managing stress but may have a strong ability to plan and organize. Together, we explore how those organizational skills can be applied to reduce stress, such as by creating routines or breaking down tasks into manageable steps. Celebrating Progress: Finally, I emphasize the importance of celebrating progress, no matter how small. Strengths-based therapy encourages clients to acknowledge their achievements along the way, reinforcing their belief in their ability to succeed. Celebrating even minor milestones builds momentum and fosters a sense of accomplishment, which in turn encourages further positive change.