Emma (she/her) is a fourth-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student at the University of Utah, currently completing her field practicum at UCEBT. Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Emma received her Bachelor of Arts from Seattle University in Gender Studies and English Literature. She then worked for several years as a crisis counselor and sexual assault advocate for a community crisis clinic, where she gained experience working with individuals with a wide array of concerns including chronic suicidality and extensive trauma histories.
Emma's therapeutic approach is grounded in Liberation Psychology, emphasizing the relational nature of therapy and guided self-exploration. Research has consistently shown that a strong therapeutic alliance is one of the most significant predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. Emma leverages this by fostering a collaborative partnership that promotes mutual learning and growth.
In therapy, Emma creates a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences in depth. She uses narrative techniques to help clients reframe their stories, gaining new perspectives on their challenges and strengths. Through careful questioning, Emma encourages clients to examine not only their internal experiences but also their relationships with others and the broader world around them. She also utilizes targeted skill-building, drawing on DBT principles to enhance emotional regulation, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and develop greater resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Ultimately, Emma's goal for clients is to develop a more holistic and contextualized understanding of their experiences, one that recognizes both the impact of oppressive systems and the potential for individual and collective empowerment that allows them to heal. Emma gently invites clients to consider how societal factors might influence their well-being, allowing for a richer, more nuanced understanding of personal struggles and resilience. She believes that acknowledging both personal agency and external influences can lead to more meaningful insights and change and is committed to adapting her approach to each client's unique needs and cultural context.
Emma primarily works with adults and enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds with a range of presenting concerns. She has particular experience and interest in working with individuals navigating trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. She deeply values feedback from clients on their experiences and is always open to discussing what would best support their growth and healing journey.
Resources
Information about Liberation Psychology:
Article: Defining Liberation Psychology
Article: Why I am a Liberation Psychotherapist by Lillian Comas-Díaz
Helpful Skills and Tools:
Fireweed Collective Crisis Toolkit
Project Lets: Alternatives to Self-Harm
Guided Meditation: Leaves on a Stream
Books:
The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts by Resmaa Menakem
We Will Not Cancel Us And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice by adrienne maree brown
Poetry:
Do Not Lose Heart, We Were Made for These Times by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Good Bones by Maggie Smith
Podcasts:
The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema Episode #188: Liberation Psychology
Liberation Now Podcast Episode #10: Approaching Therapy from an Anti-Oppressive & Anti-Racism Lens
ReRooted - Ep. 17 - Whiteness on the Couch with Dr. Natasha Stovall
Code Switch: Self-Care Laid Bare
