Emily @ the mend collective

I do not believe everything happens for a reason, but I do believe there are reasons for your being. I also believe you are the expert of your own experience and that is how I will show up for you. I do not judge where you came from and will not judge you on your healing and processing journey. 

In our work together I will listen to you, validate your experience, encourage you to listen to yourself, and thoughtfully challenge patterns and responses which may not be in alignment with your values and goals. I like balancing the seriousness of our work with the silliness found in life and will be intentional in creating a balanced therapeutic relationship where you can show up authentically each time we are together. 

I am interested in working with teens and young adults who may experience anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationship challenges, and self-esteem issues. I particularly enjoy work around identity discovery, reclaiming independence, listening to your inner child, and finding places where boundaries may serve you. I enjoy working with clients who are female-identifying and/or are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have also found a love for working with parents who balance the challenges of being an invested and present parent while also taking up space in this world as their own person. 

I take a culturally humble, trauma-informed, and systems-focused framework, meaning in our work together I will take time to understand the people, places, and systems in your life. I implement different tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, along with weaving in mindfulness practices and expressive arts techniques. It is important to me that therapy be a comfortable space for all and I am committed to anti-racist, identity-affirming practices and continuing to educate myself about how to best support others.

I am a native North Carolinian and have lived in the state for most of my life. I received an undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill in global studies with a minor in medical anthropology which is when my love of studying and understanding human connection began. After spending a few years in Seattle, I decided I wanted to pursue a new career path and later received my Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University. I moved to Asheville directly after graduation and love participating in this community. When I’m not at work you can find me sitting in the sun, sipping a warm beverage, laughing with loved ones, trying new foods, engaging in community events, traveling, playing with my cat, or working on various art projects.