Ethan Emerson (he/him)

I use what I call a past, present, and future approach: Past: The way we perceive and experience the present is influenced by the past, especially our childhood, and I help you gain insight into this in a way that helps validate your current symptoms. Most of us have wounds from childhood, some are considered “big” or traumatic wounds, others “small” or subtle. One of the ways how I help you heal is by using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an effective and efficient method for treating trauma. Present: I help you build a toolbox of coping skills to manage difficult emotions and anxiety in your present life, using EMDR, CBT, DBT, and ACT techniques. I help you become more aware and present in the moment using mindfulness and meditation, and to be more kind to yourself. Future: I help you instill hope for the future by helping you set goals, exploring and building on strengths, and increasing awareness of the positive.

My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own personal therapy which I started in college and continued throughout my 20s. I struggled with self-doubt and anxiety since middle school, experienced trauma from a major surgery when I was 16, and felt like I shouldn’t be anxious or depressed since I had loving parents who are still together today. I learned in my own therapy how more subtle wounds from childhood can add up to have a big influence on who we are today, and through my own work have been able to heal from these wounds. I aim to help others ease their suffering as I have eased mine. Before I became a therapist I worked as a professional musician and guitarist specializing in jazz, and I continue to play music today. I find a lot of similarities between jazz and therapy, as both involve improvising, being present and aware, listening, and connecting to the audience or client.