Emily is a dedicated therapist-in-training, currently completing her internship with Fig Tree as part of her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from VCU’s College of Health Professions. Before pursuing a career in counseling, Emily earned bachelor’s degrees in Media Studies and Linguistics from the University of Virginia in 2018. She then spent six years as a reporter in New York City, working for publications including ESPN and Sports Illustrated. She covered a range of storylines — gender discrimination, power dynamics, pay disparities, body image, mental health, women’s issues and workplace sexual assault among them.

Her time as a journalist sharpened her ability to listen deeply and hold space for others’ stories, ultimately inspiring her transition into a field focused on unpacking those lived experiences in pursuit of personal growth and healing.

Emily’s clinical areas of interest include maternal mental health, grief, trauma, and relationships. She takes an eclectic therapeutic approach, drawing from psychodynamic, attachment, narrative, and existential theories, and operates from a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective. Passionate about the mind-body connection, she also integrates somatic psychotherapy and mindfulness techniques into her work when beneficial.

In addition to her clinical and academic work, Emily serves as a volunteer hospital advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys reading, running, and spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and dog — whether that’s hiking the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, taking long walks or tending to her growing garden, in the fresh air is Emily’s favorite place to be.