Ema Simpson, M.Ed.

“Life shouldn’t be this hard.” What am I doing wrong?” “Why can’t I just get it together?”

If you often ask yourself these questions, I have a different question for you: What if you’re not doing anything “wrong” at all?

Life throws a lot at us, and we all get knocked down once in a while. Maybe you don’t need to be harder on yourself. Maybe you just need support to figure out what you really want and how to navigate this unpredictable world in a way that works for you.

I love that counseling takes a holistic approach to addressing these issues. I wanted to enter a field that helps people develop their own unique goals and solutions in their own unique lives. I am not here to tell you what to do. There’s no one-size fits all approach for mental health. I’m here to help you figure out how to get to a healthier, happier place for you based on your unique strengths and your unique challenges. I particularly enjoy working with clients experiencing anxiety, struggling with life transitions, and/or trying to bring more balance into their lives.

To use a phrase that’s common in the counseling community, you are the expert on you. I am committed to respecting your autonomy, experiences, and values. Counseling theories that I find useful for this goal are acceptance and commitment therapy and existential therapy. I also draw on mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, and motivational interviewing techniques.

I enjoy working with clients who want to make a change but feel stuck, who overanalyze and are looking to get out of their heads, and who want to build community but find socializing exhausting sometimes.

I recognize that reaching out for help when you’re already feeling overwhelmed is hard. Taking that first step is tough, but I will do my best to make you feel welcome and heard as we figure out how to prioritize mental health in a way that is authentic to you.

MORE ABOUT ME:

I’m originally from Southwestern Virginia but delighted to have the chance to explore the Richmond area. I love reading, dancing, swimming, history, and music. I’m also an animal lover with a special soft spot for cats.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary
• Bachelor’s degree in History & Government from the College of William & Mary
• Member of American Counseling Association (ACA)

SUPERVISED BY:

Amy Clay, LPC

CREDENTIALS:

Resident in Counseling

PRELICENSE:

VA 0704015897