We listen, Act, and Transform
Hi! I am Emily. I provide therapy from a Spiritually-oriented and Feminist perspective. I know what it is like to deeply struggle in life, feeling shameful, thinking I am broken, different from others, and that feeling that something is wrong with me. It led to suicidal depression, anxiety, and a constant focus on trying to "fix" me. I lived most of my life trying to just survive. I didn't know how to handle my emotions, cope with distress, have effective relationships, or deal with the negative and shaming thoughts in my head. But then something changed and that something was DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
Although it wasn't the end all be all, it certainly changed my life, how I saw myself, and improved my ability to cope with my emotions and thoughts. It was just the start of my journey from surviving to thriving. Since then, I have come to realize I am a Highly Sensitive and Empathetic person. Due to this, it made life feel MUCH harder than it seemed for others. It was difficult for me to say no to others and not feel guilty, I felt responsible for others feelings, I was fearful of judgement from others, etc. However, through DBT and other paths I have explored I now recognize that nothing is wrong with me. I just needed different tools, self-care practices, and most importantly I had to change my beliefs and stories about myself. I had to learn how to embrace my sensitivity; as well as, my identity as a woman and the difficulties that have come with being a woman that has different needs, desires, and wants that are different from societal expectations. I had to start loving, embracing and accepting me as I am. I HAD to change my story. The stories that we form shape and create our reality. It wasn't easy, but I had to start to change my beliefs so that I could create a new reality (life) for myself.
In my sessions, we co-collaborate together to focus on the solutions, needs, and desires that you have for your future. We put our energy and focus into what works, what is effective, what feels good for you, and re-write your beliefs and narratives so that you can experience the reality (life) you desire!
I do not have the answers for you. I am not the expert of YOU. I do not "fix" people because YOU are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. We don't focus on the problems, we focus on the solution and how you can achieve your desired outcome even in the face of adversity (or the problem). It's not about getting our problems to go away, but rather how we can grow and experience our greatness in spite of them. We use them to help us step into our greater self. This is a spiritual path. The path of living a life of purpose and meaning that is aligned to our values and what matters most of us.
It's about learning how to live a life that feels good to us and being okay with looking different from the standard way of living. It's about empowerment and personal responsibility to create the life we want to live and free ourselves from the expectations and standards that have been placed on us as a society.
If you are a woman on a soul-searching journey, desiring a spiritual path back to YOU, and are open to changing your beliefs and stories, desire to focus on solutions, are willing to break free from traditional perspectives and step into what it means to be YOU as woman, and find yourself wanting to create a life of more meaning and purpose than I invite you to schedule a consultation with me to see if we would be a good match to work together. All it takes for change to occur is your intention (desire for it), willingness, and awareness.
My approach is person-centered with elements of: Solution Focused, feminist, strengths based, narrative, existential/spiritual, cognitive behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, somatic, and acceptance and commitment, therapies. I offer In person and Virtual Sessions.
Emily Harbacheck
Behavioral health therapy