​My Approach

 

My practice is now 100% virtual. I use an integrative, holistic and intuitive approach to psychotherapy that focuses on deep healing of mind, body and spirit. My style is warm, collaborative and conversational. I find using humor can be helpful in the right moments when a dose of laughter really is the best medicine. I aim to be supportive and non-judgmental, but will also give direct feedback when appropriate. My work draws from various schools of thought including:

-Humanistic/ Transpersonal Psychology

-Mindfulness

-Client Centered Therapy

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

-Emotionally Focused Therapy

-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

-Relational Therapy

 

 How I Work

 

Once we have decided to work together, we begin by creating a safe and confidential space for the therapy to unfold- this is something we create together, along with a customized treatment plan to help you reach your goals. We agree to meet regularly for virtual sessions and the work is confidential. Every topic is welcome.
 

My goal is to learn about you with the intention of truly understanding your experience. We’ll figure out the right tone and pace, so don’t worry about what to say or having all the answers. I will meet you wherever you are in your own process. We will work together to nurture a welcoming curiosity about your experiences- painful or pleasant, harmful or healing. We will work towards building a trusting therapeutic relationship with the understanding that safety and comfort are not the same thing. Our relationship is what makes the difference. Not because I am wise, but because of the safety and confidentiality of the space and the openness of our conversations will help you gain access to the full range of your abilities, thoughts and emotions. 

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The therapy relationship is unique. It is intimate like a friendship, but it is one-sided. It is focused on you and you do not have to take care of me. It is also more structured than a friendship. We share a mutual purpose- to help you- and we pursue that purpose apart from the pressures of daily living. In addition, my training allows me to apply to your life knowledge of the life cycle, and common features of distress and recovery in ways that can be helpful to you. Knowledge like that matters, but it is not sufficient. We need our relationship to be able to apply it.  Think of our therapy relationship like a test laboratory for the real world. Together we will challenge familiar patterns of feeling and reacting, step outside of comfort zones and test out new possibilities. We can learn to be in the here-and-now. The things we do in therapy will find their way into your daily life and the therapeutic relationship will act as a touchstone while you are testing out the waters. 

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My goal is to facilitate your process of meeting your goals for our work. I am conscientious about clients not becoming dependent on the counseling relationship, and I do not prolong therapy longer than necessary. That being said, some clients will have longer term therapy goals and some will choose to return for " tune up sessions" even after the initial course of therapy is complete. You will know when your work is complete either when your goals have been met or when our conversations have become a part of you.  That is, when the things we talk about together and experience together become things you do on your own. This is a continuing discussion. We will gradually scale back sessions once you begin to make steady progress. This is an opportunity to try out skills independently. You are always welcome to steer your sessions in a different direction, ask for a referral or choose to end your treatment at any point, for any reason. I will never be offended if you want to explore your options. Your healing takes priority.

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Areas of Expertise

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I work with a wide variety of clinical issues and life concerns. I have special interest in the following areas:

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Anxiety+Panic

Anxiety can feel like your mind is spinning around an exhausting cycle of worst case scenarios and “what ifs.”Therapy can teach you strategies to stop anxiety producing thought patterns and grounding strategies that allow you to feel more in control.

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Trauma+ PTSD

Trauma can have long-lasting effects, even years after the traumatic event is over. I have specialized training in Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

for PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, ocd, chronic pain and more. This revolutionary, research-supported treatment helps the brain complete the natural process of trauma healing by reprocessing memories using bilateral eye movements, tapping or sounds. Click HERE or Visit www.emdria.com to learn more.

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Stress Management+ Self-Compassion

 While we can't always prevent stressful situations, we can limit the impact stress has on us. Therapy can help identify and manage the areas of stress affecting your life. Learn to change stress-inducing thought patterns. Re-organize and prioritize daily responsibilities to help the day flow more easily. Practice self care and setting healthy boundaries. Manage feelings of hopelessness, worry, self-doubt, guilt/shame and grief so you can face the day with confidence.

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Spiritual Growth+ Mindfulness

Connect more deeply to your spirituality. Spiritual awakenings or experiences can elicit intense emotions and expand perspectives. It can be challenging to find a therapist who understands that not everything can be explained in psychological or biological terms. I welcome you to explore your spiritual beliefs openly in our work together... in whatever way feels authentic and healing for you. Discover your higher purpose and what brings meaning to your life. Explore the impact of your spirituality or religion on your experiences and choices in a neutral and accepting atmosphere. I have special interest in transpersonal psychology, parapsychology, and the healthy integration of transformational spiritual experiences in non-pathologizing way.

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Love+Relationships

Master the art of dating, relationships, marriage and intimacy. Develop positive relationship patterns and effective communication skills that will attract the results you want in your relationship and love life. If you are a parent, I offer parent guidance consultations which can help you and your partner co-parent more effectively. 

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Educational Background​

• Emory University ( BA in clinical psychology, 2005)

• The School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University ( Masters degree clinical psychology 2005 and PSYD doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology earned in 2010)  

• EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training completed through Compassionworks

• Assistant Researcher at The Language Research Center at Georgia State University 

• Lead Psychologist at American Health and Wellness Institute- Atlanta, GA 

• Private practice, Owner/CEO at Dr. Emily Katz Psychological Services