About Me
About
I bring a calm, warm, and compassionate presence to therapy, offering a steady and grounded energy that invites safety and trust. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and gently help you notice what’s unfolding beneath the surface. My approach blends empathy with insight, helping you feel seen while supporting meaningful change. I’m especially attuned to how identity, family, and culture shape our inner world, and how new stories can emerge through connection, curiosity, and care.
Originally from Maryland, I’ve found home on both coasts and have lived in Portland since 2016. Outside of work, I enjoy long walks, knitting, yoga, reading, and spending time with my partner and our two cats, Phoebe and Francie.
I hold a Master’s in Marriage, Couple, & Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College, a Master’s in Branding from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor’s in Media & Communications / English from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke
Approach
I believe we are all wired for connection, and I center this in my work through a strong focus on attachment. That starts with the relationship between us, as it’s important that you feel safe to be your full self and that therapy feels like a good fit.
My approach is integrative, drawing from Attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), eco-psychology, and mindfulness-based practices. I pay close attention to the mind-body connection and to what’s happening in the present moment—how your body responds as you tell a story, what emotions surface as you sit with a memory. These real-time experiences often offer valuable insight into your deeper needs, beliefs, and patterns.
I often draw on nature’s rhythms and metaphors to support reflection and healing, inviting a deeper connection to self and the world around us. I find the shifting seasons and life cycles in the natural world offer powerful parallels for our own experiences of change, growth, and grief.
I tailor my style to each client’s needs, honoring your pace, history, and hopes. Above all, I strive to offer care that is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and affirming of all identities and expressions, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
Consultation Request
I offer free 15-minute consultations for new potential clients in Oregon. Please use the contact form to request a consultation or send me an email request. I will follow up to schedule where we can learn more about each other and determine if we are a good fit.
Phone:
971-415-2967
E-mail:
emily@emilysmiththerapy.com
