Hello! My name is Emily, and I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin, and am a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) with an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and music therapy.
If you are struggling to cope with difficult emotions or have experienced stressful life experiences, connecting with a therapist can equip you with skills and support. Additionally, working with a therapist can help you build awareness around yourself and your relationships. I care deeply about the relationship I establish with my clients. I am supportive, empathetic and nonjudgmental, bring warmth and compassion to the work and enjoy working collaboratively.
My treatment approach combines person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and creative practices. You are an individual and know yourself best, so I like to be able to give options for how we can work based upon what you are hoping to focus on for goals. If you are the kind of person who needs a sounding board, I can be that for you. If you are a person who needs structure and support, we can use more CBT. If you like more of a creative approach with music, art, or other expressive avenues, we can utilize those in the therapeutic process. If all or none of those sound like they would be a good fit, I would love to hear what you need and will support you, because again, you know yourself and your needs better than anyone else.
I will help you identify and meet your goals, challenge thought patterns, draw on your own strengths to problem solve and help you learn new tools to function effectively and fulfill your potential. I have a breadth of experience working with kids, teens, young adults, and adults. I look forward to hearing from you and learning about your challenges and goals for the future.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, First Responder Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
WI LPC 7199-125
WA LMHC LH60848378
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Emily Priestaf. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Emily is great!
Written on Oct 30, 2023 after therapy with Emily for 5 months
Therapy is really important to me. Though I prefer in person, I just can't find a therapist in my area who is taking new patients. So I turned to betterhelp.com. Emily's demeanor, communication skills, and professionalism come through right away, and alleviate my reluctance toward video chat therapy. I am comfortable with her, and can foresee ongoing weekly sessions that will take care of my needs and really help me help myself.
Written on Jul 22, 2022 after therapy with Emily for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and parenting issues
Emily has been a trusted lifeline for me through some really rough stuff. It is obvious how much she cares for people and how seriously she takes her work. I am always grateful for her help and hold her in the highest regard.
Written on Feb 23, 2021 after therapy with Emily for 8 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
So wonderful
Written on Aug 05, 2020 after therapy with Emily for 3 months on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Emily is great. She is helping me with the parts of my depression that medication can’t help. I’m making huge progress already.
Written on Jul 27, 2020 after therapy with Emily for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, and self esteem
Emily's ability to gain visibility on the core blocks that hold me back from my wants/desires, has been noticeable from the very start. I always word vomit how I'm feeling, without any structure, and she always somehow brings it back in an organized and structured way that I could never create for myself. Every question almost that Emily has asked, along with the sequence, has illuminated entire blindspots that end up changing my life as soon as my brain knows to look out for that thing. The effects are instantaneous, our brain does the work for us once we know what to focus on - and Emily has absolutely given me those focus points. Thank you Emily!
Written on Jun 14, 2020 after therapy with Emily for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd