Emi Gilbert, MSW

Does this sound familiar?

• Do you or your child/teen have difficulty handling current anxiety/stressors, or difficulty moving forward from past trauma?
• Do you or your child/teen find it challenging to understand or manage your own emotional responses?
• Are you or your child/teen struggling in your interpersonal relationships?

I can help.

• I believe there is no “one size fits all” therapeutic approach and I will work with you to create a unique and tailored experience for your life circumstances at your own pace. I also believe that we are not defined by our diagnoses or labels and I commit to working with you as a holistic individual and/or family.
• I approach each individual and family with curiosity and humility. Therapy sessions with me are a place to explore and disrupt the patterns that may exist in our lives, such as those of attachment styles, generational trauma, and/or internalized oppression related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, or other designations of culture. I fully acknowledge that very real societal oppressions continue to significantly impact people’s lives and therapy does not exist in a vacuum.
• I have extensive experience working with youth and adapting therapeutic interventions for children and teens. I incorporate age-appropriate education to empower individuals and families with the knowledge of how body/brain chemistry influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For all ages, I may include elements of art, movement, games, and humor in our sessions as desired.

What can you expect?

• I will create a safe and affirming, non-judgmental space where you or your child/teen will develop the trust to explore your inner self and your relationships.
• You or your child/teen will gain a stronger understanding of how your brain and body are working together to create the person you are – and how to make the changes you want to see.
• You or your child/teen will build a toolbox of skills to help manage stress, resolve personal conflicts, and find balance in your lives.

I work with a wide range of clients, including children, teens, young adults, and families. My education includes a Master of Social Work from Portland State University. In addition to my work in clinical mental health, I also have my license in school social work and experience providing support in public schools. My theoretical approaches include (but are not limited to) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and Collaborative Problem Solving.