Emily Bliss

I have been working in the mental health field for over 13 years in various roles. I have worked with individuals of all ages, stages, and experiences of the world. I especially feel equipped to work with people with substance use and chronic illnesses. Life is tough and feeling heard is tougher. My job is to support someone in reaching their goals.

I enjoy working with people who would like to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their perceptions along with past and current experiences.

I focus my work on building a therapeutic relationship to support someone to work towards their goals.

Healing isn’t a linear process, and it certainly shouldn't be a lonely one. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own life; I am here to provide the insight, tools, and dedicated space to help you navigate it.

I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a deeply person-centered, trauma-informed lens. This means our sessions aren't just about managing symptoms—they’re about understanding the "why" behind your patterns and reclaiming your narrative. I prioritize a balance of gentle challenge and radical empathy, ensuring you feel supported enough to be vulnerable, yet empowered enough to grow.

Whether we are untangling past experiences or building resilience for the future, my goal is to foster a collaborative environment where humor is welcome, judgment is absent, and your authentic self is celebrated. Together, we’ll work to move you from a state of surviving to a place of intentional, sustainable thriving.

1. Breaking the Ice

We’ll start with the basics. I’ll introduce myself and explain the "housekeeping" items—things like confidentiality, session frequency, and how we’ll work together. This is a low-pressure way to settle into the space and get used to the flow of our conversation.

2. Sharing Your Story

You’ll have the floor to share what brought you here today. We’ll look at:

• Current Challenges: What is feeling heaviest right now?
• Your History: A brief overview of your background and past experiences with therapy (what worked and what didn't).
• The "Big Picture": What you hope your life looks like six months or a year from now.

3. Setting the Compass

By the end of the hour, we’ll begin identifying your primary goals. We won’t solve everything in 50 minutes, but we will leave with a shared understanding of our starting point.

4. Assessing the "Fit"

Therapy is a relationship, and the "click" matters. This session is just as much for you to interview me as it is for me to learn about you. You’re encouraged to ask questions about my style or my philosophy to ensure you feel safe and understood.