Emily Walker
Associate Therapist
AMFT #151807
I believe therapy is best conducted in safe, empathic environments that encourage exploration of self and authenticity. I have experience working with adults, couples, and adolescents in outpatient settings as they maneuver symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, grief, interpersonal stress, and neurodivergence. I incorporate aspects of CBT, DBT, ACT, psychodynamic, and narrative therapy into my sessions to provide each client a personalized space that best fits their goals. I aim to always be culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive, and Health At Every Size-aligned in my practice. My primary goal as an Associate MFT is to create a warm, empowering, and gently challenging climate for my clients to feel supported and validated.
Emily received her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Emily is available to take clients virtually anywhere in CA or in-person in our Santa Monica or Redondo Beach offices.
I define success in therapy…
By reminding myself and my clients that progress is never linear. That’s why I approach therapy with an accepting mindset and encourage my clients to do the same. It’s okay to sometimes feel like a setback has occurred or that progress isn’t happening as quickly as clients may expect. Therapy can include working on difficult experiences and feelings, and it’s normal to be frustrated at a perceived lack of progress. However, I believe success in therapy is not always about progress on goals. Success in therapy is about gaining awareness of self and comfortability with vulnerability. My hope is that my clients feel successful in the therapeutic space, even if they feel their progress is not linear, as they gain confidence in navigating difficult situations and realizations about self.
Something about my background that influences my approach to therapy is…
I have up-close and personal experience with difficult choices and life transitions. Before I began my career in mental health, I had received acceptance to medical school and was planning on dedicating my life to medicine. However, as I prepared for medical school, I realized that my goals for my future did not align with the reality of being a physician. Despite my fears of regret and making the wrong choice, I decided to turn the offer down and change course. It ended up being the best decision of my life. I am now working in a field I am passionate about and creating meaningful relationships with my clients. I take this experience into my work as an understanding of how difficult transitions and choices can impact mental health and a commitment to helping my clients feel empowered as they navigate these experiences.