Emily Watson, LSW

Step into my nurturing sanctuary, a place where healing unfolds with a gentle touch and growth blossoms with utmost care. I'm Emily Watson, LSW, your devoted Child and Adolescent Therapist, passionate about guiding the precious souls of little ones (ages 3-5), children up to 12, teens, and young adults on their heartfelt journey towards emotional well-being.

My personal narrative is interwoven with the tapestry of adoption and the trials of navigating emotional waters during my own childhood. These experiences ignited a flame within me to become the comforting presence I longed for as a child. Through my own exploration of emotions and self-discovery, I witnessed the profound impact a safe and nurturing environment can have on the path to empowerment.

Within my practice, my mission is to craft those safe havens for children, teens, and families to delve into the depths of themselves. I comprehend the unique needs of each developmental stage and am dedicated to tailoring my approach to honor the individuality of every client. My aspiration is to empower my clients, fostering positive changes in their lives and cultivating resilience along with a profound sense of self-worth.

Whether your little one is embarking on their first journey into the world of emotions or your teenager is navigating the complexities of adolescence, my therapeutic approach revolves around empathy, understanding, and collaborative effort. Together, we'll embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing, laying the groundwork for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

I extend an invitation to you to explore this cocoon of healing with me, where we can join hands to unlock the potential for positive change. Let's construct a bridge to resilience and emotional well-being, one step at a time.

Areas of Expertise: 

  • Ages 5 - 25 years old

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma

  • Attachment trauma and attachment wounds

  •  Family Therapy

  •  Relationships

  • Stress

  • Anger

  • Emotional regulation

  • Panic disorder

  • Mood disorder 

  • Adoption

  • PTSD

  • Foster care

  • Self harm

Types of Therapy:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral therapy  (DBT)

  • Individual Therapy

  • Group Therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Theraplay

  • Sand Tray Therapy,

  • Art Therapy

  •  Parts Work, 

  • EMDR Therapy

If you or your child are navigating the complexities of emotions and behaviors, I am here to provide guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions. Let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience together. Schedule a session today to take the first step towards positive growth and well-being. Your well-being matters, and I'm here to help you on your path to emotional wellness. Please click the below button to begin the scheduling process:

Professional Experience 

Hi there! I'm Emily, a Licensed Social Worker who is passionate about making a positive impact through warmth and compassion. My journey began with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, majoring in Acting from Northern Illinois University in 2018, and continued with a Masters in Social Work from Illinois State University in 2023.

I believe in a strength-based approach, understanding the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for my clients. My philosophy revolves around ensuring that individuals and their families not only feel heard but also comprehended and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

My specialization lies in working with diverse groups, including foster and adopted children, as well as those navigating the challenges of family dynamics like divorce. Drawing from my own experience as an adopted child, I bring a deep sense of empathy and understanding to those in non-traditional family units.

I like to infuse creativity into my therapeutic style, blending evidence-based approaches with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy, Art Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. Building on my background in the arts, I bring a unique and creative dimension to my methods.

In my practice, I use play, art, and sand to facilitate communication and help process challenging thoughts and emotions with my clients and their families. This innovative approach allows for a holistic exploration of thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns, guiding individuals and families towards achieving their goals.

Having earned my Master of Social Work from Illinois State University in 2023, I combine a solid academic foundation with hands-on experience in the field. My commitment to providing a safe space for clients drives me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

Professional Skills

Welcome to my warm and inviting practice! As a dedicated clinician, I specialize in nurturing the mental well-being of individuals, especially children aged 7-11, by addressing a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. I understand that the journey of emotional well-being is unique for each person, and my goal is to make that journey as comforting and transformative as possible.

My therapeutic approach is versatile, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more. I believe in tailoring interventions to suit the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a personalized and effective path towards healing.

Creating a safe and supportive space is at the heart of my practice. I want my clients to feel at ease sharing their deepest thoughts and emotions. I value the power of connection and work diligently to establish strong therapeutic alliances with both children and their families.

A significant part of my work involves exploring the intricate interplay between emotions and behavior, especially in children. By delving into these connections, we can uncover underlying issues and develop effective coping strategies. I am particularly passionate about supporting children aged 7-11 who may be facing emotional challenges impacting their home and school life.