Emma Epstein, MA, LCSW

(she/her)

In-person therapy at Oak Park location;
virtual therapy anywhere in Illinois

  • How I’d describe myself: curious, active, adventure-seeking, collaborator, educator, student of life, community-oriented, parent of small children

  • I rode my bicycle cross country in 2010 from DC to Los Angeles.

  • I have lived in three countries and five U.S. states.

  • I used to be a salsa dance performer in college.

  • If I could work outdoors (outdoor sessions?), I would 75% of the time.

  • I love to read sci-fi and historical fiction books.

  • One of my favorite foods is steamed artichokes.

  • If I could have any superpower, it would be teleportation.

  • I love composting and gardening—​homegrown tomatoes are the best!

  • I was born with pancreatic agenesis, meaning I live with only half my pancreas!

“Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

— Howard Thurman, author/philosopher

Hi! I’m Emma, and I’m glad you’re here.

I believe that the more you trust and connect with yourself, the stronger you'll become in facing life's challenges.

Together, we'll explore your core truths and find ways to move forward in your life with confidence.

Connection with yourself and others is healing, and I'm here to support you in building those connections.

What makes you tick?

I'm passionate about understanding people and helping them illuminate their strengths.

In our sessions, we'll explore your thoughts and behaviors to understand your core truths and reveal strengths that may have been hidden.

We'll also tap into the mind-body connection with acupressure, breathwork, and meditation. I’m here to walk with you and help you become your best self.

Qualifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Master's degree in Social Work and dual undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Spanish. 

  • I have been trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT),

  • 40-hr Domestic Violence training certified by Apna Ghar

  • Extensive experience working in the immigrant and refugee community, specifically with the Latinx population.

I'm eager to support you on your path to building a life that feels truly alive.

Work With Emma:

Specialties & Clinical Interests

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Codependency & Attachment-Centered Work

  • Co-Parenting Counseling

  • Employment & Career Transitions

  • Grief and Loss

  • Immigration Evaluations

  • Life Transitions

  • Mindfulness Skills

  • Marriage & Couples Counseling

  • Neurodivergence and Executive Functioning Differences (including ADHD & Autism)

  • Parenting & Work/Life Balance Issues

  • Polyamory/Non-Monogamy

  • Relationship Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Single Motherhood

  • Stress Management & Vicarious Trauma Recovery for those in helping professions (i.e., therapists, healthcare professionals, teachers, etc.)

  • Trauma & PTSD

  • Youth and Adolescent anxiety

Specialty Populations

  • Individuals (Adolescents and Adults)

  • Relationships (of all kinds)

  • Married couples or couples considering marriage

  • Immigrants & Refugees

  • Those who are navigating communication conflicts in their relationships

  • Parents who are separating or divorced and are interested in co-parenting counseling

  • Therapists and counselors seeking professional supervision and/or consultation

Preferred Modalities

  • Antiracist & Intersectional Feminist Perspective

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Harm Reduction

  • Imago Relationship Therapy

  • Kink-, Sex- and Body-Positive Approach

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • LGBQ+ and TGNC Affirmative Practice

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy

  • Person-Centered, Insight Oriented, and Strengths-Based Approach

  • Relational Psychotherapy

  • Somatic and Touch Therapy

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

Take your next step toward positive change.