Dr. Emily Crawford-Thompson, Ph.D.

“Such a positive and validating experience.  She really liked you and said you made her feel comfortable and that you were genuine.”

“Your guidance and support from the very first day has definitely made a difference, and your energy and calming spirit has carried with me.”

“You are really easy to talk to.  I’m surprised how much I opened up.  I didn’t think I would.  Thank you so much for all your hard work.  I’m feeling relieved and very hopeful.”

“This was definitely a good idea.  You are amazing.  This was a great experience.  Often people on the spectrum feel drained after testing, but I didn’t because you made this very comfortable and put me at ease.”

“Thank you – I thoroughly enjoyed getting your expertise & your personal down-to-earth-ness! You made my experience so light and enjoyable.”

“I feel validated.  This is so informative and spot on, but worded in a different way than what I would have thought of myself, which is super helpful.”

“You are clearly doing what the Lord has called you to do.”

“This is the best thing I have ever done.  This explains so much, and I feel better already just knowing what is going on.”

“This is so amazingly helpful.  I will be reading this again several times; there is so much in here I find valuable.  Thank you so much!”

“WOW!! This is wonderful! I have a feeling that we will be referring to your report, and to other resources suggested in your report, for years to come.”

” I feel relieved.  Things are a lot less scary when you have a name for it.  I’m glad to have direction rather than just trying different medications and questioning whether I am being treated for the right diagnosis.”

“It’s been more helpful than I can describe.”

“I could tell all along it was your goal to find answers and give direction, so I felt relieved already.”

“This is a beautiful document.  I’m amazed at the amount of work you did and how many helpful resources there are and how well-organized it is.”

“I feel like I have a narrative to my struggles, which accurately reflects my experience.”

“I am excited that my therapy will now have a direction.”

“I am so glad I did this.  I have closure and I know where to start.  It is very helpful.  I really appreciate it, it’s definitely worth it!”

I believe that everyone benefits from some counseling/therapy at some point in life.  We are not meant to get through this life without help from one another.  The mind and the body are connected in our overall health and well-being, so it is just as important to take care of our mind as it is to take care of our body.  At different times in life, we might go to physical therapy to strengthen some muscles.  I like to think of counseling as a kind of mind therapy that helps us build and strengthen the “muscles” of mindfulness, distress tolerance, focus, and values-based living (to name just a few of the many ways a therapist can help coach you in life).  Most of us haven’t learned coping skills to help us deal with difficult life circumstances and intense emotions.  You are not expected to have learned this; after all, this stuff still isn’t taught in most schools, and so if you didn’t learn it at home, now is the time.  Why not get some “continuing education” to increase your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and be the best you?  Let go of shame; you are not expected to have it all figured out, and you are certainly not expected to go it alone!  When you strengthen your muscles, you will find yourself having more and more “full circle moments” when you are able to help build others up with the same skills you have learned.

Seeking help is a very courageous thing to do, because it means that we are invested in being the best people we can be, and we are committed to living a life of meaning and value.  Seeking out counseling requires a vulnerability, which makes it all the more commendable-you are wise to risk feeling vulnerable so that you can move forward into your full life purpose.  It is an honor for me to walk alongside you in your journey, and I promise to listen to you without judging you.  You deserve to have a safe place to share your hurt and struggles.  Please know today that it is possible to heal from past pain, wounds, hurt, and trauma, and I am here to help you do just that.

To me, this is much more than a job or even a career. This is my life’s calling, and on some level I knew it at a young age. My parents kept this picture of me when I was four years old, sitting in a chair with my legs crossed and a clipboard in my lap while looking intently at the dolls and stuffed animals on my bed.

Dr. Emily at age 4, in the middle of a Psychological Evaluation with Raggedy Ann (Diagnostic Conclusions unknown)

More seriously, I simply cannot imagine anything in life more rewarding than seeing you live into the fullness of who you were created to be. It is a wonderful feeling to have a part in helping you uncover and rediscover all the wonderful traits and talents that make you uniquely you, and to walk with you as you celebrate a new freedom that comes with discovering just how terrific you are. I love people, and I love the whole beautiful variety of people. I am so honored and feel privileged indeed when people open their hearts to share their life journey with me, and allow me to help them write their stories and heal from their pain.

I am often inspired by the resilience of the human spirit, and I specialize in helping to foster resilience from a variety of traumatic experiences. I have experience helping people recover from a wide range of traumatic events including sexual assault/abuse, physical abuse, emotional/verbal abuse, neglect, domestic violence, combat, and other traumas.

I have experience counseling trauma survivors since 2009 with Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  You can read more about it here  or click here for a brief video explaining CPT.  Several randomized clinical trials and effectiveness studies have provided evidence for CPT significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression among survivors of various trauma including combat, sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.

In addition to helping trauma survivors, I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder and other mood disorders, thought disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and a number of adjustment/life transition issues.  People who work with me consistently report improved confidence, a feeling of “freedom,” more clear self-image, a sense of hope, increased awareness of their strengths, more insight, decreased worry, and improved self-worth. I often hear relief expressed by clients who learn to make connections and insights into why they do what they do. It is not uncommon for me to hear that they used to think that what they were experiencing wasn’t “normal” or that things couldn’t improve, and now they have hope and are even excited for their futures. Few things bring me more joy than to hear that I have had some part in helping someone be more connected with their loved ones, better assert their needs, and be able to be more focused and present with the people and work that they value.

Ideally, I begin my counseling with a comprehensive psychological evaluation, and I incorporate strengths-based assessment approaches throughout the counseling process, because I believe in having data that guides the most efficient and helpful treatment for you.  My approach is person-centered, which means that I collaborate with you and encourage you to discover and build on your inner resources and strengths.  I incorporate evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I wholeheartedly believe that every person has a unique and important purpose, and I am passionate about helping you discover yours.  I am a genuine, authentic, and compassionate person who can also be direct with you if you need a little challenge; yet, my style is gentle enough that you may not even realize you are being challenged!  I am often told that people feel very comfortable and at ease with me, and that I am skilled at asking questions that really help them understand themselves, gain insight, and accurately evaluate life direction, values, strengths, and purpose.

“Other people are going to find healing in your wounds.  Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.” -Rick Warren