Meet IOME's new therapist, Emily!

We are thrilled to have Emily join the IOME team!

Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate that will be primarily working out of our Windsor & Ft Collins locations. Emily's specialities include: 

Life Transitions + Anxiety + Depression +  Women's Issues  + Perinatal Mental Health + Faith-Based Care (Upon Client Request/Preference) + Individuals Ages 12 & Up + Couples

We asked Emily a few questions so the IOME Community can get to know her better, check out her answers below!

• Tell us a little bit about yourself:I grew up in the Denver area and have been living in Northern Colorado since college, besides a 2 year hiatus living in Phoenix, AZ from 2021-2023! I got my undergrad in Communication Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. At the time, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my career besides work with people, and this degree paved the way to get me to where I am today. My husband and I have a sweet and silly one-year-old girl who brings us so much joy! In our free time we love getting outside when the weather is nice - walking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and going for picnics. 
• Why did you become a therapist? After college, I worked in campus ministry with students at Colorado State University. While I was there, I was approached by so many students who shared their stories with me - many of which included details about depression, anxiety, difficulty adjusting, body image, and more. I loved being able to sit with them in these hard spaces but didn't have the tools I needed to really help. I decided that this is something I loved enough to do every single day... so I set off to get my Master's so I could spend my career walking alongside others in their unique journeys! You know what they say... "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." That's my goal!
• What specialties and/or experience do you have?: In addition to campus ministry, I also worked in orientation curriculum development for Grand Canyon University, so I love college students! It is such a unique time in life that comes with an entirely new batch of challenges that many people feel alone in facing. From this experience, I have specialized in depression, anxiety, and life transitions for teens and young adults. In addition to that, being a new mom in a community of many other new moms, I have come to deeply understand the challenges that come with the perinatal season. I love coming alongside new parents and all of the emotions that come along with bringing a new life into the world!
• Why did you decide to work for IOME?I love IOME's preventative approach to mental health! When we ourselves are cared for, we can care better for those around us which promotes well-being all around. IOME not only supports the well-being of their clients, but their staff as well. A strong representation of "practice what you preach!"
• Why do you believe self care is non negotiable? When I became a mom I truly gained a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care! My family and friends deserve the best version of me, not the burnt-out & crabby version of me. It's all about the oxygen mask analogy. On an airplane, during the safety briefing they tell you "if the cabin pressure drops, oxygen masks will drop down in front of you - put yours on before assisting others." If you are out of oxygen, you can't show up for anyone else!ourselves we are able to show up in other spaces as our best selves.
• How do you incorporate guilt free self care into your daily routine?:I love a good routine to make sure all basic needs are accounted for! I always make sure I follow a good sleep routine (8 hours or bust!), journal regularly, and treat myself in one way or another, even if it's just a piece of chocolate after the baby is in bed :) 
• Who is your ideal client?I truly believe that you reap what you sow. I love when clients are ready and willing to be vulnerable, because that is really where we see positive change. Laugh with me, cry with me, I am here for you through it all! 
• What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting therapy?: It may take a big step of bravery, but it is always worth it to show up for yourself - you deserve it!