Your Counseling Journey
Therapy is a big step! Ensuring that you feel comfortable with your counselor is important to me and crucial to the success of your therapy. I encourage you to learn more about my specialty areas and schedule a consultation to learn more.
Emily Shields, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in private practice, serving the Western New York region. I am a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and I have completed advanced training in Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders. I have also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy from an EMDRIA-approved program. I work with a variety of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and role transitions.
Treatment Options
Shields Counseling offers treatment services who provide comfort and hope to guide you toward overcoming obstacles and experiencing the authentic, abundant life.
Individual Therapy
We focus on developing a comprehensive picture of your life and goals. I utilize a twofold approach that will help you investigate past experiences and patterns that may still be affecting your life, and current problem areas, behaviors, or thought patterns. I use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. I also use elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to identify "parts" of you that may need healing and integration. I accept clients age 13 and up.
Trauma Therapy
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. This modality can also be helpful for individuals who do not have a clinical PTSD diagnosis, but have had harmful past experiences that have significantly impacted their ability to lead healthy lives and have meaningful relationships. EMDR can be a great compliment to traditional talk therapy, as it is proven effective in improving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Relationship Therapy
If you are struggling in your relationship and are ready to make the changes necessary to improve it, this is where we begin. We focus on identifying problematic styles of communication, and work towards developing healthy skills to solve problems together. Individuals in LGBTQ+, monogamous, polyamorous, open, and separated relationships are all welcome. I can also assist individuals who have chosen to end their relationship and are looking for assistance in how to do that with respect and cooperation. My only requirement is that all parties are willing to engage.
Perinatal Mental Health Counseling
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or difficulty with navigating obstacles with pregnancy, birth, or infertility, counseling can help. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression. I am a member of Postpartum Support International, where I received my training. It is my goal to help you navigate whatever phase of life you are in, whether it's your pregnancy journey, postpartum, adjusting to your new role, or fertility treatment.
Have Questions?
Ready To Get Started?
Schedule a Free Consultation
Schedule a Free
Consultation
The first step towards treatment is a 15-minute phone or virtual consultation in which you tell me about what brings you to seek counseling and what your primary concerns are. I answer any questions you have, and we determine if it would be a good fit. It is helpful if you fill out my intake questionnaire prior to the consultation, which will be sent to you via email when you book your appointment.
Flexible Treatment
Options
I offer flexible scheduling, including virtual appointments, and we will work together to determine the frequency of sessions. I am a collaborative therapist and I believe in a holistic approach. I am happy to communicate with outside providers, school counselors, doctors, and family members as needed and agreed upon in our treatment plan.
Ongoing
Support
Change takes time! My goal is to provide you with the support and tools you need to manage life's challenges in a healthy way. It is important to me to develop trust and a positive therapeutic relationship. Together, we will work on identifying problem areas, goals, and then developing a treatment plan for therapy.