Hi, I’m Emma…
(She/Her)
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and received my Masters in Social Work from Saint Catherine University. I specialize in working with young children, adults, and parents struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, healthy eating, life transitions, emotional regulation, and parenting concerns. I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T) and integrate this into sessions. Choosing to come to therapy is a difficult decision, and it’s just as difficult to open yourself up to a new therapist. That’s why my focus is always first on building trust and a relationship with clients, establishing a safe space where clients can feel comfortable with being vulnerable and voicing their inner experiences.
Sessions with me are meant to feel like a conversation where you can be seen and heard and where we tailor the approach to best fit your needs. Client’s can expect a lot of humor, but also consistent transparency, honesty, and compassion.
I believe in overall health and well-being as the goal, and consider all aspects of a client’s life as we explore how pieces are woven together. I use an integrative approach, incorporating mindfulness/presence, early experiences, attachment, and neurobiology to support growth and healing. We develop a plan together, with your goals in mind, as we strive to address what might be holding you back from the life you want to live.
With children, I use non-directive play therapy to build self-esteem and confidence as children are provided space to process and integrate their experiences. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the child as well as the parents. I also work with parents to explore their experiences and to support them through the challenges they are facing. Parents can expect a nonjudgmental and supportive space where we explore their concerns and ways to help support the child in and out of sessions. I incorporate psychoeducation on child development, attachment, and neurobiology to establish a more comprehensive understanding and to best meet the child and parents where they are at.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Children and Adolescents
Peer Relationships
Self-harming
Self-esteem
Parenting Issues
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Stress and Coping Skills
Weight Loss and Body Image
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Internal Family Systems
Strengths-based Therapies
Trauma Focused Therapy
Play Therapy
Attachment-based
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Psychodynamic
Relational Therapy
Education & Training
Master of Social Work
St. Catherine’s University, Minnesota
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
MN License Number 32257
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Certified through Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery
Emma Virden is currently under clinical supervision with Heather Deveny-Leggitt.