Welcome to My World: A Journey of Growth, Connection, with a Dash of Humor
Hi there!
I’m Emily—licensed clinical social worker, retreat host, mental health advocate, and part-time dog wrangler (you’ll understand in a minute). If you’ve stumbled across this little corner of the internet, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
This blog is a space where I’ll share stories, tips, and tools to help you grow, heal, and reconnect with yourself and others. Whether you’re curious about retreats, looking for mental health insights, or just here to see what kind of chaos a therapist gets into outside of the therapy room, you’re in the right place.
A Little About Me
I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work in 2014 (go Trojans!) and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health. My areas of expertise include:
- Supporting military families and children (mental health and resilience are my specialties).
- Guiding individuals and couples in improving communication, setting boundaries, and breaking unhelpful cycles.
- Helping women rediscover their identity and confidence beyond their roles as caregivers, professionals, or partners.
My career has taken me through public mental health, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and, most recently, one-on-one therapy and retreats. Along the way, I’ve developed a passion for creating safe spaces where people can be vulnerable, feel supported, and embrace the messiness of being human.
Beyond the Therapy Office
When I’m not facilitating retreats or hosting therapy sessions, you’ll probably find me surrounded by the ones I love the most. I’m married to a combat veteran (19 Kilo/11 Bravo)—a true warrior who now spends his days as a bull hauler, often called “the last cowboy of the road.” He’s my rock, my inspiration, and the reason I know way more about cattle than I ever thought I would. Together, we’re raising our adventurous daughter and managing a household that includes three dogs (who think they run the place) and two cows (who sometimes do).
I recharge by:
- Gardening: My flower garden is where I go to unplug, connect with nature, and, occasionally, pretend I know what I’m doing.
- Reading old favorites: Harry Potter is my go-to, and yes, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read the series.
- Watching British TV shows: Drama, dry British humor, and accents? Yes, please.
- Traveling : Whether it’s exploring new places or revisiting familiar ones, I’m always planning my next adventure.
- Long, hot baths : Because every therapist needs time to soak away the stress of the day.
And I’m always up for a good laugh—because honestly, who doesn’t need a little humor to get through life?
Why Retreats?
I believe transformation happens when we step away from the chaos of everyday life and make space for growth. That’s why I created retreats like The Unbroken Woman and The Unbroken Couple. These aren’t your typical “bougie yoga retreats.” They’re immersive experiences designed to help you reconnect with your purpose, heal old wounds, and rediscover joy. And yes, they’re a little indulgent. (That’s just the Taurus in me.)
We combine evidence-based therapeutic practices (hello, cognitive reframing and attachment theory) with opportunities for fun and self-care. And let’s not forget the food! My retreats feature a private chef who not only whips up incredible meals (think steak sandwiches, fresh waffles with fruit, and so much more) but also leads a private cooking class to teach you how to create delicious dishes from scratch. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast with gourmet coffee or bonding with other participants over a perfectly curated dinner, every meal is an experience designed to nourish both body and soul.
Add in optional extras like massages, self-love photoshoots, and plenty of downtime to reflect or explore, and you’ve got a retreat that’s as transformative as it is indulgent. They’re immersive experiences designed to help you reconnect with your purpose, heal old wounds, and rediscover joy. It’s a mix of deep work, personal growth, and a little indulgence—because you deserve it all.
What’s Next?
This blog will be a mix of heartfelt reflections, mental health tips, retreat recaps, and, let’s be honest, probably a few stories about the ridiculous things my dogs or cows have done. My hope is that you’ll find inspiration, a sense of connection, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
Thank you for being here. Whether you’re looking to break old patterns, embrace self-love, or simply enjoy the journey, I’m honored to walk this path with you. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Here’s to healing, humor, and the occasional cow story,