We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emelia Thygesen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emelia, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

When I started my being a professional counselor on my own I knew that I wanted to work with people I felt passionate about. I had worked with children, teens, and families for years. I knew that once I was on my own that I wanted to be a voice and support for those struggling within many systems.
So I started with focusing on my connection with Adoptees/foster care clients. Being an adoptee and spending over 30 years looking for my biological family, I knew that we as adoptees need therapists that can relate to those struggles.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my career in psychology and counseling after experiencing a suicide in my family. At 16, it was a pivotal time as I worked through my own struggles with depression, being adopted, and navigating major life changes. I dove deeply into human behavior and psychology, eventually earning a master’s degree in counseling. I spent time volunteering and working for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, participating in Out of the Darkness walks, and advocating for mental health courts.

I have worked with children, teens, and families in the past. I have extensive experience with adoptees, foster care, the justice system, and community mental health. In 2021, I started my private practice, where I now work exclusively with adults. I also recently published an online parenting guide, which can be found on Amazon.

I help clients who struggle with OCD, anxiety, and those in creative or artistic fields. I am trauma-informed, holistic, and eclectic in my practice. As a singer and poet myself, I create a safe and non-judgmental environment for healing.

I am completely virtual and believe that it is important to meet others where they are. Too often, therapy can feel forced or frustrating for clients. I want people to feel that it’s okay to show up for themselves and feel safe. I am a down to earth person, whom can be encouraging and supportive. I often give homework and hold clients accountable for their work. I am often use humor and relatable language. Often clients tell me they choose my psychology today profile because I used a curse word!

I am currently trained in the Rewind Technique, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Trauma-Focused CBT. The Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening program known to help with symptoms of anxiety, trauma, and depression. It can be done remotely via an app, with ongoing support from a trained provider.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

When I was younger, I was interested in art, music, and poetry. Over the years, I’ve learned that each of these is rooted in emotion—whether someone is expressing their feelings or sharing an emotional experience with others. In many ways, therapy is similar. It provides a safe space where clients can share and process emotions.

When I think about whether I would have chosen a different career path, I often wonder if it would have led me to the same place but in a different form. I believe that incorporating art, music, and other creative forms of expression into therapy can be beneficial for many people.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think that in the field of psychology and counseling, it is important to have diverse life experiences—whether that means having different types of jobs, volunteering, engaging in hobbies, traveling, or participating in different cultures. I’ve found that these experiences have made me a better therapist. Empathy is important, but we also need to challenge ourselves and examine our own biases on a regular basis.

What is most helpful for me in my work is being able to talk with clients and be fully present with them, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political viewpoints.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lyrictolifetherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrictolifetherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyrictolifetherapy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeliathygesen/

Image Credits

stock photos, promotional images from SSP or Unyte company