We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Sloan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.

Emily , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

There was. For eight years prior to opening my own private practice, I worked as a therapist in various agency and community settings. These formative experiences offered me a strong foundation in working with a wide variety of the ways in which trauma impacts us all. I loved what I did. Even as it completely burned me out.

If I’m being completely honest with myself though, there was something else appealing about agency work other than the experience and collaboration available. It’s likely not a coincidence that I’d chosen a profession glorifying being a blank slate and never self-disclosing. Working in agencies was another layer of “protection”. The role as an agency therapist allowed me to stay hidden.

A defining moment for me, was when I made the decision to leave agency work. To go out on my own and start my private practice. A decision that required me to be more visible. To network with other professionals. To talk about my work with people. To been seen. And it was terrifying AF.

So much has transpired in the four years of my practice. That decision has allowed me to grow into a more expansive version of myself, professionally and personally. And it’s a version that feels a lot more real.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Of course. I founded Curiosity Rising in 2019. The primary service thus far has been 1-1 trauma therapy incorporating somatics (the body) and psychedelics. And while this continues to be a key focus of mine, the business is also expanding alongside my inspiration and the need I’m seeing for something more. To be able to do this important work with small + trusted community.

Last month, I began a group pilot program for fostering Self-Trust in order to live the most expansive life desired. An intimate group of women have come together to explore their own pathways of healing and embark on a journey of Self-Trust for six months.

Together.

Not quite group therapy. Not quite a retreat.

Something off script.

This work has been lighting me up. I’m eager to continue sharing more of the model I’ve created to be our guide, as an antidote to anxiety. It’s been an act of my own Self-Trust to bring this idea to fruition.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being fiercely independent is the only way.

This belief has been with me as far back as I can remember. It’s a narrative I formed my identity around. I took pride in being The Strong and Independent Woman. I didn’t want to rely on anyone. I wore the archetype like a badge of honor at times. It’s how I approached much of my own healing journey also. The well-known path of relying only on myself.

This lesson wasn’t easy to unlearn. At times it felt like it was being ripped away from my clenching fists. It was scary to surrender into support. To allow others in.

I’m grateful for my time alone in nature to heal. I understand the necessary moments of solitude for the process. Those moments are powerful and will be essential again at times.

AND.

I realized I also needed connection. As scary as it was, I desired being able to surrender with safe people. And trust they could hold me. This connection is actually a huge part of what makes life worth living, in my opinion. But I was finally understanding this concept on more than just a cognitive level. I was actually feeling how true it could be in my body.

I learned, I didn’t have to do it all alone, all the time.

These unlearning and learning experiences have been part of the inspiration for the program I began offering earlier this year.

This paradox inside healing, between solitude and community.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Interestingly enough, the same thing I shared earlier that was an outcome to expanding into a fuller version of myself in private practice, is the same thing I think draws people to work with me.

The realness.

I think the genuine compassion and curiosity I show up with when I work with people resonates. It’s real. And I think that can be felt.

It’s not always easy to articulate. It’s more about the felt sense. The experience someone has when we sit down together in a space of such sacred vulnerability. That ALL of them can be accepted and welcomed.

That’s my hope at least. Because I’m enjoying embracing the real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.curiosityrising.com
• Instagram: @curiosityrising
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-sloan-69375941/