We were lucky to catch up with Emily Stroia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

As a trauma therapist, a lot of my work is focused on helping clients’ process and verbalize their traumas. Sometimes clients will struggle with boundaries particularly with partners, parents and siblings. One client struggled with boundaries with her father who was also abusive to her. In our work together, she was able to slowly pull back from her responsibility to him and his family started to step in. It was transformational to watch her put herself and her needs first instead of give to him out of guilt or obligation.

When a parent is abusive, boundaries get blurred and often there is an internal struggle how to be in a relationship with that parent.

Emily , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an associate trauma therapist, author, military veteran, and certified yoga teacher. I offer a holistic therapeutic approach rooted in trauma-informed care focusing on utilizing tools from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Art, and Exposure therapy. Emily graduated with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, specializing in trauma.

I believe in creating a safe space for clients to process their experiences in non-verbal and verbal ways. I have a wide experience of working with individuals who struggle with trauma, grief, loss, major life changes, substance abuse and addiction. I offer mentorship and one-on-coaching for clients who are looking to heal and find self again. I am most proud of the work I’ve seen in my clients who have shifted from surviving to thriving and found peace from the past.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am a trauma survivor and came from an abusive home. At age 16, I was emancipated and 18 I joined the military. In the darkest moments of my life I struggled with purpose and belonging. It was a series of events that led me to be in the career I am in today and the guiding force behind all of it was my intuition. In those dark moments, I heard my intuition tell me these moments weren’t happening to me but for me. It helped put things into perspective and I felt a bigger feeling to help people also heal from adversity. There is a quote I think about sometimes, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all”. It is our adversity and suffering where great wisdom and strength can come from. Had I given up on life, I would have missed out on becoming a mom, experiencing the meaning of unconditional love, community and a rewarding career supporting people in their healing.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely. Ever since I was a kid, I always found human behavior to be fascinating. I love exploring emotions, inner worlds, thoughts and feelings with someone. It is the A-HA moments and tiny steps in the right direction that I love to witness. Being a therapist is a hard job but most absolutely can be amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilystroia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilystroia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystroia/

Image Credits

Sheryl Nields
Cassandra Sophia Rose