Kirsten Emery

(she, her)

Padera Therapy & Wellness

LMFT, CADC, CCTP-II, MS

Currently accepting new clients.

Telehealth Availability:

Weekdays

Clients I Work With

As a family and systems therapist, I’m passionate about helping people uncover how past experiences may be shaping their present. Together, we’ll connect the dots between where you’ve been and where you want to go, so you can move toward the life you envision for yourself. Watching clients use these insights to create real, positive change is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I specialize in working with people navigating substance use, eating disorders, body image concerns, depression, and anxiety. I also support individuals living with personality disorders, as well as those impacted by loved ones who struggle with them. As a systemic therapist, I have a special interest in supporting clients exploring polyamorous and alternative relationships, BDSM, and kink, with a focus on sex positivity, consent, and healing from attachment trauma.

Approach

My style is both empathetic and direct. I’ll help you identify patterns that no longer serve you, while also equipping you with practical tools to find relief in the here and now. Every client’s journey is unique, so we’ll create a personalized path to healing — no cookie-cutter treatment plans, just what works best for you. I often approach therapy from attachment and Bowen Systems Theory lenses. This means I look at the relationships you have in your life and the systems you come from to get a better understanding of who you are today. On top of this, I integrate ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and CBT skills in order to give you tools to use in moments when you might need them. Together we develop a tool kit to use when you might be feeling distressed, while exploring deeper complex parts of you and your life.

Beliefs & Lived Experience

I love it when a client starts to explore their relationships, whether that is with friends, romantic connections, or family members. When a client is ready to start understanding how the systems they are part of have impacted them as a child, adolescent, and an adult, I get even more excited about the work we are about to do. Sessions are often dependent on what is going on for my clients. They tend to be conversational, exploring the things that have recently happened, and through that process, I connect the discussion to the bigger themes or goals that we’re working on. I don’t typically have structured plans for sessions, unless we’ve discussed it ahead of time.

Additional Credentials & Training

Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Clinical Trauma Professional Level II

Ages Served

Adults (18+)

Services Provided

Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy

Specialized Experience

Body-positive / Health at Every Size
LGBTQ+ Affirming
Open relationships / non-monogamy
Sex-positive / kink friendly
Trans-affirming care

Gender Identity

Woman

Languages Spoken

English

Specializations

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Attachment-Based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy

Specialties

Addiction
Anger Management
Attachment
Bipolar Disorder
Codependency
Depression
Drug Abuse
Non Monogamy
Personality Disorders
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sex Therapy
Substance Use

Insurance and Payment

Payment Accepted

Cash

Credit

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Out of Network (Superbills Provided)

Private Pay (Superbills Not Provided)

Insurance Notes

Our office will verify your benefits as a courtesy, prior to your initial appointment. I can also provide a superbill for out-of-network clients. I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, Evernorth, Aetna, Anthem, and United/Optum.

Insurance Accepted

Aetna
Blue Choice PPO
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Cigna
Evernorth EAP (Cigna)
Optum
United Medical Resources (UMR)
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

State Licensed In

Illinois
Wisconsin