Emily Friske, LLMSW

 

Emily, a Mental Health Therapist, believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships. She understands that no one should face their challenges alone. With empathy, respect, and collaboration, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Emily’s approach is holistic, emphasizing the importance of examining every aspect of a person’s life to craft tailored treatment plans that guide them toward achieving their goals.

Emily’s journey in mental health began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Recreational Therapy from Central Michigan University. Furthering her education, she obtained a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University while working full-time at various mental health agencies in Traverse City. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, baking, biking, dancing, horticulture, and spending time in nature with her family.

In therapy, Emily focuses on building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and understanding. Together, clients and Emily explore concerns, identify strengths, and develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. She tailors her approach to meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences, empowering them to make meaningful changes in their lives. Emily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Planning to tackle treatment goals head-on.

With a background in both recreational therapy and social work, Emily supports clients facing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults as well as individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, pregnancy, and parenting challenges.

Whether seeking support for personal growth, managing a mental health condition, or navigating life’s challenges, Emily is dedicated to walking alongside clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.