Emilyn Ahmed is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She has previously worked with children, adolescents, and families in a school-based setting, where she provided culturally competent therapeutic interventions and skills to support her clients' growth and self-discovery. Emilyn is currently in private practice, where she works with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, body image and self-esteem issues, and/or relational conflicts.
What’s your therapy philosophy?
I use an eclectic approach in my work, tailoring treatment to each individual and their needs. As an associate marriage and family therapist, I am still undergoing training and learning about different therapeutic approaches that I can incorporate into my practice. I most often utilize person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness in my practice. I would love to learn more about somatic approaches in the near future. Lastly, I believe that we are “people first, therapists second” and I strive to be genuine and authentic with my clients. I love using humor when appropriate.
What do you specialize in?
I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and/or relational issues. I also work with people who are navigating life transitions.
What are three adjectives that describe you as a therapist?
Warm
Empathetic
Genuine
What’s one thing you feel could be better understood about therapy?
Therapy is not the same as advice-giving. I believe that one of the primary purposes of therapy is to help clients better understand themselves and empower them with the tools to make decisions and cope with life’s stressors.
What’s a therapy tool you use yourself?
I use mindfulness and grounding in my daily life. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding skill, specifically, is one that I often recommend to clients and that I use. One of my favorite things about mindfulness is that it can be used anywhere and anytime. Our lives can be so busy, so it’s nice to have that accessibility.
What’s one thing you might share to someone who has never been to therapy?
Clients can determine the pace and the focus of treatment. Sometimes, the first session can feel daunting for clients because they are being asked to recount specific details about their life histories that they may not feel comfortable sharing about just yet. Clients have the right to share if and when they are ready. Also, therapists strive to be mindful of the fact that treatment is not one-size-fits-all and what may work for one client may not work as well for another client. We really value clients’ feedback, and it helps us to know what is and isn’t working in therapy.
What’s a common misconception about therapy?
One misconception is that therapy immediately helps you feel better or “fixes you”. While therapy can teach clients coping skills and gain insight to help them manage stressors and conflicts, it does not solve all of life’s problems. Some sessions may be more difficult than others, as memories and emotions that were previously unprocessed come up to the surface. I often remind my clients that healing is not linear and processing pain and sadness is a part of that healing journey. And lastly, as humans, we are all works in progress -- learning, growing, and evolving.
What's your contact information?
The best way to reach me is through email: emilynahmedtherapy@gmail.com.
I am also available by phone: 805-380-5875.