Emma Derstine, APCC (she/her)

You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.

Hi! I’m Emma.

I’m the type of therapist who understands how our experiences, especially our early ones, leave a biological footprint that continues to shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. There is nothing that interests me more than the inner life. To me, therapy is the marriage of art and science—I think of relationships as my primary art form, guided by a deep interest in affective neuroscience.

My clients tell me that I help them feel safe enough to go deep.They’ve shared that they feel deeply cared for in our relationship and that I have a unique perspective that helps them bring new meaning to old wounds. 

I provide trauma therapy for adults:

I help people who struggle with shame, relational trauma, and self-protective patterns to find nourishing, safe connection with themselves and others.

You struggle with intense emotions and often hides parts of yourself to stay safe. You may push others away or act defensively to protect yourself, and you might feel lonely or misunderstood in relationships. You are tired of constantly holding back and being on guard, and are seeking a space to understand yourself better and connect more authentically.

Through therapy, we’ll not only make sense of your story but also practice new ways of relating in real time, opening up possibilities for connection, healing, and growth in your life.

I also provide couples therapy:

I help couples stuck in painful cycles reconnect with their curiosity and care for one another.

You desire a deeper connection, but you often avoid the hard parts of your relationship, whether through withdrawing or distracting yourself with work or other activities. When things get uncomfortable, you tend to retreat or fall back into old habits, feeling like your efforts aren’t leading to real change. You want things to feel different but aren’t sure how to break the cycles that keep them apart. You might wonder if your partner really loves you, or you’re worried that if they knew you more deeply they might leave.

Through therapy, you can feel playful, understood and cherished.

On a personal note…

Outside of the office, I like finding pockets of flow states, whether through walking, writing, deep conversations, playing soccer, practicing yoga and breathwork, enjoying live arts, or reading a good book (anything from memoir, to fantasy, to philosophy). I spend a lot of my time with my three greatest teachers—my two dogs and cat.

Love Heal Grow Residency Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I, Level 2, Trauma & Infidelity
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy w/ Sue Johnson
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals w/ Sue Johnson
Sex Therapy: Common Sexual Concerns of Individuals & Couples, LGBTQIA Affirming Therapy, Alternative Sexualities/Non Traditional Relationships
Trauma Therapy
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirming Care