Emma Lapin, Anxiety/Depression, Grief
and loss, life transitions

What made you decide to become a counselor?

I first experienced the power of therapy when I was in 8th grade. My therapist helped me see the world from a different perspective, and that shift completely changed the way I viewed myself and my life. That experience stayed with me, and now I hope to offer that same kind of support to others.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

If I could teach the world one skill, it would be self-awareness, or the ability to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When we know ourselves better, we can respond thoughtfully, make aligned choices, and create meaningful change in our lives.

Have you personally been in counseling, and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

Through my own personal counseling journey, I have learned techniques that help me manage anxiety and who I am and what I value. I also came to recognize that I am made up of several different parts, and by learning how they work together, I can become the best version of myself. These experiences have shaped my approach to therapy and inspired me to help others build self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper understanding of themselves.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

I would recommend Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb because it provides a relatable and insightful look into the therapy process from both the therapist’s and client’s perspectives. The book normalizes seeking support, illustrates how therapy can help people navigate life’s challenges, and highlights the importance of self-reflection, growth, and resilience.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who’s open, willing to be honest, and ready to engage in self-reflection. I enjoy working with people who want to explore their thoughts and feelings, try new strategies, and work together toward growth and positive change.

What inspires you to help others?

I’m inspired to help others by my own experiences with therapy and the profound impact it can have on one’s perspective and well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how guidance, support, and self-reflection can help someone navigate challenges. I love supporting clients as they gain insight, confidence, hope, and happiness.

How do you personally practice self-care?

In addition to seeing a therapist, I personally practice self-care by spending quality time with friends and family, practicing yoga, engaging in weight training, and taking relaxingbubble baths. These activities help me recharge, stay grounded, and maintain balance

in both my personal and professional life.

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

If I could host a dinner party, I’d invite Emma Watson because Hermione Granger has always been my favorite Harry Potter character (I’m a total Potter nerd!). I’d also love to sit down with Robin Williams, who was funny, creative, and full of warmth—and who

played a well-respected therapist in Good Will Hunting. Finally, I’d invite Lisa Kudrow, who played my favorite character on Friends and has such a unique and bright personality. I imagine the conversation would be full of laughter, inspiration, and plenty of memorable stories.

How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?

I relate to mindfulness as a way to stay present and grounded in both my personal and professional lives. In sessions, I incorporate mindfulness through techniques such as focused breathing to help slow the heart rate, bring the body back into awareness, and create space to respond rather than react. These practices support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and help clients connect more deeply with their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.