- Family of origin issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Art therapy methods
About Emily
Emily Kissner is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 12 years of experience. She works with adults on family concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, career questions, and coaching. Emily identifies as LGBTQA+ affirming and says she is poly, kink, and sex work - aware.
Emily earned a master's degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She combines talk-based psychotherapy with art therapy methods so people can access feelings and memories that are hard to put into words. Sessions focus on practical coping tools and clearer understanding of how early family roles and expectations still influence day-to-day life.
Her work pays attention to attachment and family of origin issues, including adoption and foster care, abandonment, blended family concerns, and communication or control problems. Emily also supports clients navigating body image, chronic illness or disability, caregiver stress, and relationships shaped by codependency or commitment worries.
Clients looking for help with neurodiversity-related concerns will find she includes autism and Asperger syndrome in her focus list. She also notes experience with BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture topics and with managing substance use and co-morbidity in clinical work.
Emily emphasizes building coping skills and greater self-knowledge. She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside expressive art approaches to help people recognize patterns that began in childhood and change how those patterns show up now.
How evidence-based and expressive approaches work online
Emily uses a mix of evidence-based psychotherapy techniques and art therapy-informed exercises. Evidence-based methods focus on concrete skills for managing mood, anxiety, and relationship patterns by practicing new ways of thinking and behaving. Art therapy techniques help people access emotions and memories that are difficult to name by using drawing, collage, or other creative tasks as part of sessions.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, what has helped or not helped before, and personal preferences to decide which methods to try and how to adapt expressive tasks for remote work. This collaboration helps make sessions feel practical and relevant to daily life.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or health needs because they reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online settings also let clinicians adapt expressive exercises so clients can work with materials they have at home or with digital tools, keeping the focus on usable coping skills and clearer understanding of family patterns.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to family background?
She helps people notice how family roles, expectations, and attachment patterns from childhood affect current relationships and behavior.
What is her therapeutic style?
She blends evidence-based therapeutic techniques with art therapy methods to develop coping tools and increase self-understanding.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience working in clinical settings and community practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an Illinois LCPC and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; confirm current online and in-person options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with scheduling?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.