Emily is a queer-identified, CIS therapist with a passion for working with teens, adults, and families. She also has extensive training and experience as a family therapist and spent several years working with families via intensive, in-home therapy.

 

Emily supports clients to identify personalized goals and build plans to achieve them. She collaborates with clients to improve communication, nervous system regulation, and overall attachment between family members. Emily takes a systems approach to therapy, knowing that people’s behaviors, beliefs, thought patterns and needs are products of their experiences, genetics, the society in which they live and the quality of support they receive. 

 

Emily loves working with queer folks to plan families and adjust to parenthood. She has lived experience on the rollercoaster that can be family planning and navigating the legal landscape that accompanies it. She was also a caretaker for her mother who had Alzheimer’s Disease and holds a special place for clients who are caring for an aging or disabled loved one. Approaching her mid-forties, Emily additionally enjoys working with clients who are experiencing the many joys of perimenopause.

 

Emily graduated from Guilford College with a dual degree in Psychology and Community & Justice Studies. After graduating, she lived between San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR, working on grassroots political campaigns, neighborhood organizing, in the educational technology space, and as a leadership development coach. After a series of unexpected life transitions, it became clear that social work, with its focus on social justice and upholding the dignity and worth of people, was where she belonged. 

 

Emily's office is a place where clients can come in, kick off their shoes, and know that they will be seen, heard, accepted and supported. Any emotion will always be welcome and no topic off limits. Please know that Emily is the opposite of a blank slate therapist. She brings her own humanity to sessions and in doing so, invites clients to do the same.

 

Emily occasionally brings her dog, Capote, to the office. Po is a 10-year-old sack of love. If dogs are not your thing, please tell Emily and she will arrange your session when Po is not in the office. If they are your thing, you may have an affectionate hippo on your lap during sessions.

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Also, there are always snacks available because therapy is better with snacks.

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Certifications & Experience

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #C019524)

• Certified Family Centered Treatment Therapist

• Masters Degree in Social Work, UNC Chapel Hill

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Community & Justice Studies, Guilford College​​

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Emily is currently accepting new clients.

Please click the "start now" button or email her at emily.fonseca@birchcounselingdurham.com to set up a consult.​​​​