Last edited 09/30/2021
Emily M Cheatum
Accepting New Clients
Get To Know Me
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
My personality outside the therapy session matches my personality in the session. I have always been an empathic, warm and non-judgemental person; this is natural and genuine for me which I believe clients can see and feel. I also have a sense of humor that can help build rapport and can make certain moments in session more relaxed and comfortable.
What does a first session with you look like?
During the first session I take time to answer my client's questions about any paperwork they signed, the therapy process or myself and my therapeutic style. I also want to understand what triggered a client to initiate therapy, as well as their short and long term therapy goals. It is important I get a full picture of my client's struggles and challenges, but also their strengths, as this will be a key component in making progress in therapy. I also obtain a relevant history of each client in order to understand the contributing factors to how a person is currently coping, feeling and acting. My conceptualization and treatment plan begins by the end of the first session, but evolves as therapy progresses.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I think people are often hesitant to start therapy because they fear they will be judged by the therapist or that going to therapy is a sign of weakness. I would like people to know that a therapist's role is to help understand their clients, not judge them. People should know that therapists who have been in practice for a number of years have probably seen and heard everything and you are not alone with what you are struggling with. Also, knowing you need additional support and seeking out that help is a sign of strength and courage, never weakness
Specialties
Specializes in
Eating disordersPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Trauma
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietySelf-EsteemSocial AnxietyAbuse/Survivors of abuseAnorexia nervosaBody image issuesBulimia nervosaFamily issuesMood disordersParenting issuesPhobias & fearsSelf HarmStressWomen's issuesBehavioral IssuesCoping SkillsFamilies
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Humanistic TherapyInternal Family Systems TherapyParent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Family TherapyIndividual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Psychologist, PSY22328
Training/CertificationsI am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). I also hold certifications in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and The NeuroSequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). I am trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Education
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology with a sub-emphasis in Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in Los Angeles
Work HistoryThroughout my years in practice, I have gained experience working with various populations in several different settings. I started my career working in a psychiatric hospital, where my primary specialty was in crisis intervention and assessing whether a patient met criteria for an involuntary hold (5150). I have had about 12 years of experience working in community mental health settings with children, teens, families and adults. The years spent working in community mental health afforded me the opportunity to gain significant experience in treating numerous anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, conduct disorders and personality disorders. Working in community mental health also sparked the desire to develop specialties in trauma, family therapy and eating disorders. I have been in private practice for 5 years and continue to learn and grow from each client I see, which inspires me to continue my training and expertise so that I may be the most effective psychologist for each of my clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Emily M Cheatum, Licensed Psychologist, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Emily Cheatum accepting new clients?
Yes, Emily Cheatum is accepting new clients.
Does Emily Cheatum accept insurance?
No, Emily Cheatum does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Emily Cheatum offer?
Emily Cheatum offers therapy for families and individuals.
Does Emily Cheatum offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Emily Cheatum for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Emily Cheatum offer online therapy?
Yes, Emily Cheatum offers online therapy to people in California.
How quickly can I see Emily Cheatum?
Emily Cheatum typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Emily Cheatum speak?
Emily Cheatum conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Emily Cheatum online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Emily Cheatum online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.
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