Emily Eldar

LMHC, LPC

Most of our struggles are relational in nature - how we relate to others, how we relate to ourselves and our bodies, and even how we relate to symbolic objects such as food, substances, money, etc. When we heal our relational wounds and peel back the layers to reveal our deepest needs, we can step into the self-actualized, meaningful, joyful lives we dream of. We all sustain life traumas which shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. When we can understand the protective systems of behavior we build in the service of our psychological and physical survival we have the opportunity to update our narratives based on our current empowerment and wisdom. In updating our core schemas, we unburden our traumatized parts of self, heal attachment wounds, and make room to relate from our place of highest self. When we set down our burdens and unhelpful lenses and relate from a place of self, we can learn the new levels of skill in communication, somatic regulation, mindfulness, and self-actualization which our wise self is ready for. In doing so, we can more fully build the relationships and overall life which best serve us and our continual growth. I have spent much of my adult life in creative communities aligned in non-monogamy, kink, and queerness. I have also made a professional study of relationships, sexuality, alternative lifestyles, trauma, and mindfulness. This knowledge has allowed me unique insights, which have in turn influenced my therapeutic work, gifted me a window into those worlds, and allow me to better hold compassionate and empathetic space for my clients. Although my clients may come from a wide range of relational, gender, and sexual identities, each individual is unique and seeing the world with an open mind is the only way to truly see others. When we are held in the safety of being fully seen and heard, that is when we can come into alignment within ourselves to do our best self-work.