Emily Kirschbaum, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am a queer-identified therapist who specializes in working with individuals and couples/committed partners to deepen connection, navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and create safer, more fulfilling relationships. I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, infertility or family planning, religious trauma, life transitions, body image, and neurodiversity. As someone with ADHD myself, I understand the unique strengths and challenges of neurodiverse clients and enjoy helping them learn about their brains and find meaningful ways to thrive in life and relationships.
My approach with clients, couples, and families is narrative, trauma-informed, sex-positive, body-acceptance/body-trust oriented, and attachment-based. I am Level 1 certified in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach for couples, and I am currently training in Level 2 Clinical Gottman Method, Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Health at Every Size/Body Trust curriculum.
I also draw on tools from:
Attachment-Based Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Strengths-Based Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
My practice is guided by courage, accountability, honesty, and vulnerability. I strive to create a “brave space” where couples and individuals alike can explore patterns, heal old wounds, and practice new ways of connecting. While no space can ever be completely “safe,” you will be heard, respected, and supported in your bravery. I take seriously the privilege of being invited into your journey, and I aim to meet you with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Together, we’ll identify areas for growth, break unhelpful cycles, and build tools to make your relationships and your life more fulfilling. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling empowered, understood, and more connected—to yourself and to the people you care about.
Areas of Focus/Interest
LGBTQIA+ Issues, including:
Identity exploration & coming out
Family dynamics around your LGBTQIA+ identity
Dating and relationship challenges
Non-monogamous relationship styles
Trans-affirming care
Couples & Relationship Work, including:
Premarital and pre-engagement counseling
Conflict resolution, trust-building, and connection
Life Transitions & Personal Growth, including:
Fertility and family planning
Pregnancy and postpartum support
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and abuse
Religious trauma
Sexual and domestic violence
Structural oppression
Neurodiversity
Learning more about your neurodiverse brain and how it impacts your daily life
Identifying meaningful accommodations to help you thrive
Rebuilding self-esteem
DEGREES, LICENSURE, & CV
2012: Bachelors of Social Work and minor in French from Hope College
2013: Masters of Social Work, Mental Health concentration from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work
2014: Licensed Master of Social Work in the state of Illinois, License No. 150.014768
2017: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Washington, License No. 60763557
2019: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana, License No. 34008656A
2021: Telehealth Certificate in the state of Indiana, License No. TH0001868
