About

Cultivate a new perspective. Live a more satisfying life.

Get to know Emily Semow, PsyD, CEDS (she/her)

Licensed Psychologist with over 10 years of experience.

Feeling hopeless and trapped in cycles of suffering can take a lot out of you. The constant worry and stress can take a toll on your relationships. With consistent support, it's easier to move beyond these challenges.

You don’t have to feel alone. My goal is to help adults, teens, and families achieve profound and lasting change by opening them up to new perspectives and ideas so they can build a more resilient and satisfying life.

Through an approach that focuses on your unique self and situation, we’ll go beyond symptom management, explore the root cause of your current circumstances, and discover a clear path forward.

English & Spanish speaking  

I’m available to meet in person in San Francisco and Oakland, and virtually throughout California.

I prioritize building trust and respect

The work we will do together will allow you to safely explore your challenges, stress, anxiety, and fears while experiencing the freedom of new perspectives and ideas

My therapeutic approach is rooted in contemporary research and theory that is culturally sensitive and focused on whole-person care. I integrate various therapy modalities and techniques to create a comprehensive treatment experience. I am open and honest and will encourage you to express yourself freely without criticism or judgment.

I welcome both teenagers and adults.

Each individual I meet has a unique journey shaped by their experiences. Being able to delve into their personal narratives allows me to tailor my approaches to best suit their distinct circumstances and personalities. My passion lies in forming a deeply personalized therapeutic relationship, taking into account the entirety of who a person is.

Adolescents captivate me with their developmental growth and unique perspectives. Their appreciation for authenticity and realness is both refreshing and inspiring. I take pride in adapting my communication style to connect with each teenager who walks through my door or appears on my screen, recognizing the remarkable speed at which they can grow and flourish when provided with the right environment.

I also work closely with parents or caregivers to offer insights and strategies that support their teen’s transformative process.

Exploring the root cause for healing and life-changing transformation

Depth-Oriented Psychotherapy

My work enables teens and adults to identify and actively address the emotions that surface in the present so they can more easily navigate the intricate patterns and behaviors impacting their lives.

Working with the present circumstance allows us to gain insight into the unconscious processes of interpersonal relating. It creates space for people to be honest about their experience and be met with an accepting, helpful response, and most importantly, it allows for experiential change. We are actively creating new ways of thinking and experiencing emotions in real-time, so the transformation is more profound.

Rooted in cultural humility, I respect and honor my clients' diverse identities, acknowledging they are the true experts on their cultures and lived experiences. I wholeheartedly welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, body sizes, nationalities, socio-economic levels, and religious beliefs.

I prioritize establishing trust and respect, recognizing that this foundation is crucial for facilitating meaningful change.

Modalities & Approach

  • Depth Oriented Therapy based in psychodynamic theory

  • Trauma-Informed

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

  • CBT and DBT

  • Eating Disorder Therapy

Training

  • APA-accredited doctoral internship at The Ann Martin Center

  • Postdoctoral fellowship at Access Institute for Psychological Services

  • Psychotherapist at the Healthy Teen Project, a premier Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient program for teens with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health issues

Education

  • Doctorate of Psychology, The Wright Institute, 2019

  • Dissertation: Culturally sensitive psychodynamic psychotherapy with Mexican American adolescents: An integrated literature review, 2019

  • Master of Psychology, The Wright Institute, 2015

  • Bachelor of the Arts, Wheaton College (MA), graduated magna cum laude with a double major in International Relations and Hispanic Studies 2009

Certifications & Professional Affiliations

Core Values

My core values serve as fundamental principles supporting my connection with the world, guides my professional practice, and shapes our collaborative journey together.

Authenticity

I aim to establish a real and genuine connection. I bring my true self into the therapeutic relationship, creating a safe and trusting environment. I value honesty and transparency and provide truthful and straightforward information, allowing individuals to be fully respected and informed.

Growth

Growth is important no matter who you are. I strive for growth as an individual – as a practice, and for my clients. Working to grow is a journey I am humbled to help my clients with.

Connection

I actively listen, seek to understand clients' emotions and validate their experiences so they feel heard and supported. I encourage clients to freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism, creating a space of trust and openness.