FAQs

Emily Ford is a licensed marriage and family therapist, coach and mindfulness meditation teacher who practices Integrative Body Psychotherapy while incorporating alternative treatment modalities.

Upon completing her BA at Trinity University, Emily has spent 18 years as co-owner and in creative and operational roles at award-winning restaurants, as well as catering indoor and outdoor feasts around the world. She collaborated with staff, farmers, and guests to craft dining experiences that foster connection with families, communities, and the world.

After serving and working with people from all walks of life, she saw how life circumstances could cause people to disconnect from their inner compass, leading to behavioral, relational, and physical health issues.

Emily returned to school to earn her Master's in Clinical Psychology with hopes of helping people find their way home to Self and make life more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling.

Emily offers a holistic, integrative, and mindfulness-centered approach as a clinician. She helps clients understand more profound levels of insecurity, anxiety, and depression by supporting the development of a strong foundation. By building tools and skills with intention, the client can begin to examine the root cause of the problem, expand their inner clarity, and progress past surface issues.

Emily is a working mother of two sons: a college graduate and a high schooler. She's had a wide range of life experiences, leading from her scars rather than her wounds, which have led to her deep interest in family systems and conscious (re)parenting.

I work with clients using Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) to help them lead more authentic lives. Here’s a simple breakdown of how our sessions unfold:

Understanding Your Story
We start by exploring your early childhood and how those experiences shape who you are today. This involves reflecting on childhood experiences and developmental & generational themes, connecting them to your present feelings and behaviors.

Mind-Body Connection
IBP emphasizes that our emotions and traumas are stored in our bodies. We’ll talk, and also focus on how you physically hold feelings of anxiety, insecurity, or past traumas in the body. This process involves recognizing and understanding these embodied experiences.

Uncovering Patterns
We’ll identify repetitive patterns of belief and behavior that might be holding you back. By recognizing these patterns, we can work on releasing them, allowing for meaningful change.

Boundaries and Self-Care
I help you understand healthy boundaries as a way to care for yourself, not to control others. Establishing these boundaries is crucial for maintaining relationships and ensuring you feel respected.

Exploring Your Authentic Self
We’ll discuss how you may have developed a “false self” to fit into your family or societal expectations. Therapy is about reconnecting with your core self and learning to express your true feelings and needs.

Addressing the “Basic Fault”
Many people carry a deep-seated belief that something is wrong with them, stemming from early childhood connections. We’ll work on untangling this belief and help you recognize it as a story you told yourself, allowing you to move toward self-acceptance.

Using Tools and Techniques
Our sessions may include techniques like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to enhance your self-awareness and emotional regulation. These tools help you stay grounded and present.

Creating a Safe Space
I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. This involves active listening and responding empathically to your experiences.

The Journey is Ongoing
Therapy is a process that takes time. We’ll work together to navigate your journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. It’s about understanding the past, feeling your emotions, and learning to live in the present more fully.

Homework and Integration
At the end of sessions, I may assign homework, such as practicing positive affirmations or self-care routines. This helps reinforce our work and allows you to integrate what you’ve learned into daily life.

Through this integrative approach, I aim to help you move from feeling disconnected and burdened to experiencing a more authentic, fulfilled life. My goal is to support you in navigating your emotional landscape and ultimately discovering your own sense of agency and well-being.

I offer both in-person and telehealth options, and we can determine what works best for your needs. If we meet in person, please note that some sessions may be virtual, creating a hybrid relationship.

Reaching out for help is your first step. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are compatible. You can contact me by sending an email to emilyfordtherapy@gmail.com or by calling me at 424-258-4699.

Please Note: The testimonials featured on this website reflect the personal experiences and opinions of the individuals who have shared them. Please note that these testimonials are individual results, and results may vary. The experiences shared should not be considered as guaranteed outcomes, and no assurance is made that others will achieve the same results.

50S, Male
Over the past three years, Emily has been invaluable during some really tough times, especially throughout my contentious divorce. She is endlessly empathetic and compassionate, always challenging me when necessary. Through her guidance, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my relationships—both with my child and in adult interactions—insights I never learned growing up.

Emily has been instrumental in helping me develop a new relationship with my child during this challenging time. She taught me how to take responsibility for my part while also learning to let go of what’s beyond my control. Her support has empowered me to approach my parenting with a fresh perspective, focusing on nurturing our bond despite the difficulties we faced. Emily connects with me on my level, adjusting seamlessly to where I am in each session, which speaks to her remarkable preparedness.

If I had to choose her strongest quality, it would be her ability to remain impartial during my difficult moments. She believes in the best of me, even when I struggle to see it. Her faith in the power of change and her gentle talent to inspire that change has made a profound impact on my life, particularly as I navigated the challenges of my divorce and worked to strengthen my relationship with my child. I often find myself hearing her voice during uncomfortable situations in everyday life. She is a true gift to me and will be to anyone fortunate enough to work with her. I’m a big fan.

20s, Female
Emily has been a crucial part of my therapy journey, guiding me toward becoming the best version of myself. From our first session, she took the time to truly understand me and my past, always making me feel seen and heard, regardless of what I shared.

Throughout our time together, Emily has helped me gain confidence by providing tools to cope and reshaping my mindset. She taught me to view my insecurities as opportunities for growth. Emily consistently shows up for me, radiating genuine joy in every session, which inspires me to show up for myself and others.

For the first time in all my therapy experiences, I’ve been able to apply the tools we discuss to my daily life, leading to significant personal progress based in truth. Emily’s compassion, ability to listen and connect make me excited to return each week and continue my growth. Now, I am focused on pursuing what I’ve always wanted for myself, overcoming the barriers that held me back. She is truly someone who has changed my life.

50s, Female
Having worked with many therapists over the years, I can honestly say that Emily's approach stands out. Her use of integrative body psychotherapy has given me insights I hadn’t discovered before. For the first time, I’ve learned how to drop more fully into my body and stay present in the moment, instead of constantly future pacing or ruminating on the past. This shift has been profound, allowing me to connect with myself on a deeper level and handle life’s challenges with more grounding and calm.

What sets Emily apart is her unique blend of deep empathy and keen intuition. She guides me with a gentle yet direct approach that helps me get out of my head and into my body, which has been a game-changer for me. I’ve made great progress with her, and I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together.

50s, Male
I began working with Emily during a challenging time in my life while going through a divorce and facing other difficulties. She helped me gain clarity about what was truly happening, especially regarding my divorce. I found myself trapped in an echo chamber of my own thoughts, and her insights were enlightening. I was making the same mistakes repeatedly and couldn't see them. She illuminated a blind spot I had developed, allowing me to adopt a better perspective.

Emily not only guided me through this tough period but is also helping me think about the future and how to avoid carrying my past mistakes forward. Thanks to her advice, I have become a better father. I previously believed I was a good dad simply because I was physically present, but I learned that I wasn't always engaging, and my son noticed.

I truly believe Emily has helped me immensely, and I am grateful to have found her.

50s, Male
For most of my life, I believed I had to keep my emotions bottled up. As a man, I thought showing vulnerability was a weakness, so I built walls around myself. But those walls cut me off from others and even from my own feelings. Working with Emily for over a year has transformed that belief.

Emily provided more than just a space to talk—she helped me see how my defenses were keeping me from forming meaningful connections. She guided me through my past, teaching me how my unexpressed love and buried pain affected my relationships and my view of myself. Through her insights and practical tools, I’ve learned new ways of thinking that I now use daily to be a more connected partner, friend, and even a more compassionate leader.

One of the biggest breakthroughs was realizing that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a doorway to real connection. Emily created a safe environment where I could confront and understand my triggers—those moments when I’d shut down or feel anger without knowing why. With her help, I’m learning to manage my emotions instead of letting them control me, and I’m finally able to express love and set boundaries without feeling like I’m building walls.

This journey has enriched every aspect of my life. I’m more present and patient, not just in my relationships but in my work. Emily has helped me unlock a path to genuine transformation, showing me how to stay grounded and authentic as I continue to grow.

If you’re a man who has been taught to keep emotions locked away, I can’t recommend Emily enough. She offers more than therapy—she offers a way to connect deeply with yourself and others. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about embracing the journey to a fuller, more connected life.

If we choose to embark on this journey together, I ask that we start with weekly sessions. Depending on your concerns, I may suggest adjustments as needed. This consistent commitment builds stability, trust, and emotional safety, offering a dedicated 50 minutes each week to focus on your well-being.

Regular sessions are key to meaningful progress. Many clients find weekly therapy helps them feel more balanced, empowered, and supported. I look forward to co-creating a nurturing and impactful experience with you.

As we progress, we'll regularly review your treatment plan, transitioning to biweekly and eventually monthly sessions when appropriate. Previous clients are always welcome for 'tune-ups' to maintain the path we've built together.

As a private pay therapist, I do not accept insurance. However, I can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. I recommend contacting your insurance company in advance to understand your reimbursement options.

For weekly clients, 3 free cancellations are allowed every 6 months, and for bi-weekly clients, 2 free cancellations are allowed every 6 months, starting from your first session date. Beyond this, any additional cancellations will be billed at your regular session rate, whether you attend or not.

You are welcome to reschedule or switch to virtual sessions as needed to manage scheduling conflicts. Rescheduled sessions are subject to availability in the client portal and may be limited.

Under the No Surprises Act, effective January 1, 2022, all healthcare providers, including psychotherapists, are required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges for services to clients who are uninsured, self-paying, or who do not intend to submit claims for reimbursement through insurance.

As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I am committed to transparency and want to ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your treatment. Upon scheduling your first appointment, I will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate that outlines the expected fees for the duration of our work together. This estimate will include details about session rates, the frequency of sessions, and any other potential costs associated with your treatment.

It’s important to note that the Good Faith Estimate is not a binding contract; it is simply an estimate based on the information available at the time and can change depending on the progress, length, or nature of therapy. You have the right to request a GFE at any time, and if you have questions or concerns about your estimate or any charges, please feel free to reach out.

For more information about your rights regarding the Good Faith Estimate, visit the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidServices (CMS) website.