Em Mortenson
MMFT; they/them
therapist
I am passionate about helping clients find their voice and embrace their autonomy.
I want to help create and hold a healing space that allows my clients to take up that space authentically.
I believe that…
Issues that arise from relationships can also be healed with relationships. Some of the deepest wounds we incur come from our relationships, whether that is platonic, familial, or romantic. The sentiment that you must love yourself before you can love anyone else implies that you must do the work to heal all of that hurt before you enter into another relationship. However, as a marriage and family therapist I believe that our connections with others have more power than we think. Relearning how to embody trust, safety, and security is a process that we cannot do solely by ourselves as we do not exist in a relationshipless, connectionless vacuum.
Building community is resistance. Systemic oppression affects everyone in a multitude of ways and some communities more than others. While we may not be able to directly change oppressive systems immediately, the connections we make with others have the ability to take some of the power back. Capitalism, racism, classism and other societal frameworks have served as a way to separate and isolate individuals which can lead to elevated rates of depression and anxiety. However, when we intentionally pour into and connect within our communities, we are choosing to reject the individualistic and isolating path society often promotes. We are strengthening our connections which provides more safety, understanding, support, and opportunities to give and receive help.
Reality is more than a single story. I believe we all have the ability to create our own reality. This happens through the stories we tell ourselves about our relationships, our experiences, ourselves, and how we feel others see us. These narratives shape how we see and interact with the world. Oftentimes, these narratives can become restrictive and problem saturated. However, that does not mean that the reality we create through these perceptions is the only one that can/does exist. When we begin to make space for other realities/perspectives within our own, we can broaden our sense of self and find a more expansive and holistic narrative. I believe that finding deeper understanding in others, helps us to better understand ourselves.
My purpose at The Gaia Center is to hold space where clients can embrace and embody their authentic voice while growing and strengthening our communities.
I work with relationship systems such as monogamous couples, ethically non-monogamous systems, and families, as well as with individuals.
I am passionate about working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiversity, disordered eating, trauma, identity exploration, and sex/intimacy concerns. I approach all of my work from a trauma sensitive, kink positive, and HAES centered stance. In addition, I incorporate elements of narrative, solutions focused, and attachment based therapies into my practice.
As a gender non-conforming queer individual I understand the importance of someone like me taking up space within mental health care communities. I know how impactful and validating representation can be, and I am passionate about using my voice and current place in life to help others find and authentically embrace theirs.
Credentials + Trainings
Em complete their Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University and is currently working towards full LMFT licensure, under supervision (supervisor information coming soon).
Em is Gottman level one trained and is also trained Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
Human First…
When I’m not working, I’m either dancing, scheming about home improvement projects, spending too much time watering my plants, researching cool witchy things, or spending time with my dogs (Jane and Mowgli) and cats (Fern and Pants).
Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Em?
Em works with adults (individuals, couples, and families) and adolescents 13+.
Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.
Hours & Rates…
🌱 Typically sees clients on
🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $135
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $200
🌱 Em reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need; you can inquire to see if any of these spots are available. Reduced fee services are also available with graduate interns at The Gaia Center.