Grief and Trauma Therapist
Emily Millman, LMSW, LCSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Patient Populations: Young Adults, Adults
Education: Loyola University Chicago
You feel caught in an endless loop of worry, your mind racing and your body tense. Restful sleep feels out of reach, and even when you manage to sleep, you wake up exhausted. Past grief and trauma may have left you feeling stuck as if you're reliving the same painful moments over and over. No matter how hard you try, the weight of it all seems impossible to shake, leaving you wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again. But you’re not alone—and this is your moment to begin moving forward.
I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support and encouragement as we explore your inner world. I draw from a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Every session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. My goal is to help you explore your emotions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and work towards meaningful change in your life.
Our time together is all about you. You can expect a compassionate, down-to-earth environment where we’ll dive into your thoughts and feelings. We’ll work together to find actionable steps to help you navigate your challenges and gain deeper insight into yourself. I encourage open communication throughout the process so that we can adjust our approach to best serve your journey.
Who is your ideal client?
As a therapist, my ideal clients are those who seek personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves. You might be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or low self-esteem. You might feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about how to move forward in life, whether due to past experiences or current stressors. Therapy provides an opportunity to address these struggles and gain clarity, resilience, and positive change. You are open-minded, willing to be vulnerable, and ready to engage in the therapeutic process. While you may not have all the answers, you are motivated to explore what is holding you back and to actively participate in your own healing. You understand that therapy is a journey and are prepared to face the discomfort that often accompanies personal growth, whether it involves confronting difficult emotions, challenging old patterns, or learning new coping strategies.
What’s something you wish people knew about therapy or the therapy process?
One of the most important things I wish people understood about therapy is that it is a process—often a gradual one—that takes time and patience. Healing and personal growth don’t happen overnight, and it’s normal for progress to feel slow or uneven at times. While therapy offers valuable tools and insights, it’s ultimately the consistent effort, self-reflection, and willingness to make changes that lead to lasting transformation. It’s not about “fixing” someone, but rather about understanding oneself more deeply, processing difficult emotions, and learning new ways to approach life’s challenges. The journey may involve setbacks, but each step—no matter how small—brings people closer to a more fulfilling, balanced life. Therapy is about building a foundation for long-term well-being, and that takes time, commitment, and compassion for oneself along the way.
Why do you like being a therapist?
What I love most about being a therapist is the opportunity to help others discover and reconnect with the strengths they already have within themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness clients uncover their resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth, especially when they may not have seen it in themselves before. Helping people realize that they have the tools to navigate life’s challenges and make positive changes is what keeps me inspired in this work. I believe everyone has untapped potential, and being able to guide someone through the process of self-discovery and healing is a privilege.
Besides being a therapist, what do you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family and friends, as these relationships are a vital source of joy and support in my life. I value the time we share, whether it's enjoying a meal together, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply being present with one another. I also love to read, whether it’s diving into a great book or exploring new ideas and perspectives. Spending time outdoors is another way I recharge—whether it's taking a walk in nature, enjoying the fresh air, or just appreciating the beauty of the world around me.
What is your favorite book, podcast, or mental health resource?
One of my favorite mental health resources is the National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC). I had the privilege of working at a summer camp for many years, where we supported children who had lost one or both parents. This experience deeply shaped my understanding of grief and the incredible resilience children can show in the face of profound loss. The campers' ability to build connections, support one another, and find strength in their shared experiences was truly inspiring. The NAGC provides invaluable resources to children, families, and professionals navigating grief, and I admire their commitment to helping children heal and grow through their grief journey.