Emily Jeffers, LCSW
(she/her)
Therapy with me
I believe that the most important part of therapy is the relationship that you have with your therapist. I work hard to be present, responsive and engaged, and to create real emotional safety with my clients. It’s important to me that people of all backgrounds, communities and identities feel as comfortable, accepted and supported.
Once we have a strong relationship, I draw from a variety of techniques to help you understand yourself and start to create change. As a strengths-based therapist, I help you to see what is already working well and figure out how to expand upon that. As an integrative therapist, I draw from mindfulness, CBT therapy and DBT therapy as well as a number of other methods. I use the approaches that match the client and the moment.
As a trauma-responsive therapist, I never move you past your zone of comfort without making sure you have the skills to feel safe doing so. I believe strongly in anti-diet and health at every size philosophies. It’s also important to me, for the sake of fully comprehensive treatment of the full person in front of me, to work on a collaborative care team if possible.
I’m currently offering online therapy in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. If you are seeking in-person therapy or are in another area, we do have other providers with openings right now.
My background
Previous to training as a clinical social worker, I studied health and wellness through a different lens. I learned principles of health, human biology, nutrition, athleticism and physical fitness. Exposure to these ideas made me aware of the importance of the way that we treat our bodies and offered me a deep understanding of the way that our bodies function.
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on clinical work from Syracuse University. During my time there I received training in family systems theory, complex trauma treatment, and drug and alcohol treatment. I also solidified my knowledge base in interpersonal communication and biopsychosocial considerations for whole self well-being.
Since that time, I have worked with a variety of populations in both the individual and group setting. I have been able to synthesize my knowledge about the human body and the human psyche to develop a mind-body approach to healing. I have also been able to solidify my theoretical knowledge into helping clients find real-world change, and nothing could be more fulfilling.
My specialties
I have particular interest and expertise in working with folks who are dealing with:
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Worrying
Body Image Issues
Not being sure if you have an eating disorder
Not eating enough
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Transition to college
Parental divorce
As a generalist practitioner, I work with all kinds of people who have all kinds of things going on. If you think you might be a good fit for me based on my general vibe, but you don’t see your problem area listed here, please just reach anyway and schedule a consultation to see if we’re a good fit. There’s no charge and no commitment, and I strongly believe that feeling comfortable in your therapy relationship is the most important factor (there’s research to support me here, too!)
At the same time, there are always folks you work better with and types of problems that you are particularly adept at handling. I’m not a great fit for someone with psychosis, severe substance use disorders. If you are seeking in-person therapy, you need to know that I am only offering telehealth at this moment pending an upcoming move.
Meet Emily
Eating disorders therapy
Working with people who have eating disorders is a particular passion of mine. I work with individuals of all ages struggling with bulimia, anorexia, ARFID or other food concerns, offering a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to help them rebuild a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
I work with people of all ages, and am particularly adept at handling eating disorders in cisgender women and teenagers. Whether it's addressing body image concerns, anxiety, or underlying trauma, I tailor each treatment plan to the unique needs of the individual, providing practical strategies and emotional support. My goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them foster self-compassion and resilience.
Therapy for teens
Therapy with teens is all about meeting them where they are—creating a space where they feel heard, understood, and respected. Adolescence is full of challenges, from managing emotions to figuring out their identity, and therapy gives them the tools to navigate that. It’s not just about solving problems but helping them build resilience and self-awareness. By offering practical strategies and an empathetic ear, we empower teens to manage anxiety, relationships, and whatever else life throws their way, so they can move forward with confidence.
Working with the families of teens is also an essential part of supporting the teen's overall well-being and growth. Family dynamics can significantly influence a teen’s mental health, so involving parents or guardians in the therapeutic process allows for better communication and understanding. I work closely with families to provide guidance, help them navigate their teen’s challenges, and foster a supportive environment at home. Together, we focus on creating a space where both teens and their families can heal and grow.
Trauma therapy
Trauma therapy focuses on helping individuals process painful experiences in a way that feels safe and supported. Trauma can deeply affect how a person navigates life—how they relate to themselves and others, how they handle stress, and how they view the world. My role in trauma therapy is to offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where clients can explore these experiences, helping them untangle the impact trauma has had on their mental and emotional well-being.
In therapy, we work together to identify triggers and create strategies for managing overwhelming emotions. Using an integrative approach according to your needs, we address the trauma at a deeper level, moving beyond just coping with symptoms to fostering true healing. The goal is to help individuals regain a sense of control, feel more connected to themselves, and move forward with renewed strength and confidence.
