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Emily Kissner
Experience
12 years
Based in
Illinois
Sessions
Online
Languages
English

Therapist · Illinois

Emily Kissner

LCPC

Compassionate counselor using art and talk therapy

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License and NPI on record

LCPC
Illinois · 180015599
NPI
1477419166

As listed on the therapist's profile. A license can be checked with the state board, and an NPI with the national NPI registry.

  • Feminist framework
  • LGBTQA+ affirming
  • Art therapy informed

About Emily

Emily Kissner is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who blends talk therapy with creative approaches. She uses art and psychotherapy techniques to help people manage depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. Emily practices from a feminist framework and affirms LGBTQA+ identities. She also brings awareness to polyamory, kink, and sex work in her work.

Emily draws on her masters degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She pairs evidence-based psychotherapy methods with art-based exercises to build coping skills and increase self-understanding. Sessions focus on practical tools people can use between meetings.

People come to her for support with self-esteem, relationship patterns, and the fallout of trauma or abuse. She also helps with career questions and coaching around life transitions. Additional focus areas include attachment and abandonment concerns, adoption and foster care issues, autism and Asperger Syndrome, and challenges around caregiving and chronic illness.

Over twelve years of practice inform her work with overlapping issues like codependency, commitment and control problems, and communication struggles. Emily aims to make therapy accessible and responsive to each person's context. She encourages clients to set clear goals and to try approaches that fit their needs.

Her style is collaborative and practical. Sessions often combine talking, creative prompts, and skill-building exercises. Emily helps people notice patterns, practice new behaviors, and track small changes over time.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

12+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

How Emily’s Approaches Translate to Online Therapy

Emily integrates evidence-based psychotherapy techniques alongside art therapy methods. Evidence-based psychotherapy focuses on clear goals and practical strategies to reduce symptoms and change unhelpful patterns. Art therapy techniques use creative activities to help people express feelings, notice patterns, and practice new ways of coping when words alone feel limiting.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Emily collaborates with each person to learn what fits their needs and preferences. Together they test methods and adjust the plan based on what helps progress toward the client's goals.

The practical benefits of online therapy often include easier scheduling and fewer barriers to attending sessions. Online work can make it simpler to keep regular appointments around work or caregiving commitments, and it can allow creative exercises to be adapted for a home setting. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm the current online options before booking to ensure they match your needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can I bring to therapy?

Emily works with people facing depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and issues with self-esteem. She also addresses career questions and coaching needs.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy with art therapy techniques in a collaborative, goal-focused way. Sessions mix talking, creative prompts, and practical skill building.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has twelve years of experience working with overlapping and complex concerns. That background informs her use of psychotherapy and art-based methods.

What credentials and region does she practice in?

She is an LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - practicing in Illinois.

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English and Emily accepts international clients.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost structured?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Before you get in touch

Therapists listed here offer talking therapy online. A profile is not a diagnosis of you or of anyone in your life, and no therapist can promise how a relationship will turn out.

If you are in danger, or someone is hurting or threatening you, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline. The numbers are at the foot of this page.

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