Emma Kim Rust
MA, LCSW
(they/them)
As a C-DBT therapist, Emma’s goal is to meet you in your pain or challenges with warmth, acceptance, and guidance. They believe that while we may be struggling, there is always a good reason behind why our bodies and mind do what they do. Instead of looking at what is “wrong,” they approach by asking “what is your mind and body trying to communicate?” Using this approach, they strike a unique balance so you feel seen, understand yourself fuller, and challenge yourself to experience growth and transformation.
Emma earned their Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, where they developed a deep appreciation for third-wave behavioral therapies, especially C-DBT. Emma’s C-DBT practice integrates emotional experiencing techniques with breath and movement practices from somatic therapy as well as mindfulness practices and processes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP).
Emma has a background and passion for supporting marginalized individuals, especially those who identify as LGBQTIA2S+, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), disabled/ chronically ill, and criminalized populations. Within their behavioral therapy approach, they bring an analysis of systems of oppression and liberatory frameworks.
Emma previously worked in an intensive outpatient DBT program, where they supported individuals facing a wide range of challenges (i.e., anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, relationship interfering behaviors, rumination, impulsivity including self-defeating/destructive behaviors, and substance / technology dependency). Emma completed the Emotion Management Program Fellowship in 2022-23.
(Emma is available to see persons via telehealth.)