Emily Hackney, LCPC, ATR, PEL

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Professional School Counselor

Emily Hackney, LCPC, ATR, PEL, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, and Professional School Counselor with a diverse background supporting individuals across a variety of therapeutic and educational settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Art Therapy from The Adler School of Professional

Psychology, and later pursued School Counseling at DePaul University. Emily completed her undergraduate studies at Illinois Wesleyan University.
With extensive experience in psychiatric residential care, private practice, hospice, and public schools, Emily has worked with children, adolescents, and adults from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and presenting concerns. Her clinical expertise includes treating Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Anger Management, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, School Refusal, Behavioral Challenges, Social Skills Development, Grief and Loss, Family Relationship Issues, Trauma, Self-Injury, and Childhood and Adolescent Development.

A hallmark of Emily’s practice is her integration of Art Therapy. Art Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that uses creative processes to support emotional, cognitive, and psychological healing. Emily incorporates art-based interventions tailored to the needs of each client—whether to process trauma, improve emotional regulation, enhance self-expression, or support individuals with limited verbal communication. Art Therapy is accessible and effective for all ages, and no artistic skill is required to benefit from its therapeutic impact.

Emily provides therapy in Individual, Family, and Group settings. Her approach is collaborative and strength-based, fostering client empowerment, insight, independence, and meaningful life changes. She believes in meeting clients where they are, building a strong therapeutic alliance, and drawing upon each individual’s inherent resilience and creativity.

Personal Statement

“My passion lies in helping clients discover their inner strengths through a supportive, creative, and collaborative process. I believe in the power of art, empathy, and therapeutic connection to foster healing, insight, and positive transformation. Everyone has a story—and a unique way of expressing it. My goal is to provide a safe space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.”