Emily Giacomino is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Registered Art Therapist, and a Professional School Counselor. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University for her undergraduate studies and went on to earn a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Art Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology. After years working in the field, Emily attended DePaul University to study School Counseling. She has worked with clients of diverse needs, ages, and cultural backgrounds. Emily has worked in a psychiatric residential setting, private practice, hospice care and public schools. Her areas of expertise include helping individuals with anxiety and mood related disorders, anger management, social skills, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, school refusal, social skills, behavioral concerns, grief, family relationships, childhood and adolescent issues, self-injury and trauma.

Emily has the ability to incorporate art therapy into sessions with clients.  What is art therapy you may ask? Art therapy is the purposeful use of art materials and directives targeted to help clients with their individual needs. Children and adolescents tend to respond positively to art therapy, however, it is beneficial for individuals of all ages. You do not need to be “good” at art to experience the benefits of art therapy, and the creative process can help clients gain more self-acceptance and means of expression. Art therapy can be used for a variety of needs, such as visual processing and learning, to help regulate emotions, process trauma or difficult experiences, gain insight into thought, beliefs and relationships, and for individuals with limited vocabulary or speech ability.

Emily works with children and adults in both individual, family and group settings. She takes a collaborative strength-based approach to counseling that fosters client empowerment, insight, independence, and positive life changes.