I became a therapist to be the person that I wish I had when I was in middle school, when I didn't have the words to express how I needed help. Sometimes we need someone to help us understand what is going on underneath the surface that is impacting our day to day lives

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Hi there! My name is Emily Salo, and I am a California registered associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT #164190) practicing under the supervision of Ashley Hudson (LMFT #83507). 

Where it all began...

No matter what age you find yourself, life can come with very unexpected difficulties, hurdles, and questions. These challenges can bring many different emotions and feelings that may be difficult to name or describe. Therapy offers a space to slow down and begin to explore what is at the root, while offering you support and coping strategies throughout the process.

I strongly believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client is one of main avenues of growth and change throughout your therapy journey. This emphasizes the importance of relationships and our need for a safe attachment, which a trusting therapeutic relationship can bring.

I became a therapist because I understand how lonely adolescence can be and to wonder if you are “missing” something. In middle school, I struggled with social anxiety led to self isolation in which I did not have the language to express how I was feeling or how I needed support. Looking back, I wish I had someone to talk to, who could have sat with me to uncover the layers of emotions and pain I was hiding. This is why I became a therapist, to be able to sit with others in their pain, to reassure them that they are not alone, and to help bring language to the pain they are feeling. Helping clients build understanding, develop emotional vocabulary, and gain a bigger picture of their relationships is a big passion of mine. 

I earned my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Biola University and have worked in a school, intensive outpatient, and university settings.  Across these experiences, I have gained a deep passion for working with children, teens, and young adults as they learn to navigate the unique joys and difficulties each one of these life stages brings. 

Throughout my childhood, I was a dedicated dancer and musical theatre performer. Growing up in the world of performance, I understand firsthand the dedication, pressure, and perfectionism that comes with pursuing your passion. While the experience can be rewarding and exhilarating, it can also feel overwhelming as you may navigate the many emotions and demands that your passion may bring. Whether your passion is performing or sports, I enjoy working with those that would like to learn how to manage their performance anxiety that might be impacting their creativity or competition so they can genuinely enjoy their time on the stage or on the field.

My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative, grounded in the belief that meaningful healing occurs when clients experience a trusting therapeutic relationship. I work from a Psychodynamic framework and draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy, and Attachment Therapy. In my work with children, I also work from a Play Therapy framework, where children are able to express their emotions through play.

In sessions, we will explore how your past has impacted your present and discover together underlying emotions and thoughts that might be impacting your day to day life, while establishing coping strategies along the way to help support your healing journey.  My clients appreciate my warm, friendly, and supportive personality and my ability to gently challenge when needed.

I am a Christian and welcome integrating faith into our work if that is something you desire. This therapy space can be a space to also journey through your spiritual beliefs, questions, and doubts. 

Reaching out for support can feel like a very daunting step. Wherever you are starting from, I will meet you where you need support. If you are feeling ready to begin therapy, connect with our intake coordinator today to schedule your first appointment.