Emily McCluskey (Intern Therapist)
Emily McCluskey (she/her) is an intern therapist at The Center for Growth who uses Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Theory in order to best serve her clients. Holistic in her approach, she also uses elements from relational therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems in her work. Her internship runs from June 3rd - May 4th 2025. She specializes in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, body image concerns, eating disorders, social anxiety, life transitions, adolescent counseling, couples counseling, low self-esteem, and more. She is currently earning her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology.
Values and Approach
Emily values creating a strong therapeutic relationship that feels comfortable and free of judgment. She will facilitate this by meeting you where you are to create a positive experience built in trust. This journey will be guided by her theoretical approach of person-centered counseling with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems.
Person Centered Approach
Person-centered counseling emphasizes the idea that the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem. The spirit of this approach can be summarized by the quote "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination." – Carl Rogers. Together you will create a safe space for your struggles while learning how to not overly identify with them. A session using this approach looks like a collaboration between client and counselor, and a recognition that therapy is not one size fits all. You will be encouraged to be an active participant in your own healing, and will be met with empathy and genuineness.
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy emphasizes the role of distorted thoughts and patterns of thinking in creating our problems. Using methods from this approach, Emily will be able to identify unhelpful core beliefs and use them to directly treat your symptoms through techniques like reframing and gentle confrontation. This approach will allow you to confront negative self-talk head on and address unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behavior.
Relational Approach
Emily employs relational therapy in her practice, recognizing the impact of interpersonal dynamics on individual well-being. With a deep-rooted belief in the interconnectedness between personal history, current relationships, and emotional health, Emily fosters a therapeutic environment that prioritizes authentic connection and mutual understanding with those in our lives. Using this approach, she empowers clients to navigate life's challenges by maintaining and creating meaningful relationships and fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.
Narrative Approach
Emily believes that how we view our personal life story plays a large role in our identities and perceptions of our lived experiences. Informed by the belief that people are not defined by their problems but by the narratives they construct about themselves, Emily collaborates with her clients to explore and reframe their personal stories. Through this process, she helps individuals uncover alternative narratives that empower them to renegotiate how they feel about their past, present, and future self.
Internal Family Systems
Emily uses principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy into her practice. Recognizing that every person has different “parts” of themselves, the IFS model allows clients to explore these differing parts, such as the angry part, the insecure part, and the confident part, in terms of when they started, how they feel in certain situations, and how they show up in your life.. With compassion and curiosity, she guides individuals in accessing their parts with understanding and acceptance to heal past wounds and increase self-awareness.
Emily’s Background
Emily is a graduate student currently completing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Before pursuing her master’s degree, Emily attended The University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Drawing from this educational foundation, Emily has a profound understanding of human behavior and the intricacies of intrapersonal relationships.
Prior to embarking on her counseling path, Emily gained valuable experience in various customer-facing roles. During this time, her main focus was improving customer experience by making customers feel valued and understood. With a deep-rooted passion for helping others and a naturally empathetic demeanor, Emily found her calling in the field of therapy. From a young age, she was drawn to understanding people's emotions and supporting them through life's challenges. Her innate ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere allows clients to feel comfortable and supported from the moment they walk through her door (or enter the virtual space). Drawing from her personal experiences and journey, Emily brings a unique blend of authenticity and compassion to her practice, guiding clients with a genuine desire to see them thrive.
Hobbies
Outside of being a therapist, Emily likes to spend time outdoors and connecting with nature by walking, hiking, gardening, swimming, or meditating. This is a fundamental aspect of her identity, and she aspires to incorporate this passion into her therapy practice as it continues to evolve. She also enjoys cooking, reading, shopping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Book a Session with Emily
Emily knows that when you let in a support system, it feels like a weight being lifted off your shoulders. As your therapist, Emily can be a crucial pillar of support that has your best interest as her primary intention. To schedule a session with Emily, please contact her directly via phone or email. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Emily understands that reaching out for counseling is a brave and commendable step and is here to support you throughout this journey.
Emily McCluskey (Intern Therapist)'s Resume
Licensure:
- Pennsylvania: Currently a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, working under supervision
- New Jersey: Currently a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, working under supervision
