EMILY FLECK

ABOUT EMILY

My path to becoming a therapist began as many do, with my own healing. I was raised in an emotionally abusive and alcoholic family system. As a result, I suffered from early childhood trauma that lead to my own addiction issues. In my early twenties after separating from a toxic and abusive relationship,  I committed myself to my personal healing in order to stop repeating patterns and to eventually help others.  I started my own personal therapy in 2001. After years of psychoanalysis and other healing modalities, I was called to start my journey to becoming a psychotherapist

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I have a bachelors degree from UCSB in comparative religion, with emphasis in East Asian religions. I've been a practitioner of meditation for twenty years. I am a certified meditation teacher through the Self-Realization Fellowship. I've also studied Buddhist psychology extensively. During my undergraduate studies, I spent two months living as a monastic in a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Upon returning from Asia, I was drawn to the healing arts. I studied and became a licensed massage therapist, worked as a personal nutritionist, and managed an acupuncture clinic. I've also been an avid Yogi since 2002. In 2019 I become a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher. 

My exposure to the healing arts greatly informs my work as a therapist today. I believe true healing happens when we approach the mind-body in a holistic, integrative manner.

In 2008 I started my masters degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara, California. My focus in graduate school was somatic psychotherapy and trauma focused therapy. I had the great privilege of being exposed to and studying with Dr. Dan Siegel, where I learned interpersonal neurobiology techniques.

In 2009 I started my four year clinical internship working for a low cost community counseling center in Santa Barbara, California. I had the great privilege of serving a variety of populations and issues. I saw people from all walks of life and help support people stuggling with severe mental illness, mood disorders, and addiction.

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In 2013 I opened my first private practice in Santa Barbara, California. I now offer services in two locations. I have an office in both Santa Barbara and Ventura.

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In 2017 I received training in EMDR, (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)  is used for trauma, accidents, addiction, anxiety, negative beliefs, and loss. I also have certification in contemporary psychoanalysis from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, California.

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I consider myself to be a a holistic, present-centered psychotherapist.

My therapeutic approach combines elements of depth psychotherapy and CBT. I also combine principles of mindfulness meditation to create a skillful approach that can help you relate to and find meaning in your suffering. Through this process, my hope is that you gain personal insight into your inner world and your life.  I use an interactive, direct, yet compassionate approach to help clients gain more self-awareness. 

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If you have any questions about me, my experience, or the way I work, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you.

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