Mental Health Counseling
in Bellevue, Washington
Trauma-informed counseling for adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.
You are technically functioning - but it’s taking a toll
If your life feels overwhelming and you’re not sure why, you are not alone. Maybe you feel anxious, emotionally shut down, stuck, or caught in patterns you can’t quite name. Many of my clients arrive feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, knowing something isn’t working but unsure where to begin. This is the perfect time to begin our work together.
THOUGHTFUL, RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED COUNSELING
I offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy grounded in emotional awareness - helping you truly understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
Support for complex emotional experiences
→ Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
→ Religious trauma, deconstruction, and identity exploration
→ Family, relational, and communication challenges
→ Grief and loss
→ Anxiety, panic, and chronic stress
→ Trauma and PTSD
→ OCD
→ Eating disorders and body image distress
→ Perfectionism and emotional overwhelm
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m Emily Besaw, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington. My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and the belief that therapy is most effective when it feels steady, relational, and deeply human. Drawing from extensive trauma and emotion-focused training, I support adolescents, adults, and families in understanding their emotional world so that together we can work towards meaningful, sustainable change.
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"Her approach makes you feel at ease taking that first step into therapy."
"Emily is incredibly compassionate, her approach makes you feel at ease taking that first step into therapy. She has a lot of expertise towards navigating life transitions and struggles with body image. She provides a balance of skills building with in-depth self exploration. I highly recommend her!"
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"Allow you to feel comfortable exploring difficult topics in therapy"
"Emily is a skilled clinician whose warmth and acceptance allow you to feel comfortable exploring difficult topics in therapy. I wholeheartedly recommend Emily's work!"
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"I wholeheartedly recommend Emily's work!"
“Emily's warmth and acceptance provide a solid foundation for exploring difficult topics in therapy. Her clinical experience makes her a trustworthy companion for the journey as well. I wholeheartedly recommend Emily's work!”
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"An amazing therapist"
“I have worked closely with Emily and seen first hand what an amazing therapist she is! She is kind and thoughtful while supporting teens and adults through difficult times, including trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.”
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"Her warmth, curiosity and nonjudgmental presence"
“I highly recommend Emily for her empathetic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed integrative approach. With her warmth, curiosity and nonjudgmental presence, she creates a safe space where clients feel seen and supported in their therapeutic journey”
Support where you need it, without any added stress.
I offer both in-person and secure virtual therapy sessions throughout Washington, so we can work together in the way that best fits your life and needs.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’re ready to feel more grounded, connected, and understood, a free consultation is the first step.