About Me
Hello!
I’m Emily Besaw - a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) in Washington, supporting adolescents (13+), families, and adults who are navigating:
→ Anxiety and panic
→ OCD
→ Trauma and PTSD
→ Grief and loss
→ Eating disorders and body image distress
→ Perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, or trouble identifying emotions
→ Religious trauma, deconstruction, and seasons of questioning
My path into this work wasn’t linear.
I initially pursued a career in design but later discovered my passion lay in addressing people’s everyday challenges and the systemic barriers that prevent their resolution. I shifted into social work and earned both my Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Rutgers University in New Jersey. While in school I regularly met with detainees at the nearby immigration detention center and was able to complete my internship as an addiction counselor.
Right after grad school, I ran a men’s trauma program in Philadelphia and trained with leaders in the trauma field. Later, in Washington, I worked with adolescents experiencing eating disorders and deepened my training in emotionally-focused therapy approaches. These experiences shaped my belief that therapy works best when it’s grounded in relationship, curiosity, and compassion.
Today, I work with clients who…
…want to understand themselves more clearly, strengthen their emotional understanding, and create a healthier balance in their lives. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions within Washington.
If you’re considering therapy, you might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns you can’t quite name. Many of my clients start here - unsure of what they need, but knowing something isn’t working. My role is to meet you with steadiness, clarity, and a welcoming space to help you untangle what’s happening beneath the surface so you can move forward with hope.
Ready to feel more grounded, connected, and understood in your own life?
I offer a completely free initial consultation so we can talk about what you’re navigating and how we can work together to help you move forward.