Hi, I'm Emily.
Emily Ward, MS, LAC · Licensed in Arizona (LAC-22051)
Not sure what the letters mean? I wrote a short guide to what the letters after a therapist's name mean.
In both my personal and professional life, I believe the first step to growth is understanding. When you understand your behavior, your emotions, and the way you think, you become more self-aware. You make better decisions, build healthier relationships, and meet life's challenges with more confidence and clarity.
As a counselor, my role is to give you a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space. It is a place to explore your thoughts and feelings, make sense of your experiences, and build practical tools for the challenges in front of you. Together, we work toward real growth, healing, and positive change at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
I am a licensed associate counselor (LAC) with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I completed my internship at Lifeline Professional Counseling Services and worked there for two years after getting licensed. There, I supported clients from many backgrounds and socioeconomic levels, including mandated clients and victims of crime. Working with such a wide range of people is how I found my passion for trauma work. I completed my EMDR training through PESI.
Not sure if we are a fit? I offer a free 15-minute call so you can ask questions before you book a full session. You set it up directly with me by text or email.
What sessions look like
I have afternoon and evening openings, online or at the office, and there is one thing to know before you come in.
Online, anywhere in Arizona
I meet online with clients from all over Arizona on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You need to be in Arizona during the session, and that is the only rule. I wrote about how online sessions work.
In person in Goodyear
I meet with clients at my Goodyear office on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The office is on Litchfield Road, minutes from Litchfield Park and a short drive from Avondale, Buckeye, and Surprise, with free parking outside.
You may meet Logan
The golden retriever in my photo is Logan, my trained service dog. He helps me with everyday tasks. He is not a therapy dog, but he comes along to in-person sessions. If allergies or anything else make sharing a room with a dog hard for you, telehealth is the way to go.
Who I work with
I work with teens (13 and older), adults, and older adults dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, chronic illness, self-esteem, stress, relationship issues, thoughts of suicide, and women's issues. The three main evidence-based approaches I use are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I draw on other methods when they fit.
If you are having thoughts of suicide right now, please don't wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are worried about someone else, you can also call or text 988 for guidance on how to help them.
- You can read about what I help with on the specialties & treatment page
- Costs and coverage are spelled out on the insurance & fees page
Let's talk.
A free 15-minute call is the easiest way to find out if we are a fit. Here is how to set one up.