All are welcome.
Emily Vallarta, LPC
Therapy for adults and older teens navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction recovery, and life transitions in the St. Louis area.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | Internal Family Systems (IFS) | Somatic Therapy | DBT-Informed
✔ In-person therapy
✔ Telehealth available
Emily is part of the team at Real Wellness Group, a St. Louis therapy practice focused on authentic, relational care for real life challenges.
She has close to 20 years of clinical experience.
A Conversation not an Interview
Looking for a therapist can feel intimidating. Many people feel anxious about reaching out or worry they won’t know what to say during their first session.
The one thing I want people to know is simple: therapy is just a conversation. You don’t need to prepare anything or bring anything with you. All you need to do is make it through the door — and from there, we’ll figure things out together.
If small talk isn’t your thing, you can leave it at home.
My recommendation for your first session — and every session after: Come as you are
Who I Work With
I work with older teens and adults (17+) navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges.
Clients often come to therapy with me for support with:
• Anxiety and chronic stress
• Depression and mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma and unresolved past experiences
• Addiction and recovery support
• Bariatric surgery preparation and support
• Grief and loss
• Relationship difficulties
• Burnout and perfectionism
• Codependency and boundary work
• Self-esteem and identity exploration
Many people begin therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Others simply want a deeper understanding of themselves and the patterns shaping their lives.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Clients often describe my style as calming, honest, and tactful, with a balance of both structure and flexibility.
Sessions typically begin with an update on the past week — how things have been going, how current stressors are being managed, and what may need attention in the moment.
From there, we might focus on:
• processing a current challenge
• building coping skills
• exploring deeper patterns or themes
• reflecting on identity and personal growth
Some days you may arrive with a clear topic to discuss. Other days you may simply need space to slow down and quiet a racing mind.
Wherever you are when you walk in the door, I meet you there.
Even on days when you feel unsure what to talk about, I will always have thoughtful ideas or reflections to help guide the work forward.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while also integrating elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In practice, this may include:
• understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behavior
• developing practical coping and distress-tolerance skills
• exploring internal emotional patterns and “parts”
• processing traumatic experiences safely
• reconnecting with the body and nervous system
I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. Treatment is tailored to each individual based on their experiences, comfort level, learning style, and personal goals.
Some sessions focus on structured skill-building. Others focus on reflection, emotional processing, and gaining new perspective.
My office environment reflects my personality. My style has been affectionately described as “Grandpa chic.” You may notice shirts with pheasants, elbow patches, or perhaps a bronze mallard somewhere in the room. But what many clients notice most is the atmosphere. With dark blue walls, soft lighting, wandering plants, a small fountain, and a fireplace, the space is intentionally designed to feel calm, warm, and grounding. Clients often describe the office simply as “cozy.”