Emily Long MSW, LCSW
Staff Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Contact Information:
emily@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com
312-767-2057 x 34
Education:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois through IDFPR
Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Loyola University/Northeastern Illinois University
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Social Work Generalist from Harold Washington CCC
I work with:
Individual Adults
Families
Specialties:
Eating disorders
Substance use and process addictions
CPTSD/PTSD
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), including navigating the stigma associated with it
LGBQ+/TGNC identities
Modalities/approaches: I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic theory, relational therapy, and LGBQ+/TGNC affirmative care. For those seeking skills-based strategies or creative outlets, I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and expressive therapies.
Personal bio:
“There is no timestamp on trauma. There isn’t a formula that you can insert yourself into to get from horror to healed. Be patient. Take up space. Let your journey be the balm.” –– Dawn Serra
As a therapist, I am committed to supporting you through your recovery journey. I believe in processing through trauma, rather than just "getting over" it. Healing is often a nonlinear process that can feel uncomfortable at times, but it is within this discomfort that real growth occurs. My goal is to create a compassionate space where you can explore, understand, and transform your pain.
I bring extensive experience working with diverse populations across outpatient programs, residential facilities, and private practice. My clinical focus includes treating Complex PTSD (CPTSD), eating disorders, substance use disorders, process addictions, borderline personality disorder, and mood disorders. I also specialize in LGBQ+/TGNC affirmative care. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic theory, relational therapy, and a trauma-informed lens.
For those seeking skills-based approaches or creative modalities, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and expressive therapies, such as art and writing, to deepen the healing process. These creative outlets provide powerful ways to express and make sense of your experiences, adding richness to our work together.
Creativity is central to my practice, and I believe it enhances both healing and self-discovery. My own journey has fostered resilience and empathy, which help me connect authentically with my clients. I strive to create a supportive environment where you can feel empowered to explore, repair, grow, and rewire distortions.
During our initial sessions, you can expect… A sense of curiosity, engaged listening, and empathy. We'll discuss your therapy goals and any challenges you're facing as we build rapport together.