Em/Emily Megas-Russell, LICSW
She or They pronouns
Hello!
I am a mama, community weaver, somatic psychotherapist, dancer/mover, space-holder, loving witness.
In my personal, relational & community work I am led by a vision of collective liberation that includes all & weaves generative, nourishing, & braver spaces for safety, connection & belonging.
In my clinical practice, I focus on supporting folks in unbinding from internalized oppression & the impact of societal, ancestral, collective & personal trauma to access deeper trust, intuition, security, pleasure, safety, & aliveness in themselves, their relationships & their world.
My SOCIAL LOCATION:
I identify as white-bodied, European-descended, cis-presenting, straight-passing genderqueer femme, polyamorous, spiritualist (witchy, animist, ritualist). I am living on unceded stolen Sokoki Abenaki land (colonially named Brattleboro VT). I am thin & mostly able-bodied living with some chronic pain & illness, healing from childhood trauma & co-dependence. I have a graduate degree education, am currently a middle-class homeowner, and I am housing & food secure. I am a licensed psychotherapist trained in colonial/supremacist (“Western”) lineage, committed to anti-racist & liberation values & action, practicing within & outside of oppressive systems. I am also a somatic practitioner trained & inspired by European/colonial lens, embodied liberation & cultural somatics, pleasure activism, ancestor reverence & non-dual spiritual traditions.
Click here to see my Statement of Privilege & Harm
my education and experience
Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies with Linda Thai, 2022
Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism with Resmaa Menakem & Carlin Quinn, 2022
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) Training: Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health with Leslie Korn, 2021
We Will Dance With Mountains Into The Cracks: A Carnivalesque Course in Post-Activism with Bayo Akomolafe, 2021
Realization Process Meditation Teacher Training with Judith Blackstone, 2021
Realization Process Healing Ground/Spiritual Psychotherapy Teacher Training, 2019
Realization Process Embodiment Teacher Training, 2018
Columbia University School of Social Work, MSW, 2007
Since 2005, I have been supporting individuals who experience trauma, anxiety, depression, psychosis, relationship challenges and spiritual & existential crisis. I have worked in community mental health in a variety of clinical and administrative settings supporting children, adults, and families as well as in private practice.
My work is informed by a variety of holistic approaches including: somatics, polyvagal theory, body-mind centering, non-dual spirituality, internal family systems, racial & disability justice, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic abolitionism, positive psychology, radical acceptance, emergent strategy & pleasure activism, and neurobiological & developmental theories of trauma .
In therapy, I focus on the whole person (mind - body - spirit) and the multi-dimensional aspects of self. I strive to meet my clients where they are at, compassionately creating a safe environment for self-exploration and transformation at one's own pace.
I have a strong focus on social justice and anti-oppressive practices and celebrate each individual's unique expression of identity. I am committed to unlearning white supremacy & racism, sexism, cissexism, ableism, classism and other institutional mechanisms of oppression as they appear in myself, in the world around me, and in the field of psychotherapy. (See my Statement of Privilege & Harm).
I enjoy working with people with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, perspectives, and needs. My practice is liberation-focused, gender//sexuality inclusive & affirming, nonmonogamy//polyamory affirming, and inclusive & affirming of all bodies. I center and prioritize equity and access for people with marginalized identities in my practice and I manage my waitlist accordingly.
Any topic, taboo, or experience is welcome within my practice. I have experience supporting people in exploring their sexuality, learning how to meet their deepest needs, and uncovering blocks to intimacy and self-expression.
As a movement teacher, dancer, and meditator, I bring mindfulness and somatic practices into therapy to support deeper intuition and integration. These practices are optional and adaptable to any level of ability or willingness.
My VALUES are :
~ Service ~ Connection ~ Diversity ~ Compassion ~ Access ~