Emma Landstrom
“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.” –Ani DiFranco
Growing up in a rural and diverse community opened my eyes to the mental health needs our community members need and deserve access to. I’m passionate about providing mental health services in the community I grew up in and making them accessible to those who need them.
I grew up in Huron, SD, a place that taught me from an early age what it means to be accepting and welcoming. I went on to attend South Dakota State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I returned to Huron to gain experience in the field and worked as a mental health case manager before returning to SDSU for graduate school. In August of 2020, I graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. While completing my graduate degree, I finished the required Play Therapy courses and plan to be a Registered Play Therapist. I have completed trainings in Perinatal Mental Health and plan to continue trainings in that area to provide services to mothers and fathers in our rural community.
My theoretical approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, person-centered therapy, and Play Therapy skills and techniques. I have experience with individuals ranging from 3 years old to adulthood. I find it important to build a therapeutic relationship while being guided through a person’s individual story as I utilize an integrated approach. I have worked with adolescents and adults on a variety of concerns: anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse and family conflict. I have also worked with children, utilizing Play Therapy skills and techniques to help with difficulties such as: social skills, expressing emotions, trauma and loss, anxiety, behavior and academic strains.
In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband and Lily, our French Bulldog. I enjoy spending weekends at the lake with family and friends or traveling in search of our new favorite restaurant.