Counseling with "Dr Emily"
Retired Optometrist & Certified Therapist
Emily Schottman, LPC
uses her 30 years experience
as a Counselor + retired Functional Optometrist specializing in Brainspotting and psychoneuroimmunology
(mind-body connections)
so you may feel better quickly!
Jumpstart your healing in 3-5 online sessions
(especially if you are waiting to see an in-network provider).
Schedule your initial telehealth session here.
Please also visit Incurable Clarity for Dr. E's Art, Book & Other Offerings
Anxiety, panic, transitions, and traumatic events that interfere with your quality of life and relationships are issues that I treat rapidly and effectively.
Brainspotting is a visual and brain-based technique to regulate your nervous system for improved mood, sleep, and functioning. I trained with founder, Dr. David Grand, who discovered distinct eye positions, "spots", to be used for healing trauma, as a new form of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) in 2003. It is true that “where we look impacts how we feel."
Especially via telehealth, your eyes tell me the visual field spots to lessen your stress and find insights. It is a deep (yet gentle) way of processing stress and trauma, with less talking. If it’s hard to find words for feelings, you will love Brainspotting. Here’s a 4 min video and article about how it works.
My clients often say it feels like a full weekend of meditation and clarity wrapped into one session. Read more research here and here.
I like to do Brainspotting in your first session. I do this online because it is a deeper connection with your eyes, voice, and energy than social cues in person. Also, you can relax (and even, self-spot) afterwards in your own setting. You will look at customized spots in your visual field while I gently guide you through biofeedback processing. I add color, eye movements, and art during your session for personalized care. Your vision is hardwired to calm your brain so once you see it, it can become second nature.
We use our time together to understand the way you see and solve problems, so you can feel better faster. My research-driven, mind-body care for you is attuned to your unique issues, based on my knowledge as an incurable cancer survivor, retired Functional Optometrist, and Licensed Professional Counselor. In times of crisis or for long-standing thought patterns, I can address your overwhelming and stuck feelings.
Think of me as your co-pilot to survey your horizon, and land you safely in each session. We will keep an eye on your goals and coordinate best mind-body practices. I can consult with your MD, PA, primary therapist, partner, or loved ones, as needed, to facilitate holistic healing.
As a retired eye doctor, I was "Dr. Emily". My eye exams often seemed like counseling sessions because I see beauty in your unique story, including why and how you see the world the way that you do. I help clients find clarity, balance, and success in their lives after major events such as career change, illness, divorce, grief and loss.
I am a Mom, Wife, incurable cancer-survivor, marriage-warrior, & nerdy brain researcher. None of these things I have done on my own; I am a big believer in your healing connections to others. Sometimes our 1:1 work may include a warm welcome to your partner, family member, or friend to better understand the ways to create positive change outside our counseling sessions.
I earned a doctorate in Optometry (1996, Southern California, retired 2021) and a Masters in Counseling (2014, St Edward’s University). Since 2014, I have studied and refined my Brainspotting practice, both as a client and a Consultant (I certify clinicians to become certified in Brainspotting). You can benefit from my medical problem-solving mind and my ability to be fully focused on what is keeping you from “happy”.
I work short term with individuals who have emergent trauma symptoms to solve the roots of their experiences, not just current issues. If you have tried traditional therapy with mixed results or interested in most up-to-date brain benefits, I am your gal. I consult with professionals around the world.
I was thrilled to present my Neuroscience research at the 2021 International Brainspotting Conference “The Body Keeps the Score and the Eyes Can Open the Door”. I have recorded my visual tool trainings as Eye Love Brainspotting for sale to Brainspotting colleagues. See free updates on my YouTube Channel. In addition to writing, teaching, and making art, I only see a few clients per week.
I see clients, referred by their primary therapists or medical practitioners for 3-5+ sessions during critical times. While I am not a full-time therapist, I do special sessions for those impacted by medical traumas, long Covid, and other medical diagnose who are self-referred.
My clients notice that I have a keen eye for their pain and goals so that they leave each session feeling seen and understood. It is my job and honor to create a safe, accepting environment for you to share your secrets, shed your shame, and love yourself. If your stress prevents sleep, keeps you stuck, or repeating patterns that feel unhealthy, I am here to help you see your way to a better way of being. Call me or book a session today. You are not alone. You are not a failure. Your story is worth telling and I am listening.
What I do for my clients who have insurance:
I offer 45 minute virtual consultations for anyone in the healing/helping fields. I can certify you in Brainspotting and teach "Eye Love Brainspotting" (see below) concepts for free during your six (6) sessions. I build your confidence and intuition with easy, visual tools for “stuck” or “confusing” clients. Schedule with me online, (select Consultation for Therapist/Doctors-Telehealth from drop-down menu). I also can "see" your client and then return them to your care on a case-by-case basis.
Eye Love Brainspotting workshops teach Brainspotting therapists how your eyes, brains, use of colors and, visual phenomena create speed-of-light shifts and post-traumatic clarity. Subscribe to www.incurableclarity.com for upcoming live workshops and 2025 book release.
Clients tell me they have had unique insights and relaxation after their first visit. I do especially well with analytical, productive individuals who are open to seeing where their eyes and brain can take them. I invite you to request a session and follow my blog in the privacy of your pjs, anytime!
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