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EM Portrait of Emily McBay

Emily McBay

Compassionate, practical counseling for life transitions

LMHC Florida

Experience
13 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Emily

About Emily

Emily McBay is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 13 years of clinical experience who brings a broad background to her therapeutic work.

Background and approach

After completing a bachelor’s degree at UMass and a master’s in Counseling/Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a concentration in Family and Forensics, she has provided services in correctional settings, university counseling, treatment centers, and a local non-profit in Florida.

Her experience includes individual counseling and work with families and caregivers, addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, parenting and relationship concerns, motivation, and self-esteem. Her practice emphasizes a person-centered, integrative stance that adapts methods to each client’s needs.

Emily draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) among other approaches, while also using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, and solution-oriented techniques when appropriate. She frames therapy as collaborative and practical, helping clients set goals and develop skills rather than promising quick fixes.

Outside of work she values family, travel, outdoor adventure, and hobbies such as cooking and sports, which inform a grounded, relatable therapeutic presence.

Approach-driven online therapy for practical growth

Emily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and test new behaviors, a method often used for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another tool she employs to help people clarify values, build psychological flexibility, and take meaningful action even when uncomfortable feelings arise. Attachment-Based Therapy informs her work around relationship dynamics and intimacy by exploring how early patterns influence current connections and communication.

Choosing the right approach is an active part of the therapeutic process, and Emily frames this as a collaborative conversation. She will work with each client to understand goals, preferences, and practical needs, then tailor interventions from these approaches to fit the individual rather than applying a single method across the board.

Online therapy with Emily is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexible options for varying schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain consistent care, practice skills between sessions, and access support from different locations while working toward clear, achievable goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Emily address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, parenting concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related struggles, anger, self esteem, career adjustments, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is person-centered and integrative, emphasizing collaboration and practical skill building. She adapts techniques to individual needs and aims to help clients set realistic goals.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She holds 13 years of experience and has worked in correctional settings, university counseling centers, treatment programs, and a Florida non-profit serving a diverse client base.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is licensed as an LMHC with license FL LMHC MH16116 and practices in Florida.
Which languages are available for sessions and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats does she offer?
Available session formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and billing handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps should I take to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English