AUTHOR

Emma Jane Watson M.Ed., MSW, LICSW

Licensing & Certifications:

Washington State License: Social Worker Independent Clinical License LW60921300, May 2019
Licensed Master of Social Work, AZ BBHE, October 2015
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Training I: November 2015
Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement, ASU, May 2015
Certificate in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, MUSC, 2014
Certified Rope Course Facilitator, 1996

Professional Background

Emma Jane Watson has been a therapist since 2015. Ms. Watson embraced a career change after teaching for 15 years at Arizona State University. Upon completing her MSW, she engaged in a one-year Dialectical Behavioral Therapy residency program treating Borderline Personality Disorder clients. Noticing the deep and lasting impact of trauma, Ms. Watson sought training in various effective modalities to treat the effects of this complex suffering.

Ms. Watson honed her therapy skills in community mental health clinics. She has experience treating personality disorders, trauma, complex PTSD, dissociative disorders and highly suicidal clients. She believes in using the power of paradox—countering hate with loving kindness, challenging drama with equanimity, putting the boundaryless within a firm frame, and finding beauty in the wreckage of people’s lives. She is currently the mental health therapist for the Clallam County Correctional Facility located on the Olympic Peninsula. Ms. Watson finds renewal in exploring the wide beaches and alpine mountains near her home in the Pacific Northwest.

Mental Health Therapist for Clallam County Corrections Facility
Clallam County Sheriff’s Office
Adult Outpatient Therapist, LICSW
Peninsula Behavioral Health
DBT Resident / Behavioral Health Therapist III, LMSW
Terros Health, 16th St. Phoenix Interfaith Counseling
Program Director / Lecturer / Internship Coordinator / Director of Student Enhancement Programs
Arizona State University, W. P. Carey College of Business and University College

Awards

Most Influential Professor for Student Athletes, ASU Baseball, 2008
Polytechnic Campus Outstanding Support of Student Leadership Award, 2006
ASU Student Affairs “You Truly Make a Difference” Award, 2004
Inc. Magazine, Ernst & Young, and Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year Award, Top Ten in the Nation, 1995
Port Angeles Soroptimist “Making a Difference for Women” Award, 1994

Education:

Master of Social Work and Certificate in Trauma & Bereavement, May 2015
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
Master’s Degree in Adult Education Administration, June 1995
Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, January 1991
Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California

Areas of Focus

Emma Jane Watson, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW, brings a wealth of experience in therapeutic interventions and education to her practice, specializing in trauma, personality disorders, and complex bereavement. With a compassionate approach, Emma empowers clients to navigate through life’s challenges towards healing and resilience.

Emma Jane Watson utilizes a number of therapeutic approaches, including:

Trauma
Personality Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Depression
Suicidality
Complex Bereavement
Post Traumatic Stress
Incarceration

Adept in the following therapy modalities: DBT, ACT, CBT, EMDR
Brain Switch
Polyvagal
Coherence
Motivational Interviewing
Mindfulness
Experiential Learning

Avoidant Personality Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is characterized by an avoidance of social interactions due to a severe fear of rejection and feelings of inadequacy. Those with AVPD often struggle with low self-esteem, shame, maintaining relationships, and expressing themselves. While having AVPD can impair one's quality of life, symptoms can be better managed with treatments such as psychotherapy, medications, and social skills training.

July 7, 2020

DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): What to Expect & How It Works

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a long-term therapy that typically focuses on teaching mindfulness, interpersonal, and emotional regulation skills. DBT therapists help clients cope with emotional dysregulation, relationship issues, and other BPD symptoms by encouraging acceptance, embracing change, and addressing anger.

July 7, 2020

DBT Vs. CBT: Understanding the Differences

DBT and CBT are psychotherapies rooted in a philosophy that suggests healthy thinking can reduce distress and promote well-being. CBT tends to work well in short-term therapy, 5-20 sessions. DBT offers better results combining individual therapy sessions with weekly groups over six months to a year.

July 7, 2020

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is characterized by a need to be taken care of. People with DPD prefer to have decisions made on their behalf and experience low self-confidence, fears of abandonment, and feelings of helplessness. However, with treatment, a person can develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms.

July 7, 2020