Emily Paxton MA, LMHC, RD

Virtual and in-person therapy in Indiana

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​"I’m the safe place for the parts of your story you’ve held inside … and together we’ll transform them into healing, strength, and clarity — drawing on faith if you’d like, or on compassion and care."

– Emily Paxton MA, LMHC, RD

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Hey, I’m Emily.

With 15 years as a therapist and 25 years as a registered dietitian, I’ve had the privilege of walking with people through their hardest struggles and most meaningful breakthroughs.

My passion for this work comes from my own story. I lost my mom when I was seven. I grew up in a home marked by criticism, conflict, and the kind of verbal wounds that leave deep marks. As a teenager, I turned to controlling food and chasing the “perfect body” — convinced that being smaller and more disciplined was the way to feel worthy and accepted. Like so many, I got caught up in the fat-free craze of the ’90s, disordered eating habits, and perfectionistic pressure that never let me rest.

Counseling was part of my healing journey, and while talk therapy gave me support and tools, it was ultimately my relationship with Christ that opened the door to the deepest, most lasting healing. From that foundation, EMDR and IFS gave me practical ways to release old pain, meet my parts with compassion, and step out of cycles that had ruled my life for years. That’s why I now specialize in IFS and EMDR for my clients — because I’ve experienced how powerfully they can work in harmony with faith to bring real transformation.

Because my faith is such an important part of who I am, I’m always glad to weave scripture and spiritual practices into sessions if they’re meaningful to you. One verse close to my heart is: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). I hold to this truth in my own life, and I believe that healing is not just possible, but deeply rooted in God’s presence and care.

I know what it’s like to carry grief, shame, and the weight of impossible expectations. I also know the freedom that comes from real healing — the kind that quiets the inner critic, softens old burdens, and makes space for joy again.

I believe healing and freedom are possible — and I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you discover what that looks like in your life.

A woman sitting on a stool with her hands pressed together in a prayer gesture, wearing a blue blouse, blue jeans, and brown boots, with a concerned or prayerful expression.

What a Session with Me Looks Like

A safe, supportive space where you don’t have to hold it all together. You can bring your whole self — the parts that feel tired, critical, anxious, or still carrying old wounds — and know they’ll be met with compassion, not judgment.

Together, we’ll slow down and get curious about what’s happening inside. Sometimes that looks like using IFS to map out the different voices and parts of you, helping them feel heard and cared for. Other times it may mean using EMDR to gently process the experiences that still carry weight, so you can move forward without being pulled back into old pain.

Because I’m also a registered dietitian, when it’s helpful, I can bring in practical, shame-free guidance around food and body rhythms — not rules, but everyday support that helps you feel more at peace.

And if your faith is important to you, we can weave scripture, prayer, or spiritual practices into our work. Many clients find it grounding to connect their healing journey with the rest and grace that God offers.

No two sessions look exactly the same, but the goal is always this: that you leave feeling lighter, more supported, and more connected to the calm and clarity within you.

Professional Endorsements

  • “Emily’s expertise in utilizing EMDR and IFS therapy has proven to be invaluable in helping individuals heal from past trauma and develop healthier relationships with themselves. Emily creates a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients, fostering trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process. Her empathy, clinical acumen, and ability to integrate cutting-edge therapeutic approaches make her an outstanding counselor and a true asset to the community.”

    - Aly Richardson, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, CCATP

  • “Emily is a skilled therapist with a wonderful character. I have found her to be caring, client-centered, compassionate, non-judgmental, and dedicated to continuing education and professional collaboration for the benefit of her work and her client’s success. When you meet Emily, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a calm genuine personality well-suited for the therapeutic work she is dedicated to providing.”

    – Michelle Ingraffia, LPC

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EMDR International Association logo with text 'EMDR Certified Therapist'.

That’s my story — but there’s more to me than therapy. Here are some fun facts to get to know me better.

  • I always have a coffee or sparkling water close by.

  • Card games bring out my competitive side — I’m still learning how to lose gracefully. 😉

  • Nothing grounds me quite like being in nature.

  • Christmas lights make me ridiculously happy — the more decked out, the better.

  • My black lab was my “first baby,” and though I try to greet my husband first when I get home, her excitement usually wins.

  • Chocolate sneaks into almost every lunch and dinner — Godiva or Lindt, please.

  • I love all the seasons, but pumpkin spice season has my heart.

  • Sweatpants, cozy socks, and slippers are my jam.

  • Give me a good psychological thriller or mystery — the stranger and more twisted, the better.

  • And if Italian food were on the menu every day, I’d never complain–pass the garlic bread!

    • LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

    • LDN (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist)

    • RD (Registered Dietitian)

    • Certified EMDR Therapist

    • IFS informed EMDR Therapist, Level 2 trained

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Let’s chat!

Contact Me!