Emily Watson, Counselor, Asheville, somatic, Hakomi

Hi, I’m Emily

I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in private practice in Asheville, NC. My path into this work has been shaped by a long-standing curiosity about the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit.

I first moved to Asheville in 2004 to study psychology at UNCA, and over time, that curiosity led me into the world of somatic healing. I’ve been practicing Esalen massage for over eight years, and that experience continues to inform the way I show up as a therapist: with presence, mindfulness, and respect for the intelligence of the body.

My graduate training in clinical mental health counseling helped me deepen and expand this work. I continue to study mindfulness-based and somatic approaches, including Hakomi Therapy, which gently supports self-discovery through present-moment awareness and body-centered exploration. As a counselor, I offer a warm, grounded space where you can slow down, listen inward, and explore what’s asking for attention.

My Approach

Cozy interior with potted snake plant on wooden floor, basket with cushions and a beige patterned throw blanket.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through presence, curiosity, and relationship. I weave together somatic practices, attachment theory and trauma-informed care to support you in exploring your inner world gently, and at your own pace.

In our sessions, we’ll tune into what’s happening in the present moment through conversation, mindfulness, and body-centered practices (if that feels right for you). This isn’t about fixing or changing who you are, but about uncovering the patterns that no longer serve you, reconnecting with your inner wisdom and rediscovering your wholeness.

I hold space for all of you, your complexity, your tenderness, your strength, and trust in your innate capacity to grow. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or feeling called to deepen your understanding of yourself or your relationships, we’ll follow what arises together, with care and curiosity.