Feeling Without Fixing: An Empathetic Therapist’s Story
In today's fast-paced world, the importance of truly feeling our emotions cannot be overstated. As a yoga and meditation teacher, I often emphasize the mantra: Feel your feelings. Without embracing our emotions, genuine healing remains elusive.
Growing up, discussions about feelings were often avoided, leading many to suppress their emotions. While society has made strides in promoting emotional awareness, there's still much work to be done. Emily Campanella, LMSW and author, is at the forefront of this movement, guiding countless individuals toward practical and empowering emotional health.
Emily’s Story: From Empath to Empowered Healer
From a young age, Emily struggled with managing her deep sense of empathy.
"I would take on the emotions of those around me, feeling responsible for their pain," she recalls. This heightened empathy often led to prolonged stress responses and challenges in emotional regulation.
Through personal development and the support of a skilled therapist, Emily discovered the true essence of empathy: "Offering support without carrying someone else’s burden." This pivotal realization not only fueled her personal growth but also shaped her therapeutic approach.
Emily’s journey into writing was inspired by a desire to convey messages she wished she’d heard during her own childhood. Her book, Kindness Is For Everyone, teaches children the significance of empathy and kindness in an accessible and meaningful way.
Redefining What It Means to Help
Following a non-traditional career path requires courage and resilience. Emily’s journey was no exception. She emphasizes the importance of self-care in her profession:
"Like many therapists, I’ve had to unlearn the idea that self-sacrifice equals being helpful. There’s a misconception that being a good therapist (or a good person) means always putting others first, but true healing work requires balance. I had to recognize that I can’t pour from an empty cup, and that setting boundaries isn’t just healthy—it’s necessary."
Unlike many of her peers, Emily didn’t follow a direct path into social work. She explored various fields before pursuing her grad school later in life. Initially, this made her feel out of place. But she soon recognized that her diverse experiences gave her a unique perspective:
"I embrace the idea that there’s no single way to be a great therapist.”
Healing Begins with Allowing
A significant aspect of Emily’s approach involves challenging mainstream advice. She advocates for embracing emotions rather than immediately seeking solutions:
"Letting go of the idea that I have to 'fix' every negative feeling. Early in my life, I thought therapy was about problem-solving. Now, I understand that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is sit with emotions, acknowledge them, and give ourselves permission to feel without rushing to make them go away."
And this is the healing power of acceptance and feeling. Did you know that simply by allowing and feeling, you can alleviate stress and promote well-being? In fact, chronic stress has been linked to numerous health issues, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and heart disease…none of which anyone wants to deal with.
Emily’s mission is clear:
"My purpose is to create spaces—whether through therapy, writing, or conversation—where people feel seen, understood, and empowered to be themselves."
Reframing Mental Health & Seeking Support
"Healing means never struggling again. People think therapy is about 'fixing' them so they never feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. But mental health isn’t about eliminating hard emotions—it’s about learning how to navigate them in a healthier way."
She also emphasizes that seeking help doesn’t require reaching a breaking point:
"You don’t have to 'hit rock bottom' to deserve help. So many people feel like they’re not struggling enough to seek therapy, but you don’t need to justify your need for support. If something feels heavy, you deserve help carrying it—no matter what it is."
Emily’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that embracing our emotions and seeking support are vital steps toward genuine healing.
Connect with Emily Campanella
You can follow Emily’s journey and explore her insights on mental health, self-care, and personal growth on social media by CLICKING HERE.
Her children’s books can be found on Amazon. Simply click here: KINDNESS IS FOR EVERYONE & HONESTY IS FOR EVERYONE.