Experiential and Somatic Therapy: Let’s do more than just talk.
deeper experiencing for lasting change
Welcome to Full Hearts Relational Therapy.
I’m Emily — a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is endlessly fascinated by what the human heart and brain can do.
My early college studies were in psychology, sociology, communication, and culture — I’ve always been drawn to theories that include relationships. Who are we without the people in our lives??
my values
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Therapy is for you, so I’m always happy to share anything about the “why” and “how” of the process. I’m an open book!
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You bring your life experiences, I’ll bring the education and training. I might have ideas about what’s going on, but you always get to correct me when it comes to you.
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Therapy won’t always be comfortable, but it should never be unsafe. I am committed to providing all the emotional safety you need and deserve.
Heart and Science
Since earning a Masters of Science from Virginia Tech in Marriage and Family Therapy (which really should be re-named “Relational Therapy”!) I’ve dedicated years to further study and mentorship in order to become certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT; learn more here!) Using this highly-effective model, I’ve been honored to help some amazing people deepen their connections with themselves and bonds with loved ones.
I’m continually learning all I can about applications of EFT with couples and individuals. This is supplemented by trainings on various issues and life experiences that bring people to therapy, as well as neuroscientific theories that can be applied in counseling. By staying on the leading edge of learning, I can offer healing in a more holistic way — to include the brain and limbic system, the body, relationships, our cultures, and the contexts in which we live. In the work itself, I hope to offer clients new and deeper experiences to create meaningful and lasting change.
My humanistic therapy approach allows for both your humanity and my humanity to be part of the therapy process. While I take great care to stay up-to-date on the latest research and training to maintain and enhance my skills, I never allow my knowledge of theory to let me forget that each human I sit with has their own unique experiences.
curriculum vitae
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia (License: 0717002000)
ICEEFT-Certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist (EFIT)
Sex Therapy Certificate; University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program
Master of Science in Human Development with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; California State University, Fullerton
Associates of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Communication, and Multicultural Studies; Santiago Canyon Community College
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Dowling, L. E., Jackson, J. B., & Landers, A. L. (2024). Gender role reversal: Civilian husbands of U.S. military servicewomen as tied-migrant workers. Family Relations, 73(1), 441–465. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12936
Dowling, L. E. (2020). Gender Role Reversal: Civilian Husbands of United States Military Servicewomen Defining Masculinity as Tied-Migrant Workers (Masters thesis, Virginia Tech).
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Landers, A. L., Campbell, A., & Dowling, L.E. (2019, April). The impact of adverse childhood experiences on parenting. Presented at the Child Abuse Speaker Series, Family Advocacy Program at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Quantico, VA.
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International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (VAMFT)
Washington-Baltimore Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (WBCEFT)
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