Emy Zettner, MS, LMFT
Psychotherapy for Adults & Adolescents
About Me
Curiosity | Creativity | Compassion
“A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.”
Madeleine L'Engle
My Story
Ever since I was young, I have always had three main passions in life: learning, creativity, and people. With each area of study or job I've done, my work has combined and centered on these interests. I am someone who loves to learn, and I'm curious about the world and the variety of people in it.
After studying graphic design for my undergraduate degree, I discovered I wanted to utilize my creativity in a career that involved working with and helping people more directly. Thus began the journey to become an art teacher. Over my years in the field of education, I took on many roles as I assisted in after school programs, instructed elementary art classes, and taught middle school English and history.
As a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of children and their families. I became familiar with the academic, social, and emotional issues that children face and the challenges of parenting in today's world. I became more interested in interpersonal dynamics as I observed the relationships between students, families, and colleagues. Eventually, it became clear that my professional skills and interests had become further refined and would best serve others in a career as a marriage and family therapist.
My personal and professional experiences have given me humility, grown my compassion, and sparked my inspiration to aid others as they travel on their own journeys through life. As a therapist, I love the work I do. I feel fortunate to continue using my curiosity, creativity, and compassion in my work with others.
Professional Experiences
Independent & Group Practice
In my independent practice I work mainly with teens and adults of all ages, especially people in college and in their 20s. Prior to starting my own business, I trained with Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute in the San Francisco Bay Area. In my four years with the BAPTI community, I completed pre-licensed clinical training, developed business skills, and served in the role of Administrative Director from 2020–2022.
Community Mental Health
For three years I completed pre-licensed and supervised training at Discovery Counseling Center in Danville, CA. In the clinic I treated children, teens, adults, and families experiencing a range of mental health concerns. In Discovery's School Counseling Intervention Program, I provided school-based counseling and play therapy for elementary and middle school students in the local school district.
Educator & Designer
My previous professional career was in the field of education. This included instructing middle school English and history, teaching elementary art classes, and working in summer camps and after school programs. Prior to this, I worked briefly as a graphic designer for restaurants, food service, and the hospitality industry.
Degrees & Certifications
Master of Science in Counseling,
California State University East Bay
Master of Arts in Teaching,
St. Mary's College of California
California Single Subject Teaching Credential (English, history, art, German)
Bachelor's degrees in fine arts and German. Yep, I love school and I'm kind of a nerd.
Professional Trainings
I have completed continuing education to gain further specialization in:
Suicide assessment and prevention
Non-suicidal self-injury
Treatment of complex trauma
Attachment in relationships
Perfectionism & internal criticism
Therapy for gifted clients
The Enneagram and Myers-Briggs
Professional Affiliations
California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute (BAPTI)
Bay Area Association for Psychological Type (BAAPT)