Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Hager.
Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first started in 2000 as a school based community mental health social worker in Columbia. TN. I was very green and had hope for the world, I trusted all my training from school, I soon learned that what was taught is very different from the reality of being a front line provider. That was an eye opening experience, watching how poverty treated people, learning how the system failed so many folks, it just made me stronger in my commitment to help when and where I can.
After my oldest was born we moved back home to MI to be surrounded by support from our families. I worked for a couple different places, I was an adjunct professor at SVSU, I was the Prevention Specialist at the Consortium on Child Abuse and Neglect, a case management provider, then a home-based provider for Community Mental Health.
I did 16 years in public service and learned more there than any school could ever provide. Real life is tricky and the way I care about and try to connect with people can make it even more so.
My whole purpose in life is to be of service. I decided a long time ago that I refused to be jaded by the world, I will ALWAYS see hope, I will always look to the lesson.
Public service was draining me, not because of the clients but because of the ridiculous amount of paperwork and red tape it took to get clients the help they needed.
It was frustrating and hurt my heart continuously. I started looking at more holistic ways to help people.
I left Community work and began looking for other ways to use my skills and empathy to help people.
In 2014 I went to hypnosis school, I then got my Reiki Master, and began working at a holistic practice.
This change has been absolutely remarkable for me and my clients. I am better able to assist people in so many modalities now. There are so many different ways and approaches that people can have access to. One approach fits all just never seemed to fit the way I felt and in all honesty, I don’t think it let my clients explore themselves in a deeper way.
Now, I have so many tools to teach and share with people, the ability and time to get to know my clients and sus out what actually works for them.
As a solo practitioner, I get to pick the amount of time I spend on a client, I get to speak more freely, and for the last 12 years it has been a great success for everyone!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working in the public service sector was very difficult, the types of clients you see, some of them are court mandated and don’t want any help or interference in their life, some are not ready to change, and there are so many that get turned away. What kind of insurance you have seems to dictate who, when, what and where treatment is offered. It took a toll on me. During my time there I discovered
I have multiple chronic illnesses and it began effecting every aspect of my life. As I began to learn how to take care of myself, the corporate world did not appreciate my new boundaries.
Chronic illness is a journey unto itself, it has given me a whole new view of the world, learning how to use your energy in the most effective way possible, and forgiving yourself for having to make decisions that others don’t understand. Experiencing the truth of “you have nothing if you don’t have your health”.
Balancing the needs of the world with my need to feel better was very difficult, because of my situation, I think I see my clients in more empathetic way. I treat them in more authentic manner because I do know the hardship of your mind and body not complying with expectations.
When I first starred in private practice, I moved my office 5 times in 6 years!! Finding a location that met the needs of my clients, and being able to afford the space was very challenging!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lighthouse Hypnotherapy and Social Work Services ?
At Lighthouse you will feel heard.
There are many modalities that I have learned over my 26 years of practice and life experiences.
What I like most about being where I am today, I get to connect with people. We get to engage together, not just interact.
My clients get to know me as a person. I have always found it odd that we expect people to tell us their inner most thoughts without sharing with them anything personal.
I am a licensed Social Worker
Reiki Master
Trained in EMDR
In the office I do have some select shirts and sweatshirts I designed that have uplifting messages on them.
I also have some jewelry and gems that help with certain emotions and regulation
And Himalayan Salt Lamps directly from Pakistan
What’s next?
Lighthouse is staying put in Owosso!
I have found a home here, and really enjoy the people who come to see me.
Hopefully, in the future I will have someone in the office with me that does an adjunct service like massage therapy (I whole heartedly believe the mind and body are connected)
Or an esthetician, making the beauty on the inside as well as the outside.
Someone who is a positive thinker and has a deep desire to service
Pricing:
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Sessions are $85
- T shirt is and sweatshirts are $10 to $20
- Himalayan Salt Lamps from 10 to 50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.lighthousehypnotherapy.com
- Facebook: Lighthouse hypnotherapy and Social Work Services
