Emily Chivis (she/her)
Office Manager

People are seeking answers to explain their experiences now more than ever it seems. I know that was the case when I started my own healing journey. I have been, and truthfully still am, quite motivated by learning the “why” that can feel hidden behind the curtain. Whether it be “why did that person do what they did” or “why did I respond that way” education has helped me process what I didn’t know if I ever could. The therapists in my life have taught me how to feel my feelings and not avoid them, and to listen to the needs that those feelings are trying to tell me to meet. They have provided me with education to answer so many of the “why” questions that would hang around my thoughts, as well as given me new coping skills to move forward in life in a meaningful way. My therapists have been gentle and thoughtful, while also pushing me to edges of discomfort to show me my capabilities and strengths. I take all of the lessons I have learned from them to influence how I show up in the world around me, especially so within my position here at Mariposa Counseling.

What keeps me going in my work...

I not only feel a responsibility to share the knowledge and kindness that I've been shown, but a call to. As somebody who has been on both sides of healing I hold a deep level of empathy and passion to help others move forward in life and not feel so stuck. I have been blessed with my position at Mariposa, and I value the importance of being a first point of contact. Alaina has seen my passion and enthusiasm and has pushed me to use those traits in many different ways for Mariposa. My favorite way I get to show up is certainly through our blog as I am able to offer some of my own lessons, education, support, encouragement, tips and more.

Seeing the strength of our clients and watching them show up for themselves provides so much of the motivation for the work that I do. I strive to be a positive light in the darkness of your journey that is leading you to us, and I’m proud of you for even considering therapy because it is proof that you want to better yourself! Way to go!

Not a day goes by that I don’t think to myself “how can we help even more people” because helping others is where my passions are.

What to expect when you reach out...

My understanding of the work it takes in therapy to see profound change allows me to be a source of encouragement for you. Why? Well, because I’ve been right where you are; just starting out and unsure if therapy will work.

I take my job very seriously as I am often the first point of contact at our office and I remember just how difficult it felt to simply reach out for help. I always try to do what I can to ease any nerves and to make the process as simple as possible. I am eager to answer questions, and I get excited to fit clients with a therapist that will best suit their needs. I keep a judgement-free mindset at all times. There is no way to know what somebody has been or is going through so I treat every person who calls texts or emails with the same level of respect, compassion and dignity.

More about me...

When I am not in the office you can find me outside! I love to drive around in my Jeep Wrangler with the top down. I'm always looking to find new places for nature hikes with my two rescue dogs, and my favorite summertime activity is tent camping in Michigan. My husband and I are avid concert goers, having traveled as far as Dallas Texas for shows. He, our son, and I also love to fish, play games, and create art.

Our kiddo has been my most significant catalyst in my healing journey. I want to show up for him in ways that I wasn’t, and be able to model emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and coping skills. I want him to see me every day embodying our family core values which align largely with our core values here at Mariposa: authenticity, grace, compassion, and restoration.

Whatever, or whoever, your motivation to seek therapy is - I’m glad you’re here. It’s important to heal so that the world around you heals too. Heal so others see that it is possible. Heal so you can move through the world as inspiration. Heal because you deserve it.