Check Out Emerald Aueyong’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerald Aueyong.

Hi Emerald, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I remember vividly when my 1st grade teacher asked us, “What is your favorite word?” and I enthusiastically raised my hand and shouted, “LOVE!” Everyone laughed, but to me the word carries such great meaning. I have always been fascinated by the human ability to connect, embrace, make love, and literally unite with one another. In graduate school, I was determined to pursue a license in clinical counseling and in my search of a specialty, I came across “sex and relationship therapy.” From that point on, it has been my endeavor to help couples and individuals find love and intimacy with themselves and others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to licensure in therapy is often winding, filled with obstacles and moments that tempt you to change direction. It requires a Master’s degree, 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing two rigorous exams before applying for licensure. I’m currently just 45 hours shy of submitting my hours and aim to be licensed by the end of this year or early next, three years after graduating. While this journey can take anywhere from 2.5 to 6 years and presents challenges like unlivable compensation, difficulty securing clients in private practice, and the demanding nature of the work, I am incredibly grateful for the experience. It has connected me with phenomenal mentors, fostered significant personal and professional growth, and solidified what I need to find fulfillment in my career. Despite moments of considering a career change, I always returned to the realization that I’ve worked too hard to turn back now.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Thai, sex and relationship therapist practicing at Rouse Relational Wellness under the supervision of David F Khalili, LMFT. Rouse Relational Wellness is a therapy practice focused on relational and sexual wellness, offering inclusive care to individuals, couples, polycules, specializing in supporting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, poly, and kinky clients through various services. I treat individuals and couples all throughout California and specialize in interracial relationships, BIPOC communities, desire discrepancy, communication challenges, and trauma. I also have plenty of experience working with the LGBTQ+ population, women’s sexuality, neurodivergence, and dating.

I am most proud of the connections I make in and outside the therapy room. I hold myself accountable to provide the most optimal care to clients, which includes conducting case collaborations with interdisciplinary professionals free of charge, networking with related professionals include pelvic floor physical therapists (shout out to all PFPTs!!), and ensuring that I foster a grounded space for clients to dive deep into the issues they wish to address. I am also highly involved in my local professional organizations as I serve on the board of San Gabriel Valley CAMFT and am Co-Chair of the 3000 Club. My work as a therapist spans outside of the 50 minutes I see with each client. It is an ongoing learning experience. One that involves practicing tools I teach clients, attending workshops, being transparent when I don’t know the answer to something, and doing my due diligence to work collaboratively alongside clients.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 years, I imagine the industry shifting quite a bit. I think newer therapists are gravitating more toward the private practice sector, as there is typically a better work-life balance and higher pay. However, I do not think they are being educated enough on how difficult being in private practice really is. It requires a lot of outside work like marketing, building a website, networking, and sharpening your skills constantly. I also think the use of AI can influence our field too, although I do not imagine therapists being replaced by AI. People crave and need the human-to-human interaction that AI simply cannot provide.

Pricing:

• $190 for 50 minute individual sessions
• $245 for 75 minute couples sessions
• I have limited availability to accept insurance clients, however we do offer Courtesy Billing. Courtesy billing can be helpful if you plan to pay for services out of pocket, and would like to get reimbursed by insurance, if they have that option.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rousetherapy.com/emerald-aueyong-therapy
• Instagram: @emeraldaueyong_therapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emerald-aueyong/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emerald-aueyong-los-angeles-ca/1011413