Welcome to Emerging Self

Therapy for women and teen girls navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, chronic stress, and life's transitions.

Psychotherapy + Somatic Exercise in Seattle and throughout Washington State.

Keisha Hays, licensed mental health counselor at Emerging Self.

Meet Keisha Hays, Ed.S, NCSP, LMHC

You're tired of overthinking everything, struggling to keep up, or feeling like everyday life takes more effort than it should.

You want to understand yourself, feel more comfortable in your own skin, and have more energy for the things that matter to you.

You're beginning to understand your ADHD or autism, navigating a major life transition, or realizing that the way you've been managing stress isn't working anymore.

Therapy can help you make sense of what's happening, understand what you need, and find new ways of navigating life that actually work for you.

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Does any of this sound familiar?

  • You know what you need to do, but getting started feels impossible.

  • Your mind is always running through what could go wrong.

  • You're exhausted from trying to keep up with everything.

  • You feel different from other people and aren't sure why.

  • You have a hard time understanding what you're feeling or communicating what you need.

  • You're questioning what you actually want from your life.

  • You've spent a long time pushing through, but something needs to change.

Therapy that helps you understand yourself and find what works for you.

Together, we'll explore what's happening in your life, understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical ways to navigate everyday challenges.

We'll make space for your experiences, build on your strengths, and find approaches that work with your brain, body, and needs.

Ways we can work together

  • Neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism)

    Understand your brain, recognize your needs, and find ways to work with yourself rather than against yourself.

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  • Anxiety

    Spend less time caught up in worry, overthinking, and worst-case scenarios.

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  • Chronic Stress & Burnout

    Find ways to manage life's demands without constantly running yourself into the ground.

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  • Life Transitions

    Make sense of change, explore what matters to you, and figure out what comes next.

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  • Therapy for Teen Girls

    Navigate emotions, friendships, school pressures, identity, and growing independence.

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Somatic Exercise & Movement

A different way to work with stress and tension.

Explore gentle movement and body awareness to slow down, notice what's happening in your body, and develop a more connected relationship with yourself.

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A little about working together

I'm Keisha, a licensed mental health counselor. My approach is warm, collaborative, strengths-based, and neurodivergent-affirming. I draw from cognitive and somatic approaches to help you better understand your experiences and find practical ways forward.

I believe you shouldn't have to become a different person to feel better. Therapy is an opportunity to understand yourself more fully and discover what helps you thrive.

Ready to get started?

You don't need to know exactly what you need or where to begin. Let's start with a conversation.

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Emerging Self Blog:
When You Can’t Feel Okay Until Someone Else Changes
When You Can’t Feel Okay Until Someone Else Changes

Do you find yourself waiting for someone else to change before you can feel okay? When a relationship leaves you feeling hurt, frustrated, or stuck, it’s natural to want things to be different. Learn how to let go of what you can’t control, reconnect with your own needs, and make choices that support your well-being without waiting for someone else to change.

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What Happens in a Somatic Exercise Class?
What Happens in a Somatic Exercise Class?

Wondering what a somatic exercise class actually looks like? Explore the movements, class structure, and what to expect when you’re just getting started.

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What Is Somatic Exercise? A Different Way to Work With Stress and Tension
What Is Somatic Exercise? A Different Way to Work With Stress and Tension

Feeling stuck in a cycle of stress and overwhelm? Somatic exercise offers a different approach through gentle movement, body awareness, and opportunities to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

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Why You Need Alone Time After a Good Time
Why You Need Alone Time After a Good Time

Ever have a great time with friends, only to get home and feel like you need six hours alone? Enjoying socializing and feeling drained by it can both be true. Explore why social interactions can leave you depleted, how neurodivergence, sensory input, and social demands can affect your energy, and how to make room for connection and recovery without feeling guilty about needing time to yourself.

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What If You Know What You Don’t Want—but Not What You Do Want?
What If You Know What You Don’t Want—but Not What You Do Want?

You know something in your life isn’t working anymore, but you’re not sure what you want instead. Whether you’re navigating a career change, relationship decision, or major life transition, you don’t need to have the whole path figured out. Explore how clarifying your values, identifying what matters, and taking small steps toward alignment can help you move forward without waiting for certainty.

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When Your To-Do List Makes You Want to Do Nothing
When Your To-Do List Makes You Want to Do Nothing

Ever look at your to-do list and immediately want to do nothing? When tasks trigger overwhelm, perfectionism, or self-criticism, getting started can feel impossible. Explore why this happens and how breaking tasks into smaller steps, noticing your thought patterns, and reconnecting with your body can help you move forward without forcing yourself to do it all.

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When Your Workday Ends but Your Brain Doesn’t
When Your Workday Ends but Your Brain Doesn’t

Your workday is over, but your brain didn’t get the memo. If you find yourself replaying meetings, planning tomorrow, or solving work problems long after you’ve logged off, you’re not alone. Learn why work thoughts can follow you into the evening—and practical ways to help your brain and body wind down.

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