Emma Shandy Anway, LMFT
Pronouns: she/her
Service areas: California, Washington, United Kingdom
Hi there! My name is Emma Shandy Anway. I am a licensed married and family therapist seeing in-person clients in Midtown, Sacramento and am able to provide tele-health services throughout California, Washington state, and the United Kingdom.
I am dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space in therapy where clients can explore and uncover their true selves. With a warm, approachable and direct style, I aim to empower individuals, couples, and partnerships to embrace growth, deepen intimacy, and cultivate a life that aligns with their values.
About Emma & ESA Counseling
Learn more about how I work, what I bring to the room, and how ESA Counseling is rooted in both professional training and personal values. You’ll also find a glimpse of my story—and meet the team—below.
Qualifications
I’m a licensed therapist and approved clinical supervisor in California and Washington. I’m qualified to supervise Associate Marriage and Family Therapists, Associate Clinical Social Workers, Associate Professional Clinical Counselors, and MFT Trainees. If you’re seeking supportive, relationally grounded supervision, feel free to reach out through the contact form.
Education & approach
My practice blends evidence-based approaches—including emotion-focused therapy, attachment-based work, and somatic modalities. I meet weekly with an AASECT-certified supervisor and engage in ongoing professional growth through peer consultation and Gestalt processing groups. I bring structure, warmth, and flexibility to the work.
Additional experience
In addition to my therapy work, I’m deeply involved in education. I teach as an adjunct faculty member and speak on topics at the intersection of psychology, sexuality, and social change. I hold a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (Seattle Pacific) and a Master’s in Urban Education (Loyola Marymount). I’ve also completed 200 hours of yoga teacher training and continue to pursue AASECT advanced hours.
Personal life
I was born and raised on the West Coast, and find deep joy in any adventure that carries a hint of wild—whether that’s flying across the world, discovering a new hiking trail with my family, or cruising around on my longboard. I’m incredibly grateful for this life and try to live it as fully and freely as I can.
I also love the more intimate, everyday moments life brings—gathering around a good meal with friends, sharing belly laughs, and tending to my wild garden. As an Enneagram Seven, a Sagittarius, and a bit of a Type A personality, I bring both passion and purpose to everything I do.
Meet the team behind the scenes
While ESA Counseling is a solo practice, it’s supported by a small, thoughtful team committed to care, creativity, and connection.
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Ailee McCleod
Client Experience & Communications Coordinator
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Ailee is a third-year psychology undergraduate at the University of California, Davis. At ESA Counseling, she manages the @PennyBoardPsych Instagram account and handles client emails with clarity, warmth, and care.
Outside of her work behind the scenes, Ailee brings a passion for creativity and healing to everything she does. After completing her degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in therapy with the goal of working with children through art expression—combining her love for helping others with her creative spirit.
A few fun facts: Ailee carries her sticker-covered emotional support Hydro Flask everywhere, and she’s obsessed with Tessemae’s ranch—“it makes me dance with enjoyment!”
Professional affiliations
AASECT
Clinical Member
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists sets the national standard for training in sex therapy. Certification through AASECT reflects advanced education, supervised clinical experience, and deep engagement with the emotional, relational, and physiological dimensions of sexual health.
NWIOI
Certified Intimacy Integration Professional
The Northwest Institute on Intimacy trains therapists in holistic, inclusive approaches to intimacy—including sexual, relational, and spiritual connection. Certification through NWIOI includes supervised practice and specialized skills for working with complex intimacy challenges.
AAMFT
Clinical Fellow
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is a national professional body supporting relational and systems-based therapy. Clinical Fellows have demonstrated high ethical standards, extensive experience with couples and families, and a commitment to ongoing education in evidence-based care.
PSI
Clinical Member
Postpartum Support International advances best practices in perinatal mental health. Clinical membership provides access to specialized training, community resources, and up-to-date research for supporting clients during pregnancy, postpartum, and major life transitions.
TRACC for Movements
Crisis Responder
Trauma Response and Crisis Care (TRACC) equips practitioners to support trauma in social justice contexts. Training focuses on healing justice, trauma-informed care, and frontline crisis response, emphasizing the unique emotional needs of activists, organizers, and impacted communities.