Work From The Inside Out 182: My Clients Are My Best Teachers with Emma Arnoff
Emma Arnoff told me that helping others has always been in her blood. As a young child growing up in New York City, she had strabismus, a condition that caused her to have crossed eyes, requiring her to wear large glasses. Her physical coordination wasn’t too good and she never felt as if she fit in with other kids. Emma’s antidote to this feeling was to befriend the school bully as she felt he was misunderstood and needed a friend. Or when a new student arrived from a different country, she wanted to help them learn English.
Graduating college with a degree in sociology and women’s studies, Emma worked for several years with children and families in schools, residential treatment centers, and the foster care system. She then pursued a master’s degree in social work.
Today, Emma is the owner and director of The Sensory Space in Poughkeepsie, New York. At The Sensory Space, children can use sensory supports while participating in play therapy and psychotherapy in a safe environment. Emma has a team of 11 clinicians who work with children, adults, families, and groups. Supportive services are also offered including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.
In addition to working with clients individually, Emma facilitates programs and groups on inclusion, bullying, and social skills. As a parent herself, she understands the skills needed for child-rearing, working with parents individually and in groups on developing the parenting approaches needed for different developmental stages. Emma has also presented workshops at schools and colleges on supporting neurodiversity in schools and organizations.
In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about Emma’s journey:
- Emma is a certified children's yoga instructor and loves to incorporate yoga and movement into therapy sessions.
- She facilitates discussions on sensory integration, emotional regulation, and inclusion.
Learn more and connect with Emma here:
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