Emu Aragon, MS, LCMHC, QS, LPC-MHSP, NCC, ACS
Clinical Lead/Supervisor
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor (North Carolina)
Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider (Tennessee)
Certified ADOS-2 Administrator
he/him
Couples therapy asks us to slow down and listen not only to what is being said, but to the patterns, nervous systems, histories, and unmet needs shaping the relationship beneath the surface. My work with couples is grounded in the belief that conflict is often less about incompatibility and more about the ways partners struggle to feel understood, emotionally safe, and connected to one another.
I specialize in working with neurodiverse couples, particularly relationships in which one partner identifies as Autistic or has ADHD while the other partner may be neurotypical. These relationships often carry unique strengths alongside equally unique challenges involving communication styles, sensory needs, emotional expression, executive functioning, intimacy, conflict repair, and differing expectations around connection and daily life. Too often, neurodiverse dynamics are misunderstood through frameworks that pathologize difference rather than foster mutual understanding. My approach instead centers compassion, curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving.
I also integrate specialized training in trauma-focused therapy to support couples navigating the ways trauma histories can shape relational dynamics. Past experiences of abandonment, emotional neglect, invalidation, family conflict, discrimination, or other traumatic experiences can deeply influence how partners communicate, respond to vulnerability, experience intimacy, or react during moments of conflict. Together, we work to better understand these patterns with care rather than shame, creating space for healing, emotional regulation, and more secure ways of relating to one another.
Grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, I help couples better understand each other’s inner worlds while developing practical tools for communication, emotional attunement, and repair. I work with couples navigating monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationship structures and strive to create an affirming space for LGBTQ+ partners, People of Color, and neurodivergent individuals. Therapy becomes a space not for deciding who is “right,” but for building a relationship where both partners feel seen, respected, and capable of moving toward one another with greater clarity and care
I specialize in working with neurodiverse couples, particularly relationships in which one partner identifies as Autistic or has ADHD while the other partner may be neurotypical. These relationships often carry unique strengths alongside equally unique challenges involving communication styles, sensory needs, emotional expression, executive functioning, intimacy, conflict repair, and differing expectations around connection and daily life. Too often, neurodiverse dynamics are misunderstood through frameworks that pathologize difference rather than foster mutual understanding. My approach instead centers compassion, curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving.
I also integrate specialized training in trauma-focused therapy to support couples navigating the ways trauma histories can shape relational dynamics. Past experiences of abandonment, emotional neglect, invalidation, family conflict, discrimination, or other traumatic experiences can deeply influence how partners communicate, respond to vulnerability, experience intimacy, or react during moments of conflict. Together, we work to better understand these patterns with care rather than shame, creating space for healing, emotional regulation, and more secure ways of relating to one another.
Grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, I help couples better understand each other’s inner worlds while developing practical tools for communication, emotional attunement, and repair. I work with couples navigating monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationship structures and strive to create an affirming space for LGBTQ+ partners, People of Color, and neurodivergent individuals. Therapy becomes a space not for deciding who is “right,” but for building a relationship where both partners feel seen, respected, and capable of moving toward one another with greater clarity and care
Qualifications |
Emu holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NC), Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider (TN), National Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Qualified Supervisor in North Carolina.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his training emphasizes trauma-informed practice, clinical supervision, and social justice. He also holds a graduate certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, reflecting his commitment to culturally responsive and affirming care. In addition to his clinical and supervisory experience, Emu is trained and certified in administering the ADOS-2, an empirically validated assessment used in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). |
Counseling
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Emu brings nearly a decade of experience across diverse clinical settings, including juvenile justice, intensive in-home child and family therapy, university counseling centers, and private practice. He has provided individual, couple, and family therapy in both English and Spanish, with clinical experience spanning trauma, neurodivergence (ADHD/Autism), identity development, racial minority stress, and complex relational dynamics.
He has worked extensively with adolescents and adults both with and without formal Autism diagnoses, giving him a nuanced and affirming approach to administering the ADOS-2. In addition to his clinical work, Emu is actively involved in teaching, supervision, research, and the training of future counselors. |
Specialization |
Emu’s clinical approach is grounded in trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive care that honors clients’ lived experiences and innate wisdom. He specializes in working with acute and complex trauma across a range of individuals and communities, including first responders. He is especially experienced in supporting Queer and Transgender individuals, People of Color, neurodivergent clients (including ADHD and Autism), and partners navigating ethically non-monogamous or polyamorous relationships.
His work integrates evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Emu also has specialized experience in Autism assessment and support, including administration of the ADOS-2, with an emphasis on strengths-based understanding and advocacy. |
Personal Life |
Outside of his clinical and academic work, Emu values creativity, connection, and grounding moments in everyday life. He sings professionally as a secondary passion and enjoys spending time in local coffee shops, where community and conversation naturally unfold. Emu shares his life with his dog, Archie, who keeps him present, amused, and balanced through life’s transitions. These personal touchstones inform the warmth, authenticity, and curiosity he brings into the therapy space.
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