Meet Emma Caponetto

We recently connected with Emma Caponetto and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a cis-gendered white woman, I am often a part of the majority in any given room. However, I still encounter the uncomfortable feeling of isolation when such situations arise – where I am the only one who looks like me, or who holds my same identities. As a young woman, entering any professional setting can be anxiety-producing for fear that I may not be taken as seriously as my peers. The key to combating imposter syndrome requires putting on an armor of confidence. Owning my identity, the knowledge I hold, and intentionally taking up space not only projects power to others but also helps me internalize these positive emotions and feelings (there is a science to the phrase ‘fake it until you make it’). Showing up authentically and unapologetically myself is the fastest way to make strong, meaningful connections with individuals of similar mindsets.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently an intern at Ampaw Psychotherapy & Consulting LLC conducting individual therapy sessions. The most exciting part about this experience is having the chance to encounter people from different backgrounds in my interactions with clients and coworkers. As I help my clients grow into the versions of themselves that they want to be, I am growing as a provider and professional, but more importantly as a human being. Human connection is what is most important to me in my work and my life, which is why I embarked on this journey to become a therapist. Exploring how my clients’ identities impact their lived experiences and perceptions will never get old. Humans are incredibly unique, and exploring the individuality of each client through my internship at Ampaw is what makes this experience so special.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my journey, three qualities stand out when analyzing what has been most important in my career progression. A willingness to learn and persistent curiosity, an open-minded and humble approach, and flexibility have been instrumental in my professional and personal growth. Harnessing my curiosity has helped me broaden my horizons and gain deeper insight into my work. Embracing that even with extensive experience I will not always know the best course of action allows me to explore different routes and seek opinions from other professionals to incorporate diverse perspectives. When incorporating these diverse perspectives, it is important to be flexible as well as willing to adapt to the needs of each client. There is not always a straightforward way to address a problem. The ability to adapt to the obstacles that pop up along the way helps to ease me and my clients into the next phase more seamlessly. My advice for those in the early stages of their careers is to foster a genuine interest in gaining deep insight into as many perspectives as possible. Asking questions from both peers and experts in the field will broaden your understanding as well as develop different techniques which will increase your ability to adapt to each client. Harnessing these qualities in your personal and professional life will enhance your personal development and contribute to a successful career.

How would you describe your ideal client?
I specialize in working with people ages 6-18, individuals with learning and developmental disabilities, those who experience chronic illness, as well as facilitating emotional processing and identity development. Specifically when working with youth and adolescents, there can be resistance to being vulnerable with a stranger. My ideal client is willing to be open with me, and will allow me to see into the thought processes behind their behaviors. When an individual is committed to making a change in their life, whether on a small or large scale, it is easier to make progress toward their goals. Being motivated and willing to work alongside me in the therapeutic process is imperative for creating a strong therapeutic alliance and developing the best-fit treatment plan for the individual.

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