Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Campanella. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emily, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
As a child, I naturally empathized with others, but I struggled to manage this empathy without proper guidance. I often found myself overwhelmed by the emotions of those around me, feeling compelled to carry their burdens as my own. However, through my own emotional development journey from within my home and with the guidance of a skilled therapist, I’ve come to understand the true essence of empathy.
Empathy, I’ve learned, goes beyond simply feeling deeply for others; it’s about understanding and sensitively acknowledging their experiences. While I can empathize with someone’s struggles and acknowledge their difficulties, I’ve come to realize that it can sometimes be inappropriate or even unhelpful to carry their problems as my own. Instead, my role is to show up for them, to offer kindness, love, and support, and to empower them to navigate their challenges on their own terms. This understanding of empathy extends beyond my therapeutic practice; it’s a fundamental aspect of how I interact with my own loved ones. I strive to be a source of support and encouragement, reminding them of their inner strength and resilience while guiding them toward the help and clarity they seek.
This understanding of empathy and the way I strive to show up kindly for others is partly what inspired me to create a children’s book titled “Kindness is for Everyone.” It felt like the first step in teaching young children about how to interact with others in a loving and supportive way, planting the seeds of empathy and compassion from an early age. This book embodies the values I hold dear and serves as a reminder that kindness is a universal language that can uplift and unite us all.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a LMSW private practice therapist, podcast host, and children’s book author, I have the privilege of engaging with people in various meaningful ways.
Hosting the #TrustEm Podcast allows me to have fun, enlightening conversations with women who are making a positive impact in the world.
In my role as a therapist at Rising Lotus Wellness group, a therapy practice based in Newburgh, New York, I specialize in holistic, mindfulness-based psychotherapy. Alongside a team of LMSW and LCSW therapists, each with their own unique areas of expertise and specialization, we serve a diverse range of populations and utilize various therapeutic interventions. This collective effort allows us to provide a valuable community resource not only in Newburgh but in surrounding areas in the Hudson Valley region. My focus is on providing support to teens and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, career issues, and daily stressors. It’s deeply fulfilling to witness the transformative power of healing and self-discovery in my clients’ lives.
Additionally, being the author of “Kindness is for Everyone: The Heartwarming Tales of Em & Dev” is a special endeavor for me. Through this children’s book, I can communicate important messages about empathy, compassion, and kindness to young readers, fostering a more compassionate future generation. I recently begun, going into classrooms and reading the story aloud— it has been such a delight to interact with kids one on one and hear about their favorite ways to be kind in their own lives.
What’s truly special about wearing these multiple hats—therapist, podcast host, and children’s book author—is the seamless integration of skills and insights between them. Whether I’m conducting therapy sessions, hosting inspiring conversations on my podcast, or crafting stories for children, my ability to show up with empathy, compassion, and insight remains consistent. This allows me to not only be a great therapist but also to write children’s books that are creative, fun, and carry powerful messages about being better humans. I cherish the opportunity to provide a platform for sharing inspiring stories on my podcast, possibly inspiring others to pursue their dreams and create the life they’ve always wanted. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a positive impact in multiple spheres of my work, promoting healing, empowerment, and kindness in various ways.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, self-discovery, and kindness. As a child and through high school, I often felt out of place and was a victim of bullying, which deeply affected my confidence and led me to pause before moving forward with my career path and college education. Despite these challenges, I’ve learned that being able to take the hard moments, reflect on them, and show up better next time has been crucial in shaping who I am today. I’ve experienced failure, fallen, and made countless mistakes, but my ability to always stand back up and try again has been the driving force behind my journey of growth.
Another important aspect of how I show up in the world is recognizing that I cannot control the actions of others; the only thing I can control is how I show up myself. Therefore, I’ve made it a goal to respond to negativity with kindness. When I witness or hear about mean-spirited actions, I make an effort to show up doubly with kindness. I believe that kindness has a ripple effect, and if I want to see positive change in the world, I must first lead by example.
My journey of self-discovery led me to pursue a master’s degree in social work, achieved just a month before my 30th birthday. I hope my story serves as empowerment for others, reminding them that it’s never too late to live a life they’re proud of. Despite trying various majors before finding my passion in social work, once I started, I knew it was where I was meant to be. The rewarding nature of this profession has made every step of my journey worthwhile, and I wouldn’t change my path for anything.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open to collaborating, whether it’s locally with fellow business owners and mental health professionals or online. I firmly believe there’s always room for more seats at the table. Every insightful conversation or exchange of experiences enriches my understanding of myself and how I can better navigate an ever-changing world.
I’m particularly drawn to collaborating with individuals who are creative, optimistic, and friendly, and who are not only eager to share their own stories but also genuinely interested in hearing from others. Some of my most valuable lessons have come from connecting with people who have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences from my own. Therefore, I’m committed to expanding my circle to include those who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
If you’re reading this and interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out to me. You can connect with me through my social media channels, or by email [trustemcollaborative@gmail.com]. Let’s come together to share insights, create meaningful connections, and make a difference in our communities and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/trustem
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emcampanella?igsh=cjBnNW1sZ2d1b213&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/AktK5VRxD8Lb9pzj/?mibextid=JRoKGi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-campanella?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@trustempodcast?si=XgCWNcdLjHEwksUa
- Other: Podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DVtObUn7DudTUmtUs6Gfb?si=0ndHbOBlROaVoBhuEY2WsQ
Image Credits
Jasmine Lynn- https://ishotstudios.com/ **For all couple photos
