Lessons from Local Leaders:

Dr. Em Dreiling

Creating a Culture of Compassion: A Conversation with Dr. Em Dreiling of Three Leaves Psychological Services

In our recent episode of The Alimond Show, we had the honor of speaking with Dr. Em Dreiling, founder of Three Leaves Psychological Services, which operates in both Reston, VA, and Baltimore, MD. With a practice that spans across children, adults, couples, and families—Dr. Em and her team specialize in making mental health support approachable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in compassion.

From California Dreams to Clinical Practice

Dr. Em’s path into psychology wasn’t linear. After earning degrees in both psychology and theater, she ventured to California to pursue acting. But it was during her time substitute teaching in South Central LA that she found her deeper calling: helping people on a therapeutic level.

This turning point led her to earn her MA in Couples and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, a PhD in Clinical Psychology in Colorado, and complete her internship at Johns Hopkins. After working for a group practice in Fairfax, she launched her own business in 2017—despite initial fears around the business side of therapy.

“I was convinced I was going to mess up, go to jail, and be called Dr. Embezzlement Fraud,” she joked. “But anxiety is a liar. I wanted to build a culture rooted in diversity, compassion, and autonomy—and that’s what I’ve done.”

Building a Safe and Diverse Space

Three Leaves Psychological Services is known for its inclusive environment, especially in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Dr. Em emphasized the importance of creating a safe and affirming space—not just through words, but through intentional visual cues, inclusive literature, and a heartfelt willingness to understand every individual’s story.

“Your therapist’s bookshelf matters,” she said. “Check for dust. Look for inclusivity. Ask questions. You deserve to feel safe.”

She also acknowledged that safety isn’t guaranteed in every space, particularly for marginalized clients, and expressed her commitment to being a responsible ally in and out of the therapy room.

Therapy That Honors Every Story

Dr. Em’s approach to therapy is rooted in storytelling, compassion, and context. She doesn’t believe in “niche-down” therapy—she embraces a wide array of clients and challenges.

“I would get bored seeing the same thing every day,” she said. “I grow with my clients. I learn from them. And I believe everyone benefits from someone who can help them look at their story a little differently.”

She’s recently seen an uptick in couples seeking help with communication, young adults navigating post-college transitions, and individuals struggling with generalized anxiety about the future. Across all demographics, her work is guided by the belief that people can change, and therapy doesn’t have to be somber—there’s room for laughter, growth, and even joy.

Addressing Trauma, PTSD, and Healing

As someone trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Dr. Em helps clients file traumatic memories in healthier ways, easing their emotional and physical responses.

“Trauma changes how we view the world. Therapy is about restoring a sense of safety. And EMDR can be a powerful tool in that process.”

She also works with couples recovering from infidelity, helping them navigate complex healing journeys without prescribing a “one-size-fits-all” outcome.

Supporting Parents and the Next Generation

A mom herself, Dr. Em brings a compassionate lens to her work with parents—especially those struggling with helicopter or “lawnmower” parenting styles.

“One of the most empowering things a parent can say is, ‘I trust you.’ Empowering doesn’t always look like protecting. Sometimes it’s stepping back and letting your child take the leap.”

In her talks on millennials in the workplace and modern parenting, she challenges outdated narratives and embraces the evolving needs of today’s families and professionals.

No Social Media—Still Making an Impact

In a surprising twist, Dr. Em doesn’t market her practice on social media. Instead, her business has grown entirely through word-of-mouth and clinician referrals. While she’s open to one day sharing more language tools or bite-sized wisdom online, she’s found success by focusing on relationship-driven trust and authentic care.

The Meaning Behind Three Leaves

The name of her practice carries deep significance: the “three leaves” represent courage, compassion, and change—values that guide every interaction at her clinic. Fittingly, “Drei” in Dreiling even means “three” in German, tying the symbolism to her personal story as well.

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Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or looking for a safe, inclusive environment where your story matters, Dr. Em and the team at Three Leaves are ready to support you.

As Dr. Em said best,

“Therapy isn’t something to be feared—it’s a resource. If someone picks up the phone after this, it was worth it.”

Reach Dr. Em Dreiling Below