Emma Furman, MSW, recently joined SHALVA as a therapist, and has already become a valuable member of the team. We asked her a few questions so you could get to know her better.
Tell me how and why you got involved with SHALVA . . .
I began my work with SHALVA this year as a therapist, and I was drawn to the mission of walking alongside people in their healing journey. The ability to build deep, long-term relationships with clients allows our collaboration to be even more fruitful, helping them to secure a safe and joyful life beyond abuse.
What has surprised you most about working with domestic abuse?
Even though domestic abuse is ubiquitous, survivors consistently report profound loneliness and lack of support. The isolation that clients feel is surprising, as this issue touches every community in some way. However, this truth highlights the vital importance of SHALVA’s work and the deep impact that a therapist can have.
What do you wish other people knew about domestic abuse?
I wish that people understood that domestic abuse goes far beyond physical violations. The years of manipulation and destabilization that clients experience wound so deeply that it can take a lifetime to return to one’s inner compass. The resilience of survivors to get through tough situations speaks volumes about their tenacity to persevere rather than their weakness as a “victim.” The strength of survivors always impresses me.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am a lifelong poet. I am very passionate about the power of the written word, and I hope to integrate therapeutic writing into my work with clients, where appropriate.
What do you think will change about domestic abuse over the next five years?
Although the use of technological tactics in abusive relationships is not new, as AI becomes more accessible, I think that AI-generated images and content will play more of a role. The idea that you can falsify images that look totally real is scary for people who are the targets of harassment and intimidation. I am hopeful that more technology will become available soon to protect against these tactics, as we all begin to reckon with the power of AI.
What do you do when you aren’t giving your time to SHALVA?
I have a loving family who I adore, including two lively dogs. We like to go on walks together, cook, bake, and spend time in nature.
Emma earned her master’s in social work from the University of Georgia with an internship in a women’s in-patient substance use disorder treatment program facilitating therapeutic groups. Emma also holds a Master of Fine Arts in poetry as well as a Master in Library and Information Studies, both from the University of Alabama.
