Emily Hakkinen , LICSW

Emily Hakkinen is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Vermont who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, and challenges with self-esteem. She also supports clients facing addiction, career questions, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and issues related to identity and LGBT concerns. Emily writes plainly and keeps sessions focused on what matters now. Emily aims to create a calm, open space where thoughts and feelings can be spoken about without judgment. She uses a conversational, client-centered style that invites people to set the pace and topics. Short-term goals and practical steps often emerge from these conversations. Her approach draws on mindfulness practices to help people notice their thinking and feel less overwhelmed. Motivational interviewing techniques help when someone is stuck or unsure how to begin changing habits. She also uses narrative and solution-focused ideas to clarify values and build concrete plans. With five years of professional experience, Emily blends supportive listening with clear, actionable suggestions. She commonly works with people navigating life changes, caregiving stress, end-of-life concerns, and the emotional fallout of trauma and loss. She also addresses communication problems, attachment concerns, and questions about life purpose. Sessions are offered in English and delivered online by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Emily asks new clients to complete a short questionnaire to match goals and scheduling, then plan sessions that fit each person’s needs.

Approaches for online care and practical change

Emily uses client-centered therapy to focus on each person’s priorities and pace. This approach means the therapist listens closely, follows your lead, and helps you name what matters most so sessions stay useful for daily life.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and help with anxiety and stress. Motivational interviewing is used when people feel stuck or unsure about change; brief, respectful conversations help build motivation and next steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with you about your goals, try methods that fit your needs, and adjust plans based on what feels most helpful. That collaborative process helps shape a clear path forward.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls let you work face-to-face from wherever you are. Phone sessions can be a good choice when bandwidth is limited or when you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging offer short check-ins and flexible contact during busy days. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping focus on progress and practical skills.