Emily Hakkinen

Emily Hakkinen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people cope with stress, anxiety, grief, and life changes. She supports those working on motivation, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and managing compassion fatigue. Emily aims to make beginning therapy feel manageable and respectful of each person’s pace.

She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can say what’s on their mind. Sessions focus on listening first, then finding small steps that feel doable. Emily uses practical conversation and gentle guidance rather than long lectures or rigid plans.

Her background includes five years of professional experience in Vermont as a LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. That time has included helping people face loss, navigate difficult relationship moments, and build clearer goals for work and life. Emily adapts her approach to the situation in front of her rather than following one set method.

Clinically she draws on client-centered work to keep the person’s priorities front and center. She also uses mindfulness techniques to help with stress and grounding. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused ideas come into play when someone wants to build momentum toward change.

People often come for help with grief, hospice and end-of-life counseling questions, addiction struggles, ADHD-related concerns, or career and purpose decisions. Emily invites clients to take the next step when they feel ready and offers straightforward support along the way.

How these approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy keeps the focus on the person’s goals and priorities. The therapist listens closely and follows what matters most to the client, then helps shape sessions around those aims. This approach is useful for relationship concerns, grief, and decisions about life direction.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple practices to notice thoughts and bodily reactions without getting swept up in them. These skills can reduce constant worry and help with stress, compassion fatigue, and grief when moments feel overwhelming.

Motivational Interviewing supports people who want to change but feel stuck. It uses short, focused conversations to explore what matters and to build motivation one step at a time. That can help with addiction, career shifts, or boosting follow-through on goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each client to try methods that fit their needs and preferences. Together they check what helps and adjust the plan as progress or priorities change.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They also let people use mindfulness practices and brief motivational conversations between other commitments, helping therapy feel more practical for everyday life.