- Client-Centered Therapy
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Emily
Emily Hakkinen is a LICSW licensed in Vermont with five years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress and anxiety, work through relationship strain, cope with grief and loss, and build motivation and self-esteem. Her approach is practical and direct, aimed at making conversations feel straightforward and manageable for someone who finds social situations or speaking up difficult.
In sessions she uses clear, person-centered conversation to draw out what matters most to each client. That means listening first, then trying small, doable steps to change how a problem is handled day to day. She also brings mindfulness practices into sessions to help with moments of overwhelm and to steady attention during stressful situations.
Motivational interviewing shapes how she supports people who want to change habits or tackle addictive patterns. This approach focuses on the client’s own reasons for change and on setting realistic next steps. Narrative and solution-focused methods are used to spot strengths and reframe difficult experiences so progress can be tracked in concrete ways.
Clients can expect short, plain explanations and collaborative planning rather than lengthy theory talks. Sessions tend to focus on what to try between meetings and on building skills that make social interactions and transitions easier over time.
Emily works in Vermont and conducts therapy in English. People who are thinking about starting therapy are invited to use the site's matching and scheduling tools to book an initial session.
Approaches used in online work and what to expect
Emily commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep conversations focused on the client’s concerns and values; this approach emphasizes listening and working from the person’s own goals. Mindfulness Therapy is used to help notice and manage moments of intense feeling or social anxiety by practicing simple attention skills. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone wants to change behaviors or quit a habit by clarifying their reasons and setting small, achievable steps.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about what feels most useful and try different methods until a good fit emerges. That process includes checking goals, reviewing what helped in past efforts, and adjusting techniques together.
If you prefer online sessions, confirm the specific session formats offered before booking, as the profile does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some approaches translate well to a screen or phone, such as brief solution-focused check-ins or guided mindfulness practices, and the therapist will help select formats and pacing that match the client’s everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Vermont
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, self-esteem, motivation, addictions, and related concerns such as ADHD and caregiving stress.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is person-centered and practical, with an emphasis on clear conversation, small steps, and skills to use between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She holds five years of professional experience working with the concerns listed in her profile.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a LICSW licensed in Vermont and provides services from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions are arranged through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site.