Emily Stasko (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

My overarching goal as a therapist is to help you do more of the things you want to in your life, despite the pain and distress that you may experience. Regardless of the type of work we are doing, the context of your life and your values are key to helping you meet your goals. For individuals processing past trauma, this means focusing on what you would like to be doing if the trauma took up less space in your life. For those who are struggling with chronic or new health diagnoses, this means looking at how you understand your health conditions and how to live a meaningful life despite them. The annoying truth is that we often can’t change the source of your distress- we cannot change the past, erase past traumas, or undo reality. We can however help you change your perspective, build skills to cope with your realities, and invest in your version of a meaningful life. You are the expert on your life. For therapy to be effective, it is essential you feel seen and understood.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

We are all shaped by the worlds we live in- by our communities, our experiences, and our identities. As someone who has moved frequently (first as a military brat and later by choice), I learned early on that my experiences were not always the same as those around me. This has given me both awareness and a particular interest in understanding how people navigate the changes involved in starting over- whether that is in a new place, a new job, or new relationships. As someone who has also managed chronic health conditions since I was young, I have first-hand knowledge of what it can be like to navigate life with visible and at times restrictive health issues. My experiences have shaped me as a therapist and helped me deepen my connection with clients. I strive to be authentic and self-aware and pay keen attention to how my life experiences may be impacting my understanding of you and our relationship. I approach each client with compassion and without judgement.