Emily Baron, LCSW-C

Healing Work

Therapy with me… Is about meeting you where you are, balancing the stages of change and acceptance. I understand that change is a fundamental and imperative part of treatment. During sessions, I apply and utilize mindfulness and honesty, to observe and describe an opportunity to promote growth and call out the elephant in the room. In order to provide an atmosphere of healing, I also use validation and empathy when you are in a place where you just want to be heard. I value authentic connections and bring my genuine self to every session. My mission is for you to feel supported, understood and empowered.

My identities/role that inform my work: I am a cisgender, white, heterosexual woman, whose identities include therapist, partner, friend, and daughter. My identity as a therapist has lead me both professionally and personally to recognize the privileges I have had throughout my life and the importance of listening, learning and progressing. 

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Depression and the unique manners in which it presents itself. Clients experiencing suicidal thinking and tendencies. Difficulty resisting urges in emotionally charged moments. Gender diversity, LGBTQIA+ youth and its impact on well-being and self-esteem, youth identity seeking and values application, strengthening self-worth and supporting parent-teen interactions. 

I work best with clients who: Come to session and participate, clients who are looking for an honest and validating environment. I work to heal, specifically with individuals in middle school, high school, and college.

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are not in a place to actively participate in session.

What makes me unique: I bring myself into sessions exhibiting my personal humor, communication styles and interests. Additionally, in an effort to work on myself personally and gain support when experiencing difficult times, I regularly attend therapy. This allows me the ability to understand the roles of both sides in a therapeutic relationship. 

What I’m currently doing to learn and grow: In August 2019, I attended Cognitive Behavioral Consultants foundational DBT-A Training with Alec Miller. I maintain my DBT knowledge by continuing to participate in various related trainings. I attend trainings that focus on LGBTQIA+’s behavioral health in order to meet the needs of clients who identity within this community. I am also cultivating my knowledge on disordered eating patterns, as this is an increasing challenge for so many clients. 

What resources me to build resilience: I enjoy an active lifestyle, whether it is a Peloton class, yoga stretch or a walk with my labradoodle around Patterson park. I enjoy any movement activity that helps me to build resilience and emotional balance. I was lucky enough in high school to meet my closest friends, whose relationships have provided me support throughout life’s ups and downs. Additionally, in times of need, asking for help professionally or personally has helped me to grow my strength and confidence.

Fun facts: My introverted side sets me up to enjoy quiet, alone time to recharge. During these recharge moments, you will most likely find me with a face mask on, reading a book. A major interest of mine is seeking to learn about various cultures and ways of life through an interest of travel and placing myself outside of my comfort zone. 

Education:

Florida State University, Bachelor of Science, Family and Child Sciences

University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work, Master’s in Social Work 

Certifications/trainings/what I’m currently reading:

DBT-A Foundationally Trained

Extensively trained on various interventions and support methods for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Currently training in approaches and interventions to support disordered eating patterns. 

Personal Reading: At any given time, I am either reading a thriller / murder mystery or romance novel.