Emily Placek
Meet Your Clinician & Experience
Hi, I’m Emily. I’m someone who deeply values both quiet reflection and meaningful connection. You’ll often find me recharging with a good book and my cuddly labradoodle by my side. But I also thrive in the company of my close-knit group of friends—many of whom I’ve been lucky to know since high school—whether we’re catching up over a meal I’ve cooked or sweating it out in a workout class. I’m passionate about learning from different cultures and ways of life, and I find travel to be one of the most enriching ways to grow both personally and professionally.
As a therapist, I bring this same curiosity, warmth, and balance into my work. I’ve spent my career at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, supporting children, teens, young adults, and families through life’s challenges. My clinical focus has grown to include depression, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity, with a special emphasis on how these experiences uniquely show up in each person’s life. I also have extensive training in working with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and I strive to create a space that is affirming, inclusive, and empowering.
Therapy with me is about meeting you where you are, while gently challenging you to grow. I use a blend of CBT, DBT, and CBT-E, always through a lens that honors your full self—your habits, routines, past experiences, and present realities.
In our sessions, you can expect a mix of mindfulness, empathy, and real talk. I’m not afraid to name the elephant in the room, but I’ll always do so with compassion and care. My goal is for you to feel seen, supported, and empowered to move toward the life you want.
I’m a good fit for clients who…
I work best with clients who feel ready to show up and engage in the process—and if you’re not quite there yet, that’s completely okay. We can start by having a conversation to explore any concerns you have and get to know each other before beginning our work together, building a strong therapeutic relationship. I offer a supportive space where clients feel both deeply validated and gently guided. My approach blends compassionate presence with thoughtful reflection, helping to explore and shift patterns that may no longer serve you—all at a pace that honors your comfort and fosters collaboration.
Whether you’re untangling the threads of identity, carving out your own path, or simply trying to make sense of the chaos—I’m here to be a steady presence, offering curiosity, clarity, and care as we navigate it together.