Emily Ekstein, LCSW
Licensed Certified Social Worker
When you or your child is facing uncertainty, change, overwhelm, loss, or difficulty functioning, additional support can make things feel more manageable. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and other life challenges. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent individuals, including people with autism and ADHD. I strive to understand each person’s unique way of experiencing the world and create a space where they feel heard, accepted, and supported. Accepting new clients.
I May Be a Good Fit For:
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Children or teens struggling with anxiety, emotions, or behavioral challenges
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Individuals with autism or ADHD seeking understanding and support
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Adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or overwhelm
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People navigating grief, trauma, or a significant change
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Individuals experiencing relationship difficulties
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Clients who have difficulty expressing themselves through conversation alone
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People looking for a warm, relational, and individualized approach
What Therapy With Me May Feel Like
I know that reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating—for adults, children and parents. My first priority is building a relationship where you or your child can feel safe, understood and accepted. The first few sessions are an opportunity for us to get to know one another and determine whether the relationship feels like a good fit. You do not need to immediately share everything or know exactly what you want to work on. We will move at a manageable pace and build our work together. Therapy may include conversation, play, creative activities, skill-building, or other approaches based on the client’s age, interests and needs. The process will look different for every person.
My Approach
My work is trauma-informed, relational, and personalized. I draw from different therapeutic approaches so that therapy can respond to the person rather than asking the person to fit one particular method.
Depending on your needs, therapy may include:
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Person-centered therapy
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
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Dialectical behavior therapy skills
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Play-based interventions
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Expressive and creative activities
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Emotional regulation and coping skills
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Grounding and mindfulness practices
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Support with communication and relationships
For children and teens, collaboration with caregivers may be included when clinically appropriate while still respecting the young person’s need for privacy and trust.
Working With Children and Teens
Children and teens do not always communicate their experiences through words. Therapy may use play, creativity, and developmentally appropriate activities to help them express emotions, understand their experiences and practice new skills. I work to build a trusting relationship with both the young person and their caregiver. Together, we can better understand what is happening and identify ways to support the child or teen at home, at school and in their relationships.
A Little About Me
I believe healing begins with feeling genuinely heard and understood. I bring warmth, flexibility, and curiosity into my work and strive to create moments of connection and peace, even when life feels especially difficult.
Appointment Information
Ages of Focus: Children, teens, and adults
Session Options: In-person in Northampton and telehealth throughout Massachusetts
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationships, emotional regulation, autism, and ADHD
Insurance Accepted
Aetna · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Diversified · Harvard Pilgrim · MA General Brigham (Commercial/MassHealth) · MBHP · Tufts Together · Optum/UnitedHealthcare · Tufts · UMR · Unicare · Wellpoint
Ready to Get Started?
You do not need to know exactly what to say or which kind of therapy you need. Tell us a little about who is seeking support, and our Client Experience Team will help you determine whether Emily may be a good fit.