Get to Know Emarie Drake, LICSW, LCSW
What originally drew you to becoming a therapist?
“I have always had an interest and passion for connecting with others. I am drawn to understanding people on a deeper level, and helping others feel fully seen and accepted. As a teen, I had a very rewarding personal experience in therapy that sparked my interest in becoming a therapist. I realized that I was most fulfilled when working directly with others and decided to pursue a career in clinical social work.”
How would you describe your approach to therapy?
"I am a person-centered and relational therapist who approaches therapy with warmth, curiosity, and collaboration. I have a deep respect for each person’s lived experience, honoring the courage it takes to show up and be vulnerable. I am continually inspired by the ways we adapt, survive, and seek meaning, even in the face of profound challenges. I see therapy as a shared journey rooted in trust, authenticity, and mutual understanding. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful space for healing and attachment repair, especially for those who have experienced trauma, loss, or isolation and I strive to build this foundation with all of my clients to promote positive growth and change."
What do you love most about the work you do?
“My favorite part of the work I do is getting to create genuine connections with my clients and be able to witness their growth and progress. I am continually inspired by my clients and their remarkable strength and resilience. Each day I admire the vulnerability I see from my clients and their ability to face difficult challenges and emotions. I deeply respect the effort that working through these challenges takes and my client’s commitment to growth and creating positive change.”
Therapy is a collaborative process – what does collaboration look like in your sessions?
"Collaboration for me means we work as a team. You bring your lived experience, values, and goals, and I bring support, insight, and evidence-based strategies. We will set goals together, revisit them as things change, and make space for feedback along the way so the process feels supportive, relevant, and empowering. I offer guidance and structure, but you will always have an active voice in shaping the pace, focus, and direction of our work."
What is something you hope every client takes away from working with you?
“I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels grounded, attuned, and emotionally safe, where all parts of you are welcome. My hope is for my clients to have an experience where they feel seen, accepted, and supported as they navigate their challenges. I value bringing a steady, caring presence to the therapeutic space and would be honored to partner with you in your healing process.”
We're so excited to welcome Emarie Drake, LICSW, LCSW to the Hope+Wellness team!
Emarie is a therapist who will be seeing clients in our DC office as well as telehealth. She provides compassionate, affirming care to teens, adults, college students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. She has specialized expertise working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where clients can explore identity, gender, and relationships with authenticity and support.
Emarie takes a person-centered, relational approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based practices. She believes healing begins within a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship and strives to foster a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
For more information about scheduling an appointment with Emarie, please reach out to us at info@hope-wellness.com.
