Emryn Gurkin
they/themLicensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate (LCSW-C)
Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
Hi, I'm Emryn, an LCSW-C trained in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. I've spent my career in outpatient and intensive outpatient therapy with kids, teens, young adults, and families. I now work with clients of all ages facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, identity exploration, and conflict at home or in relationships. Whether you feel like you're falling behind at school or work, burning out, or like everyday life is too much, I'll help you find strategies that fit how your brain actually works.
My approach is person-centered, collaborative, and integrative. I draw tools from CBT, DBT, ACT, and Behavioral Activation based on your goals. You can expect a space where you're taken seriously and a therapist who works with you until something clicks. Together we'll build practical skills you'll actually use to manage emotions, motivation, and routines.
Reaching out is hard, and you don't need to have it all figured out. It's okay if you're not sure what your goals are or if you're not ready to share everything. We can start with one small step, whatever feels possible right now. If you're ready to try, I'll be ready to meet you there.
"As someone who has had to navigate poverty, trauma, and my own mental health struggles alone as a queer, neurodivergent kid and adult, I understand how deeply our whole story shapes where we are now and how much it means to have support."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
As a child with undiagnosed mental health issues, I grew up navigating my identity and difficult situations almost entirely alone. My experiences taught me how much of a difference the right support can make. I became a therapist so I can now offer that support to others who are working through their own struggles.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I'm a good fit for people who are struggling with things like depression, anxiety, or ADHD and feeling it in their everyday lives. Many of my clients might seem fine on the outside but are exhausted underneath trying to hold it together. I also work well with LGBTQ+ folks, as part of the community myself, and anyone whose interests or style never quite fit the mainstream.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
Your therapist won't necessarily have all the answers, but they will be there to provide support and teach you tools that'll help you navigate life and figure things out.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
In our first session, I'll ask a lot of questions including what brings you to therapy, your history and where you are now. You don't have to share every detail, only what you're comfortable with. In the early stages of therapy, we will explore what you want to work toward and what feels doable. From there, we'll take steps as small or as big as you're ready for.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I prefer to draw from a variety of modalities to tailor therapy to meet each client's unique needs, and use client feedback to adjust strategies or explore different approaches as needed.
- Years in practice
- 6 years
- Graduating institute
- University at Buffalo
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
