Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Emberlene
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 2 years of experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. I specialize in supporting individuals who want to build stronger boundaries, improve self-esteem, and create meaningful connections. I guide clients toward healing and personal growth with empathy and insight, offering a safe, supportive environment for lasting change.
I earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. I integrate cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and trauma-informed approaches to help clients develop confidence, manage emotions, and feel more empowered. My goal is to support self-discovery and emotional well-being.
Every client is capable of growth and healing. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space where clients can explore who they are and where they want to go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or ready for change, you don’t have to go through it alone, and healing can begin with one conversation. Reach out today!

"As a biracial Black and Korean American, I understand how complex and overwhelming life’s challenges can be, especially when they make it hard to show up as your fullest, happiest self."
Get to know Emberlene
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I became a counselor to use my natural strengths; connecting and relating with others to create a safe, empathetic space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow into the fullest version of themselves.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work best with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress related to life transitions or relationship challenges. These clients are motivated to gain insight into their emotions and develop practical coping strategies to improve their overall well-being.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I’m most excited to work with clients who have a strong sense of self-awareness and are motivated to engage actively in their healing process. Those who are open to self-reflection, willing to practice coping skills, and committed to doing therapeutic homework often experience meaningful growth and positive change.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
An important insight I wish all clients understood is that, although modern stressors like work pressures and traffic jams are not life-threatening, our brains often respond with the same primal fight-or-flight reactions rooted in our evolutionary past. At the same time, our minds can distort perceptions of our abilities and self-worth, which may amplify stress and limit our confidence in facing everyday challenges. However, everyone is capable of change and growth. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose to work at Thriveworks because of its commitment to providing accessible, compassionate, and high-quality mental health care. Thriveworks’ client-centered approach aligns with my values of creating a safe and supportive space where individuals can feel empowered to grow and heal.
What inspires you?
I practice with the belief that despite our perception of aloneness, the cosmos is inherent in all humans. Our being lies not only within ourselves but in others and the natural world. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, states it more eloquently. "The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that … exploded these enriched ingredients across our galaxy…. For this reason, we are biologically connected to every other living thing in the world. And we are atomically connected to all atoms in the universe. We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.'
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
During the first session, I begin by informing clients of their rights and responsibilities, including confidentiality and its limitations. I also review administrative procedures, such as cancellation policies, and outline the scope of treatment, discussing its nature, potential risks, and benefits. A suicide assessment is conducted as part of this process. Finally, I complete an intake to gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of you as an individual. In subsequent sessions, we collaboratively develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals and begin the process of mental health treatment.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
My primary goal in the initial session is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths, capacities, and abilities; their motivation for seeking treatment; their personal history; and their goals and aspirations for life.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
Before scheduling a first session, I want you to know that I’m here to listen with empathy and genuine curiosity. I understand that no one chooses the challenges they face, and I’m committed to supporting you in finding meaningful resolutions and outcomes that truly feel right for you.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
During my time off, I enjoy playing the cello, gardening, learning Spanish, Korean and Italian awe well as caring for my two finches, Hall & Oats and Canary David Chirpelle. I also appreciate traveling, walking, watching films, weightlifting, new experiences, and exploring a variety of cuisines through cooking.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I love nature and all animals.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 2 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Washington
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
