Emma Buckingham, MSW, LICSW
emma@affinitypsych.com
Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Emma (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I received my Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas.
I applaud you for taking the steps to consider therapy as a tool for a more authentic and fulfilling life. Whether you’re facing relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, or personal growth hurdles, therapy can be a chance to reflect and take some steps. I am dedicated to working alongside teens and adults who are motivated to make change.
How I Work
I get that there is some vulnerability in seeking out therapy. Whether you have been in therapy for years or are trying it out for the first time, I acknowledge the bravery and strength it takes to ask for support. I also recognize that I am likely a random stranger to you. When starting out, I like to take time for us to get to know each other. I aim for us to create a relationship gradually built on a foundation of trust and understanding through exploration at your speed.
Every person is unique, and I celebrate that individuality. My approach is person-centered, which means I tailor our sessions to your specific needs and goals. Part of my job is to be educated on a number of therapeutic tools so that we can work together to find the ones that resonate with you most. This work is collaborative, which means I promise to treat you as the expert on your experiences. I partner with you to identify your strengths, values, and resources. We’ll explore how these attributes can serve as powerful tools in overcoming obstacles and creating lasting positive change.
My therapeutic approach incorporates a systems perspective, recognizing that our individual well-being is interconnected with the larger social and cultural systems we navigate. I am deeply committed to social justice and equality and to staying curious about how this translates from person to person.
My goal as a therapist is to empower you to overcome challenges and foster personal growth. Together, we will identify your strengths, tap into your inner resources, and develop strategies that enable you to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?
As a therapist, I embrace being honest, goofy, and empathetic with my clients. This means you can expect me to make lighthearted jokes, drink iced coffee, and reference some comfort movies in our sessions. I extend this authenticity as an invitation for you to bring your authentic self, too. In therapy, we welcome a range of emotions – sadness, confusion, anger, joy, and pride. We can navigate big feelings, pain, tears, laughter, and celebration together. I consider it a privilege to meet all these parts of you.
