All You Are Becoming - Handel Behavioral Health
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All You Are Becoming

Interview with Emily Woodacre, LMHC

January 21, 2025

“Grief shared is divided and joy shared is multiplied.”

Emily Woodacre, Licensed Mental Health Counselor grew up asking ‘why’ about everything. 

“I found myself fascinated by human behavior and often wondering why we do the things that we do,” says Emily. 

The first psychology class Emily took in high school solidified her passion for exploring and understanding the human mind and behavior.  

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, Emily continues to use curiosity, humor, empathy, and openness, in combination with practical tools, as a method for connecting with clients and empowering them to take proactive and meaningful steps toward growth.

Her approach to therapy is holistic and relational. She believes that people are human first, before anything else, and healing means to look at the wholeness of a person when considering methods and modalities that will inform a therapeutic journey. 

Emily believes that every person has an internal wisdom available to them, and she is here to safely guide clients, with a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude towards these inner truths.

Through this exploration, clients will learn to develop new tools and draw upon their strengths to meet life’s challenges, and better understand their own emotions and behaviors with curiosity and compassion. 

We sat down with Emily to learn more about her background in the mental health field and approach to working with clients online in Massachusetts or in-person from our office in Natick.

What have your experiences working in the field of mental health involved?

After earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Providence College, I worked at McLean Hospital in their inpatient unit providing care for individuals with psychosis. I absorbed so much knowledge and experience, it felt natural for me to go on to graduate school. 

I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from William James College and went on to work in several partial hospitalization programs which provide structured care through intensive group therapy to people with acute psychiatric symptoms. 

The work solidified my mission to treat each individual with care and respect, drawing on my skills to support people while encouraging their capacity to change and address their own needs. 

In addition to working with patients in partial hospital programs, I’ve provided care in acute inpatient facilities, residential programs, college counseling centers, and intensive outpatient programs.

How would you describe your therapeutic approach?

My approach to therapy is rooted in values of empathy, warmth, humor, and openness, ensuring that clients feel seen and heard as they move through their therapeutic journey at their own pace. 

I firmly believe that we hold all of the answers we’re seeking within. Every person has an internal wisdom and often, life gets in the way of listening to ourselves. 

When we’re disconnected from ourselves, we may start to feel anxious, depressed, distressed, or repeat patterns in our relationships that no longer serve us. What’s not put into words often shows up as symptoms.

I think of therapy as this journey we take into a pitch black cave, taking tiny steps, feeling our way along the wall, and trusting our movement forward, even in the dark. The uncertainty of where we’re going and what we’ll discover along the way can be met with grace and excitement as we begin to trust the process and witness our growth.

What modalities or coping skills can you offer clients?

When I worked in the partial hospital, I was often called the grounding queen because I was so big on contemplative, grounding exercises. I may bring principles of mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion practices into our sessions to quiet the outside noise and tune into the here and now.  

I have extensive training in dialectical-behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation. 

I’ll always empower clients to identify and tap into their inner strengths to overcome challenges, build resilience, and take meaningful and proactive steps forward.

What mental health conditions and life situations do you offer therapy for?

I provide individual therapy for adults experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges, including:

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

My favorite part about being a therapist is the gift of genuine connection. It’s a privilege to be invited into clients’ worlds; to hold space for their pain and to celebrate their moments of triumph and joy. 

The quote that resonates most with me goes, “Grief shared is divided and joy shared is multiplied.” 

It takes courage to be honest with ourselves and allow someone into our vulnerable inner worlds. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to journey alongside clients in their moments of sorrow, as well as their joyful emotions.

Start working with Emily Woodacre, LMHC today

Emily Woodacre, LMHC is here to guide clients in a compassionate and collaborative way to a place of connection, healing, understanding, integration, and growth. 

She looks forward to creating a common language with clients, in a space rooted in safety and trust, where clients may discover and connect with their authentic selves.

To start working with Emily online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Natick office, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

About The Author

Nettie Hoagland Headshot

Nettie Hoagland is a writer with experience in local news reporting, nonprofit communications, and community development. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Nettie believes in the healing power of the arts to create connection and community. She is passionate about using writing as an instrument for personal and social growth in the field of mental health. She is currently based in Brooklyn, NY.

Emily Woodacre Headshot

Emily Woodacre, Licensed Mental Health Counselor is deeply committed to nurturing a compassionate, nonjudgmental and safe space for those who seek her care. She understands that reaching out for help can be challenging, and she allies with her clients through trust, mutual respect, and her unwavering belief in their potential for growth and healing. More About Author →